STRATEGYMonths to result

Excess Capacity

Deterrence and Strategic Thinking

Problem it solves

unclear strategic direction

Best for

Situations where deterrence and strategic thinking are crucial

Not ideal for

Situations where parties are not strategic

Overview

Why this framework exists

Excess Capacity is a framework for understanding the strategic thinking involved in deterrence and excess capacity. The framework involves an established firm that installs excess capacity to deter new competitors from entering the market.

Core principles

3 total
  1. The established firm should install excess capacity to deter new competitors.
  2. The excess capacity should be designed to make it more difficult for new competitors to enter the market.
  3. The excess capacity should be used to deter new competitors, rather than to produce more output.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Design the Excess Capacity
    Design an excess capacity system that deters new competitors from entering the market.
    Pro tipEnsure that the excess capacity is fair and unbiased.
    WarningAvoid using excess capacity that is too complex or difficult to understand.
  2. Implement the Excess Capacity
    Implement the excess capacity system, ensuring that it is used to deter new competitors.
    Pro tipEnsure that all parties understand the rules and consequences of the excess capacity system.
    WarningAvoid interrupting or influencing the excess capacity system in any way.

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Alcoa

The Aluminum Corporation of America (Alcoa) used excess capacity to deter new competitors from entering the market.

OutcomeThe use of excess capacity led to a successful deterrence of new competitors.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Poor Excess Capacity Design
A poorly designed excess capacity system can lead to unfair or biased outcomes.
Lack of Understanding
A lack of understanding of the excess capacity system or its rules can lead to confusion and poor decision-making.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The framework is based on the case of the Aluminum Corporation of America (Alcoa).

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life
Dixit, Avinash K. · 2008
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