Reflective Diary: Strategic Management, P&G Case Study Analysis

This reflective diary documents a student's learning journey through a strategic management course, using Procter & Gamble (P&G) as a case study. The diary covers six key themes: strategic management process and its core concepts, macro and industry environment analysis, internal environment analysis (resources and competencies), business strategies and business models, corporate strategy including diversification and growth, and international strategy. Each theme includes reflections on the concepts learned, their practical application, and how they enhance the student's understanding of strategic decision-making. The student explores strategic tools like PESTEL analysis, Porter's Five Forces, VRIO analysis, and various business and corporate strategies, highlighting how they contribute to competitive advantage and superior performance. The diary emphasizes the importance of group discussions and case examples in facilitating learning and improving the student's reading and retention abilities. The student also reflects on how the course has improved their knowledge, confidence, and personality, and expresses enthusiasm for future learning in strategic management.

Reflective Learning
Diary

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK...............................................................................................................................................3
Theme 1: Strategic management process and its core concept...................................................3
Theme 2: Strategic analysis of macro and industry environment...............................................4
Theme 3: Strategic Analysis: Internal Environment ( resources and competencies ).................5
Theme 4: Business Strategies and Business Models...................................................................6
Theme 5: Corporate strategy, diversification and growth...........................................................7
Theme 6: International strategy..................................................................................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
In this program we learned various topics integrated in 6 themes, with a detailed study
and their application. These themes are classified as: strategic management and its core concepts,
macro and industry environment, resources and capabilities, business strategies and models,
corporate strategy - diversification and growth, and international strategy. These are some of the
practical tools that are used for strategic analysis and decision making. For this reflective diary I
have taken Procter and Gamble Company ( P&G ) as the case organisation. It is an American
multinational consumer goods corporation headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was founded in
1837 by William Proctor and James Gamble.
TASK
Theme 1: Strategic management process and its core concept.
In this theme I learned what is strategy, how can strategies act as long term directions for
businesses, why are they made and how do we make strategies and for whom or what, how do
they work and who exactly makes them? A strategy forms a comprehensive master approach that
states how the organisation will achieve its mission and objectives (Rothaermel, 2018). It
maximizes competitive advantage and minimizes competitive disadvantage (Wheelen et al.
2018). I also learned about strategic decision making and its approaches, later we studied
strategic management and its process which includes environmental scanning, strategy
formulation and considering and setting mission, vision, values and objectives which further
helps the stakeholders to understand the purpose of organisation. P&G's Top managers
frequently formulate and control strategy, its middle and lower level managers have to meet
strategic objectives and deal with constraints and all managers have to communicate strategy to
their teams and contribute to the formation of strategy through ideas and feedback (Teece, 2019).
This helped me in enhancing my knowledge about strategic planning and the process. I
learned about various tools of formulating an effective strategy which can help me in formulating
these type of strategies on a larger scale like corporates, businesses and my personal life too. I
had an idea about the term strategy but not the vastness of the topic and also its process. This
truly enhanced my knowledge bank. This learning helped me in applying my previous
knowledge and also correcting it.

I found out much more than what I was looking for, I was hoping to gain more
knowledge and experience through this study. The study helped me in getting knowledge which
is going to help me at my work place. This also helped me to gain confidence and improve my
personality.
I am looking forward to learn more about the levels of strategy and its application at the
corporate, business and functional level. These topics got my attention and I got to know that I
can learn better through Group discussions and case examples than monotonous theory lectures. I
also developed my reading and retaining ability.
Theme 2: Strategic analysis of macro and industry environment.
In this theme I learned what is the basis of strategic - decision making, the layers of
business environment, how is business environment influenced by other factors, what is strategic
analysis and what are different strategic analysis tools that can be used for the given purposes?
P&G analyse its external and internal environment to identify its strategic position and to
understand the impact that business environment have on strategy development in the future
(Pan, Chen and Zhan, 2019). I also learned analysing the outcome of strategic analysis and also
its interpretation, later we studied macro environment analysis and its tools which include pestel
analysis and porter's five forces framework, industry analysis and industry dynamics and
evolvement which further helps the management to understand the business environment to run
effectively and efficiently.
This helped me in enhancing my knowledge about Environmental scanning and its tools.
I learned about various tools of formulating a report based on the environment in which the
business is working which can help me in formulating perfect type of strategies on a larger scale
like corporates, businesses and my personal life too. I didn't know anything about the term
environmental scanning but I had a basic idea about business environment but not the whole of
the topic and the tools to analyse it. This enhanced my knowledge bank furthermore. This
learning helped me in applying my previous knowledge and also correcting it.
I found out much more than what I was looking for, I was hoping to gain more
knowledge and experience through this study and I did a lot more than that. The study helped me
in getting knowledge which is going to help me at my work place. This also helped me to gain
confidence and improve my personality.

