STRATEGYMonths to result

Increased Value Added Framework

A strategy for competing in fragmented industries

Problem it solves

unclear strategic direction

Best for

Businesses operating in fragmented industries

Not ideal for

Businesses seeking dominance in a fragmented industry

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Increased Value Added Framework provides a strategy for competing in fragmented industries. This framework involves increasing the value added of the business by providing more service with sale, engaging in some final fabrication of the product, or doing subassembly or assembly of components before they are sold to the customer.

Core principles

5 total
  1. Increase the value added of the business
  2. Provide more service with sale
  3. Engage in some final fabrication of the product
  4. Do subassembly or assembly of components before they are sold to the customer
  5. Focus on achieving above-average results, rather than seeking dominance

Steps

5 steps
  1. Analyze the Industry's Structure
    Understand the industry's characteristics, including the number of competitors, bargaining power, and profitability. Identify the causes of fragmentation and the key success factors in the industry.
    Pro tipUse tools such as the Five Forces Framework to analyze the industry's structure
    WarningFailure to understand the industry's structure can lead to ineffective strategies
  2. Identify Opportunities to Increase Value Added
    Identify opportunities to increase the value added of the business, such as providing more service with sale, engaging in some final fabrication of the product, or doing subassembly or assembly of components before they are sold to the customer.
    Pro tipUse tools such as the Value Chain Framework to identify opportunities to increase value added
    WarningFailure to identify opportunities to increase value added can lead to a lack of direction and focus
  3. Focus on Achieving Above-Average Results
    Focus on achieving above-average results, rather than seeking dominance. This may involve specializing in a particular product or customer segment, or developing a unique value proposition.
    Pro tipUse tools such as the Focus Strategy Framework to develop a focus strategy
    WarningFailure to focus on achieving above-average results can lead to a lack of direction and focus
  4. Be Disciplined in Implementing Strategic Choices
    Be disciplined in implementing strategic choices. This may involve developing a clear and consistent strategy, and avoiding the temptation to deviate from the strategy in response to short-term pressures.
    Pro tipUse tools such as the Commitment Framework to develop a disciplined approach to strategy implementation
    WarningFailure to be disciplined in implementing strategic choices can lead to a lack of direction and focus
  5. Monitor and Adjust
    Monitor the industry's structure and competitive forces, and adjust the strategy as needed. This may involve continuously gathering market intelligence, and being willing to pivot the strategy in response to changes in the industry.
    Pro tipUse tools such as the Market Signals Framework to monitor the industry's structure and competitive forces
    WarningFailure to monitor and adjust the strategy can lead to a lack of responsiveness to changes in the industry

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Metal Service Centers

Metal service centers have successfully implemented an increased value added strategy, which involves providing more service with sale, engaging in some final fabrication of the product, or doing subassembly or assembly of components before they are sold to the customer.

OutcomeMetal service centers have achieved great success with this strategy, which has allowed them to maintain a strong competitive position in a fragmented industry.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Failure to Identify Opportunities to Increase Value Added
Failure to identify opportunities to increase value added can lead to a lack of direction and focus, and may result in the firm being exposed to intense competitive forces.
Lack of Strategic Discipline
A lack of strategic discipline can lead to a lack of direction and focus, and may result in the firm being exposed to intense competitive forces.
Overcentralization
Overcentralization can be counterproductive in fragmented industries, as it may slow response time, lower incentives, and drive away skilled individuals.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The framework was developed by Michael E. Porter, a renowned business strategist. Porter recognized that fragmented industries pose unique challenges for businesses, and that traditional strategies may not be effective in these environments. He developed the Increased Value Added Framework to provide businesses with a structured approach to competing in fragmented industries.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Competitive Strategy
Michael E. Porter · 1980
Open source →

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