Frameworks and Models / Definitions, Terms, Frameworks, Key Concepts

Strategy Frameworks Knowledge Base

A course-specific reference covering 100 academic and applied topics. Start with the teaching guide below, then use the index as a searchable reference shelf when building examples, cases, and executive artifacts.

Teaching guide

How to turn the knowledge base into instruction.

Do not teach the terms as vocabulary first. Teach the decision problem, then use the terms to sharpen the learner's reasoning, evidence standard, and final artifact.

Module	Terms to connect	Teaching question	Common confusion to correct	Practice artifact
Framework selection	Framework, diagnosis, value chain, Five Forces, decision implication	What decision are we trying to improve, and which lens can actually change that decision?	Learners pick a famous framework before naming the question it answers.	Framework selection rationale
Industry and competition	Rivalry, buyer power, substitutes, entry threat, switching cost, profit pool	Is the arena structurally attractive, and who captures the returns?	Learners treat growth rate as the same thing as attractiveness.	Industry attractiveness brief
Where to play and how to win	Arena, scope, positioning, advantage, tradeoff, strategic choice	Where will we compete, how will we win, and what are we explicitly not pursuing?	Learners restate ambitions or priorities without making exclusions.	One-page strategy statement
Growth frameworks	Ansoff, three horizons, adjacency, core, diversification, option value	Which growth move should come first given evidence, capability distance, and risk?	Learners choose the largest market instead of the best sequenced move.	Growth option matrix
Capability and resource lens	VRIO, resource, capability, core competence, imitability, organization	Which claimed strengths actually create durable advantage?	Learners accept management's list of strengths as proof of advantage.	Advantage test
Framework synthesis	Diagnosis, coherent action, evidence standard, tradeoff, recommendation	What do the analyses mean together, and what choice should leadership make?	Learners summarize every framework instead of selecting decision-changing insights.	Executive strategy story

Reference-to-practice prompts

Use these prompts when opening any definition.

Decision: What decision does this concept help improve?
Evidence: What facts, comparisons, or assumptions are required before using it?
Boundary: What does this concept not explain?
Failure mode: How do smart teams misuse it under time pressure?
Artifact: What sentence, table, map, or recommendation should the learner produce?

Mini-case spine

Reusable case pattern for glossary terms.

Situation: A client has a real decision, incomplete evidence, and stakeholder pressure.
Task: Learners choose the concept, state what it reveals, and name what it hides.
Answer check: Strong answers connect the term to a decision; weak answers define the term only.
Transfer: Learners convert the concept into a one-page artifact or executive sentence.

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