The SPACE Matrix or the Strategic Position and Action Evaluation Matrix is a very useful technique to help you to discover an appropriate strategic thrust.
In this compendium of blog articles (which are unfortunately in reverse order), you’ll find an introduction to the SPACE matrix and then a more detailed look at the four dimensions of the SPACE matrix:
Industry Attractiveness
Competitive Advantage
Environmental Stability
Financial Strength
I find the SPACE matrix very useful for thinking about the overall thrust for a business strategy. While most businesses want to be adventurous and to grow, it often isn’t appropriate.
The SPACE matrix helps to decide whether a aggressive startegy is reasonable or whether the business should be thinking of a competitive strategy, conservative strategy or defensive strategy. Sometimes it is better to work with the strengths the business has, other times the focus can be on improving weaknesses that are holding the business back.
The SPACE or Strategic Positioning matrix assesses a business along four dimensions to find an appropriate strategic thrust and in this article, we’ll look at the SPACE factors for financial strength. Financial Strength In The SPACE Matrix According to the creators of the Strategic Position and Action Evaluation Matrix, (Strategic Management – A Methodical Approach”, [...]
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Continue ReadingThe SPACE matrix assesses a business along four dimensions to find an appropriate strategic thrust and in this article, we’ll look at the SPACE factors for competitive advantage. Competitive Advantage In The SPACE Matrix According to the creators of the Strategic Position and Action Evaluation Matrix, (Strategic Management – A Methodical Approach”, Rowe, Mason, Dickel, [...]
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Continue ReadingThe SPACE matrix assesses a business along four dimensions to find an appropriate strategic thrust and in this article, we’ll look at the SPACE factors for industry attractiveness. Industry Attractiveness In The SPACE Matrix According to the creators of the Strategic Position and Action Evaluation Matrix, (Strategic Management – A Methodical Approach”, Rowe, Mason, Dickel, [...]
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Continue ReadingThe SPACE matrix assesses a business along four dimensions to find an appropriate strategic thrust and in this article, we’ll look at the SPACE factors for environmental stability. Environmental Stability In SPACE According to the creators of the Strategic Position and Action Evaluation Matrix, (Strategic Management – A Methodical Approach”, Rowe, Mason, Dickel, Mann and [...]
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Continue ReadingThe SPACE Matrix or more formally, the Strategic Position and Action Evaluation Matrix recommends one of four basic strategic approaches for a business and today I’m going to focus on the Conservative Strategy dimension. This is when the business is in a good position in its financial strength and environmental stability but its market offers [...]
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Continue ReadingEffective strategy is a mixture of defensive strategy and aggressive strategy / offensive strategy to help a business to protect what it’s got and then to make gains in a competitive market. Use The SPACE Matrix To Check If An Aggressive Strategy is Appropriate The Strategic Position and Action Evaluation Matrix (SPACE Matrix) is a [...]
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Continue ReadingThe SPACE Matrix or more formally, the Strategic Position and Action Evaluation Matrix recommends one of four basic strategic approaches for a business and today I’m going to focus on the Competitive Strategy dimension. This is when the business is in a good position in its marketplace but its financial strength is insufficient to compensate [...]
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Continue ReadingIt’s important to recognise when a defensive strategy is the sensible approach in marketing and business. I use the SPACE analysis matrix to help ground management’s natural desire for growth and profit improvement and put it into perspective of the realities of the existing situation. Defensive Strategy In SPACE A defensive strategy is recommended by [...]
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Continue ReadingThe Strategic Position and Action Evaluation Matrix or SPACE analysis matrix is a super technique for evaluating the sense and wisdom in a particular strategic plan. It was developed by strategy academics Alan Rowe, Richard Mason, Karl Dickel, Richard Mann and Robert Mockler and I don’t understand why it isn’t hugely popular. Introduction To The [...]
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Continue ReadingI believe you need to differentiate your business to be successful in these super-competitive times when it can be tough to get attention, let alone action from potential customers and clients.
I've worked as a business strategy coach and consultant for SME's in the UK since 1995 using my strategy, finance, marketing and process improvement skills.
I'm a Chartered Accountant, have a Masters In Business Administration (MBA) and I'm a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach.
If you own or manage an Internet based SME in the UK and you want to move from tactical improvements to strategic business improvement, then I'd love to hear from you.
I can be contacted on 0121 554 4057 or email me at paul@plancs.co.uk
A zebra look stunning on its own but a group of zebras is called a dazzle because they all merge into one to protect them from lions.
It's like many businesses. Individually the marketing looks good and a strong case is made for buying the generic product or service but it doesn't differentiate and create buyer preference.
Our task is to make sure your business stands out like the blue zebra and gets the attention it deserves by being different in ways that matter to the customers.
