Strategy Blueprint Project Packet Strategy Blueprint
Strategic Implementation & Performance Portfolio
Consultant Identification
NAME
DATE
Project Overview
As a Lead Strategic Consultant, you are tasked with developing a high-level strategic roadmap for your business. This blueprint moves beyond simple descriptions to analytical rigor —identifying not just what is happening in the market, but how your company will win. You will analyze internal and external environments, select a primary generic strategy, and design a Balanced Scorecard to measure success.
Part 1: Business Identity
Company Name
Industry / Sector
Company Size (Employees / Revenue)
Core Product/Service
Mission & Vision Statement (What do you do? Where are you going?)
The Strategic Challenge (What is the #1 obstacle or opportunity you are addressing right now?)
Part 2: Market Intelligence (SWOT)
Identify internal and external factors. Rigorous analysis requires choosing factors that directly impact your ability to compete.
Strengths (Internal)
Weaknesses (Internal)
Opportunities (External)
Threats (External)
Strategic Insight
Based on your SWOT above, identify one Strategic Intersection . How can you use a specific Strength to capture a specific Opportunity ?
Part 3: Industry Forces
Analyze the competitive landscape using Porter’s Five Forces. Circle the impact level and provide evidence.
Force
Impact Level (1-5)
Evidence / Justification
Threat of New Entrants
Barriers to entry?
1
2
3
4
5
Supplier Power
How many suppliers?
1
2
3
4
5
Buyer Power
Customer options?
1
2
3
4
5
Threat of Substitutes
Problem solvers?
1
2
3
4
5
Intensity of Rivalry
Market aggression?
1
2
3
4
5
Part 4: Strategic Direction
Primary Generic Strategy
Cost Leadership
Differentiation
Strategic Rationale
Why is this strategy the best fit for your SWOT findings?
Secondary Strategic Move
Niche / Focused Strategy
Vertical Integration
Strategic Alliance / Partnership
Resource Capability
What key internal resource must you build to make this strategy work?
Part 5: Balanced Scorecard
Create one SMART goal for each quadrant. Ensure each goal includes a Target Value and a specific Initiative to reach it.
Financial
SMART Goal
Target Metric
Timeframe
Action Initiative
Customer
SMART Goal
Target Metric
Timeframe
Action Initiative
Internal Process
SMART Goal
Target Metric
Timeframe
Action Initiative
Learning & Growth
SMART Goal
Target Metric
Timeframe
Action Initiative
Part 6: Risk Management
Primary Strategy Risk (What could go wrong?)
Contingency Action (If it goes wrong, what is the backup plan?)
Strategy Consultant Toolbox Reference Strategy Toolbox
Consultant’s Reference & Scaffolding Guide
Reference Material
1. Mastering the SWOT
Strengths & Weaknesses (Internal)
Factors you control.
Examples: Expert staff, strong brand, low debt, patent ownership, proprietary tech.
Opportunities & Threats (External)
Factors in the environment.
Examples: Tax changes, new competitors, social trends, economic downturn.
"The best analysis looks at intersections : How can we use a Strength to crush a Threat?"
2. The Five Forces
New Entrants
Ease of starting a rival shop.
Supplier Power
Can vendors raise prices?
Buyer Power
Can customers force discounts?
Substitutes
Are there non-direct alternatives?
Rivalry
Intensity of existing competition.
3. The SMART Formula
Master Goal Template:
[Action Verb] our [Metric] to [Target] by [Date]
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-Bound
4. Perspective Guide
Financial
"How do we look to owners?"
Focus on money: Profits, costs, and sales growth.
Customer
"How do buyers see us?"
Focus on satisfaction: Loyalty, brand image, and market share.
Internal Process
"What must we do perfectly?"
Focus on operations: Quality control, shipping speed, and efficiency.
Learning & Growth
"How do we keep improving?"
Focus on the future: Training, culture, and new technology.
5. Generic Strategies
Cost Leadership
Efficiency-driven model.
"We win by being the most efficient. This allows us to charge less than anyone else while still making a profit."
Differentiation
Innovation-driven model.
"We win by being unique. Customers will pay a premium because our product offers something they can't get elsewhere."
Strategy Blueprint Scoring Rubric Scoring Rubric
Strategy Blueprint Assessment Framework
Max Score
100 PTS
Criterion Expert (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Beginning (1) Points Market Intel (SWOT)
Internal/External factors and strategic intersection.
| Detailed, realistic SWOT. Intersection logic is profound and actionable. | Complete SWOT. Intersection logic is clear and makes sense for the business. | SWOT is listed but intersection is weak or missing clear logic. | Incomplete SWOT or factors are incorrectly categorized. | / 20 |
|
Industry Forces
Analysis of competition and industry attractiveness.
| All 5 forces analyzed with specific justifications. Ratings are logical. | All 5 forces analyzed with justifications. Ratings are mostly logical. | Missing 1-2 forces or justifications are very vague. | Most forces missing or ratings contradict the written evidence. | / 20 |
|
Strategic Choice
Alignment of generic strategy and resource builds.
| Choice is perfectly aligned with SWOT/Forces. Resource build is specific. | Choice aligns with analysis. Resource build is appropriate. | Strategy choice is made but rationale doesn't link to analysis. | Strategy choice is missing or random; no resource build. | / 20 |
|
Balanced Scorecard
SMART goals and quadrant alignment.
| All 4 goals are 100% SMART. All goals align perfectly with the quadrant focus. | All 4 goals are SMART. Most align with the correct quadrants. | Goals are missing 1-2 SMART elements. Alignment is confusing. | Goals are vague "to-do" lists rather than measurable goals. | / 30 |
|
Execution
Formatting, terminology, and risk management.
| Reads like an executive report. Proper terminology used throughout. | Clear and well-organized. Terms are used correctly. | Sections are messy. Basic business terms used incorrectly. | Unprofessional layout. Risk plan is illogical or missing. | / 10 |
Final Evaluation
/ 100
Evaluator Comments
Instructional Notes
Analysis vs. Lists: SWOT entries must describe impact . A weakness like "Small Staff" should be followed by why it matters (e.g., "limits capacity to scale").
The SMART Rule: Do not award full points for goals that lack a specific number or date. "Increase sales" is not SMART; "Increase sales by 10% by Q4" is.