I am looking forward to learn more about the various tools of business environment
analysis and their application at the corporate, business and functional level. These tools include
VRIO analysis ( VRIO analysis of resources and capabilities is used to evaluate if the resources
and capabilities contribute to competitive advantage), value chain and value system,
benchmarking ( Benchmarking is used to understand the relative performance of organizations
and their capabilities), SWOT analysis (SWOT analysis draws together an understanding of the
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a business) etc. (Yun and Liu, 2019). These
topics got my attention and I got to know that I can learn better through Group discussions and
case examples than monotonous theory lectures. I also developed my reading and retaining
ability.
Theme 3: Strategic Analysis: Internal Environment (resources and competencies ).
In this theme we learned about the resources and capabilities which can support the
strategy and which might provide sustainable competitive advantage. P&G identifies the
resources and capabilities which are required to have a competitive advantage and superior
performance with the help of some tools to evaluate resources and capabilities and to develop
them and also to manage them. I also learned different types of resources and capabilities
namely; threshold resources and capabilities and distinctive resources and capabilities.
This helps in enhancing my knowledge about resources and capabilities and the tools to
evaluate resources and capabilities (Rothaermel, 2018). I learned about various tools with which
we can formulate reports based on the resources and capabilities of the business or the
organisation these reports can further help in formulating perfect type of strategies on a larger
scale like corporates, businesses and my personal life too. I didn't know anything about the types
of resources capabilities which can help the organisation in achieving great heights but I had a
basic idea about the tools of assessing these resources and capabilities from the last theme but
not the whole of the topic. This enhanced my knowledge bank furthermore. This learning helped
me in applying my previous knowledge and also enhancing it.
I found out much more than what I was looking for, I was hoping to gain more
knowledge and experience through this study and I did a lot more than that. The study helped me
in getting knowledge which is going to help me at my work place. This also helped me to gain
confidence and improve my personality.

I am looking forward to learn more about the various tools of resource and capabilities
evaluation and their application at the corporate, business and functional level. These tools
include VRIO analysis, analysis of value chain and value system along with activity system
mapping, benchmarking etc. (Stoyanova and Angelova, 2018). These topics got my attention and
I got to know that I can learn better through Group discussions and case examples than
monotonous theory lectures. I also developed my reading and retaining ability.
Theme 4: Business Strategies and Business Models.
In this theme we learned about the various business strategies and business models which
assists the business or the organisation to carry out its operations effectively and efficiently. We
also identified and assessed various strategic tools which are required to make competitive
strategies to attain competitive advantage in markets at the business level rather than the
corporate level and also to get superior performance. Porter introduced the term ‘generic
strategy’ to mean basic types of competitive strategy that hold across many kinds of business
situations. I also learned different types of generic strategy alternatives used by P&G namely;
differentiation strategy, overall cost leadership strategy and focus strategy. A business model
describes the business logic of an enterprise and how business creates, delivers and captures
value. Some of the business models are; razor & blade, freemium and multi-sided platforms.
This helped me in enhancing my knowledge about business strategies and business
models and the various tools which helps to assist these strategies and models. I learned about
various tools with which we can formulate reports based on the business strategies and models. I
didn't know anything about the vastness of these topics. As I started learning I got more
knowledge about it which can help me to uplift my career and in achieving great heights. I had a
basic idea about the term business strategies and business models but not the whole topic. This
enhanced my knowledge bank and also helped me in applying my previous knowledge and also
enhancing my experience.
I found out much more than what I was looking for, I was hoping to gain more
knowledge and experience through this study and I did a lot more than that. The study helped me
in getting knowledge which is going to help me at my work place. This also helped me to gain
confidence and improve my personality.
I am looking forward to learn more about the various tools of business strategy
formulation and developing a new business model. Porter's generic competitive strategies will

further enhance my understanding about it. Evaluation and application of these tools at the
corporate, business and functional level will help the organisation and business grow. These
tools include cost leadership / price leadership competitive strategies, differentiation strategy,
focus strategy and hybrid strategies (a combination of some of the above strategies). These topics
got my attention and I got to know that I can learn better through Group discussions and case
examples than monotonous theory lectures. I also developed my reading and retaining ability.
Theme 5: Corporate strategy, diversification and growth.
In this theme we learned about the various corporate strategies which involves the
decisions and activities above the level of business units and at a corporate level. It sets the basis
for other, lesser strategic decisions made in different business units and also assists the corporate
parent to carry out its operations effectively and efficiently and to increase sales and generate
more profit. We also identified and assessed various strategic tools which helps in the
determination of strategic direction and formulation of corporate-level strategy. Corporate
strategy is foremost concerned with choices regarding the scope and area of work of P&G, and
also the range of businesses that P&G is dealing in. I also learned different types of corporate
strategy alternatives and corporate strategies itself namely; diversification strategy (along with its
different options), vertical integration strategy ( along with its two different forms) , outsourcing
strategy, corporate parenting approaches, portfolio model and BCG (Boston Consulting Group)
Matrix. We also learned the strategic methods for growth.
This helped me in enhancing my knowledge about corporate strategies and strategic
methods for growth of the organisation and the various tools which helps to evaluate these
strategic methods and models. I learned about various tools with which we can formulate reports
based on the corporate strategies and methods for growth. I didn't know much about the topic. As
I started learning I got to know a lot and gain more knowledge about it which can help me to
uplift my career and to achieve great heights. I had a basic idea about the term corporate
strategies but not the strategic methods for growth. This enhanced my knowledge bank and also
helped me in applying my previous knowledge and enhancing my experience.
I found out much more than what I was looking for, I was hoping to gain more
knowledge and experience through this study and I did a lot more than that. The study helped me
in getting knowledge which is going to help me at my work place. This also helped me to gain
confidence and improve my personality.

