Strategy Execution Module 7: Designing Asset Allocation Systems

This module reading provides tools and analyses for acquiring and allocating resources. The module begins by reviewing the importance of setting strategic boundaries as a basis for asset acquisitions. Next, a distinction is made between new assets acquired to meet regulatory requirements, those acquired to enhance operational efficiency and/or increase revenue, and assets acquired to enhance competitive effectiveness. Different techniques are required for analyzing these different categories of assets ranging from traditional cash flow and rate of return analyses to strategic analysis focusing distinctive capabilities, alignment with strategic initiatives, and the risk of deciding not to acquire the asset. Most importantly, this module demonstrates how asset allocation fits into and supports a business’s overall strategy. While this module is designed to be used alone, it is part of the Strategy Execution series. Taken together, the series forms a complete course that teaches the latest techniques for using performance measurement and control systems to implement strategy. Modules 1 - 4 set out the foundations for strategy implementation. Modules 5 - 10 teach quantitative tools for performance measurement and control. Modules 11 - 15 illustrate the use of these techniques by managers to achieve profit goals and strategies.