In today's business environment, change is the only constant: new channels, competitors and business models are emerging; the balance of power is invariably shifting toward customers; and, the pace of business is accelerating to "warp speed."

Surviving and thriving in such a competitive business world requires dynamic strategic planning - a willingness to reshape a company into a form better suited to the logic of the marketplace. At AGI, our deep understanding of specific industries and products, coupled with our strong presence in the marketplace, allows us to offer a comprehensive array of advisory services for managers with that kind of vision.

Strategy is the science and art used by leaders to acquire resources and apply them to solving a problem. Some people refer to it as seeing "the big picture." Others talk of the ability to identify opportunities, to discover new directions, to redefine boundaries. However it is described, it all comes down to vision, and specific, practical plans to bring a vision into reality. At AGI, we help CEOs create a clear picture of the marketplace and competitors and define their strategic direction. In business, strategy is often incorrectly defined as part of the array of specific tactical decisions made by a firm, such as setting prices or choosing suppliers. In fact, strategy is the comprehensive, corporate vision defining the means by which a firm will deliver value to its customers and shareholders. This vision then drives the operating approach implemented at all levels of the firm, influencing the day-to-day decision-making processes.

Our experience in strategy consulting frequently involves the development of solutions for the most difficult, fundamental problems facing top-level executives of our clients. Strategy engagements may involve assessment of a corporation's position relative to the full profit potential of individual business units, or comparison of the value of the firm based on bottom-up analysis to that assigned by the market. Determination of the best places to allocate resources and the potential for value creation through ownership decisions are often discernible from this type of analysis. Identifying strategic shifts and positioning a firm in anticipation of several possible eventualities, or scenario planning, is also a core part of strategy development.

Corporate strategy development includes practices such as business definition, investment/divestment analysis and portfolio planning, among others. Tailoring the right corporate strategy or vision involves identifying and expressing the role of the organizational parent, determining the value of various ownership scenarios and analyzing new business opportunities.

Our approach to corporate strategy is hypothesis-driven and highly results-oriented. We can develop an objective framework enabling senior decision-makers to address the most unique, difficult or sensitive situations that they face. We begin by constructing a comprehensive fact base and scoping the decision, then identifying team leaders and laying out a schedule of milestones and key meetings. Board and management interviews often enable us to consider disparate perspectives and engender consensus based on sound business principles and analysis generated by our case teams.

In times of uncertainty and volatile change, a clear corporate vision is even more important. Strategy and tactics need to be flexible so they can change with swings in geopolitics and the global economy, but the vision must be steadfast and unswerving.

The people of our Strategy and Organization practice work side by side with top management to clarify issues, refine ideas, and give them shape. Our strength comes from the ability to understand things from a broader perspective - to look at markets and trends, at competition and customers, at the organization itself - and then use what we learn to ensure that the future direction can be successfully implemented. The result of this process is a plan and approach that can help ensure that the company's strategy can be turned into actions and accountabilities.

Additionally, our wholly owned subsidiary, AGI International Sourcing & Marketing, offers a broad spectrum of professional services in export development, international marketing, global sourcing or outsourcing, and offshore manufacturing. For details, please go to: www.agiicorp.com/ism/

To inquire more about our Strategy Consulting service, email us at: companies@agiicorp.com