I am looking forward to learn more about the various strategic methods used for the
growth of the organisations along with corporate strategic alternatives. Competitive strategies for
growth includes organic development, mergers & acquisitions and strategic alliances. This will
further enhance my understanding about corporate strategies. Evaluation and application of this
knowledge at the corporate level will help the organisation and business grow. These topics got
my attention and I got to know that I can learn better through Group discussions and case
examples than monotonous theory lectures. I also developed my reading and retaining ability.
Theme 6: International strategy.
In this theme we learned about the various international strategies and how it can help in
the growth of any business or organisation. International strategy refers to a range of options for
operating outside the organisation’s country of origin. Internationalisation further offers
competitive advantage through different sources which are global efficiencies, multinational
flexibility and worldwide learning. We also identified and assessed various international
strategies which helps P&G to expand and grow. International firms face high complexity and
uncertainty in strategic management and when formulating strategies we need to understand and
deal with multiple governments, multiple currencies, multiple accounting systems, multiple
political systems, multiple legal systems, and a variety of languages and cultures. There are
many costs involved in internationalization due to liabilities of newness & foreignness as well as
due to increased coordination and governance costs. I also learned about international market
selection and market expansion strategy along with main international entry modes.
This helped me in enhancing my knowledge about International strategies and strategic
methods for growth of the organisation in the international market. I learned about various tools
with which we can form reports based on the international market trends and the organisation's
strength. As I started learning I got to know a lot and gain more knowledge about it which can
help me to uplift my career and to achieve great heights. I had a basic idea about the term
international strategies but this study gave me more knowledge about this. This enhanced my
knowledge bank and also helped me in applying my previous knowledge and enhancing my
experience.
I found out much more than what I was looking for, I was hoping to gain more
knowledge and experience through this study and I did a lot more than that. The study helped me

in getting knowledge which is going to help me at my work place. This also helped me to gain
confidence and improve my personality.
I am looking forward to learn more about the main international entry modes and
internationalisation process. Internationalisation process includes traditional approach and born
global approach. This will further enhance my understanding about international strategies.
Evaluation and application of this knowledge at the organisational level will help the
organisation and business grow. These topics got my attention and I got to know that I can learn
better through Group discussions and case examples than monotonous theory lectures. I also
developed my reading and retaining ability.
CONCLUSION
This study included various topics of the subject Strategic Management namely; strategic
management process and its core concepts, Strategic analysis of macro and industry
environment, Strategic Analysis of Internal Environment (resources and competencies), Business
Strategies and Business Models Corporate strategy, diversification and growth and International
strategy. By the above reflective document we can conclude that P&G is an organisation with
effective and efficient strategic management department. This helped me gain a lot of knowledge
and helped me improve my personality, furthermore it made me more confident and I am ready
to step into the corporate sector to gain further knowledge about these factors.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Rothaermel, F.T., 2018. Strategic management: concepts (Vol. 2). Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill
Education.
Teece, D.J., 2019. A capability theory of the firm: an economics and (strategic) management
perspective. New Zealand Economic Papers. 53(1). pp.1-43.
Yun, J.J. and Liu, Z., 2019. Micro-and macro-dynamics of open innovation with a quadruple-
helix model.
Pan, W., Chen, L. and Zhan, W., 2019. PESTEL analysis of construction productivity
enhancement strategies: A case study of three economies. Journal of Management in
Engineering. 35(1). p.05018013.
Stoyanova, T. and Angelova, M., 2018, June. Impact of the internal factors on the
competitiveness of business organizations. In 2018 International Conference on High
Technology for Sustainable Development (HiTech) (pp. 1-3). IEEE.
Rothaermel, F.T., 2018. Strategic management: concepts (Vol. 2). Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill
Wirtz, B.W., 2019. Digital business models. Springer International Publishing.
Täuscher, K. and Laudien, S.M., 2018. Understanding platform business models: A mixed
methods study of marketplaces. European Management Journal. 36(3). pp.319-329.
Eckardt, R. and Skaggs, B.C., 2018. Service diversification and growth of professional service
firms. Long Range Planning. 51(1). pp.111-126.
Mawdsley, J.K. and Somaya, D., 2018. Demand‐side strategy, relational advantage, and partner‐
driven corporate scope: The case for client‐led diversification. Strategic Management
Journal, 39(7), pp.1834-1859.
Holmes Jr, R.M and et. al., 2018. International strategy and business groups: A review and future
research agenda. Journal of World Business. 53(2). pp.134-150.
Luthans, F. and Doh, J.P., 2018. International management: Culture, strategy, and behavior.
McGraw-Hill Education.