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  • All HBS Web  (3,027)
    • People  (5)
    • News  (630)
    • Research  (1,791)
    • Events  (5)
    • Multimedia  (13)
  • Faculty Publications  (1,067)
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  • March 2017 (Revised May 2017)
  • Teaching Note

The Strategy Execution Series

By: Robert Simons and Jennifer Packard
This is the teaching note for the 15-module Strategy Execution series. New management tools and techniques are needed to implement strategy in the 21st century. Rapid innovation, entrepreneurial competitors, and increasingly demanding customers have radically altered... View Details
Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Strategy Execution; Performance Measurement; Profit Planning; Organization Design; Profitable Growth; Management Attention; Organizational Conflict; Job Design; Business Strategy; Management Systems; Entrepreneurship; Competition; Organizational Design; Performance Evaluation; Management Analysis, Tools, and Techniques
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Simons, Robert, and Jennifer Packard. "The Strategy Execution Series." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 117-116, March 2017. (Revised May 2017.)
  • August 2016 (Revised December 2016)
  • Module Note

Strategy Execution Module 2: Building a Successful Strategy

By: Robert Simons
This module reading describes the basics of building a successful strategy. Topics in this module include a discussion of the distinction between corporate and business strategy; how to conduct a SWOT analysis of market dynamics and internal capabilities; the use of... View Details
Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Strategy Execution; Business Strategy; