Definition: The term 'strategic management' is used to denote a branch of management that is concerned with the development of strategic vision, setting out objectives, formulating and implementing strategies and introducing corrective measures for the deviations (if any) to reach the organization's strategic intent. It has two-fold objectives: To gain competitive … [Read more...] about Strategic Management
Retailing
Definition: Retailing is a distribution process, in which all the activities involved in selling the merchandise directly to the final consumer (i.e. the one who intends to use the product) are included. It encompasses sale of goods and services from a point of purchase to the end user, who is going to use that product. Any business entity which sells goods to the end user … [Read more...] about Retailing
Cost of Capital
Definition: As it is evident from the name, cost of capital refers to the weighted average cost of various capital components, i.e. sources of finance, employed by the firm such as equity, preference or debt. In finer terms, it is the rate of return, that must be received by the firm on its investment projects, to attract investors for investing capital in the firm and to … [Read more...] about Cost of Capital
Accrual Concept
Definition: The accrual concept is one of three basic accounting concept, others are going concern and consistency. As per this concept, the recognition of the transactions and events as and when they arise, i.e. on mercantile basis, rather than on cash basis in which the transaction is recorded in the books of accounts when the cash is received/paid against it. In business … [Read more...] about Accrual Concept
Differentiation Strategy
Definition: Differentiation strategy, as the name suggests, is the strategy that aims to distinguish a product or service, from other similar products, offered by the competitors in the market. It entails development of a product or service, that is unique for the customers, in terms of product design, features, brand image, quality, or customer service. Differentiation … [Read more...] about Differentiation Strategy
Environmental Analysis
Definition: Environmental Analysis is described as the process which examines all the components, internal or external, that has an influence on the performance of the organization. The internal components indicate the strengths and weakness of the business entity whereas the external components represent the opportunities and threats outside the organization. To perform … [Read more...] about Environmental Analysis
Product Line
Definition: Product Line can be understood as an array of related products, under a specific brand, offered by a particular company to its customers. For instance: Amul offers a series of closely related products such as milk, butter, ghee, dahi, yoghurt, ice cream, srikhand, Gulab jamun, flavoured milk, chocolate, etc. There are many companies which are engaged in multiple … [Read more...] about Product Line
Cost Reduction
Definition: Cost Reduction can be understood as the perennial decrease in the unit cost of goods produced and services provided by the company, without compromising with its quality and suitability for the use intended, with the help of new and improved methods. In finer terms, cost reduction is a systematic and corrective technique used by most of the firms to cut the … [Read more...] about Cost Reduction
Working Capital
Definition: Working capital can be understood as the capital needed by the firm to finance current assets. It represents the funds available to the enterprise to finance regular operations, i.e. day to day business activities, effectively. It is helpful in gauging the operating liquidity of the company, i.e. how efficiently the company is able to cover the short-term debt with … [Read more...] about Working Capital
Corporate Failure
Definition: The term corporate failure entails discontinuation of company's operations leading to inability to reap sufficient profit or revenue to pay the business expenses. It happens due to poor management, incompetence, and bad marketing strategies. In a business environment, corporate failure of firms is quite common, wherein only those firms survive, that adapt … [Read more...] about Corporate Failure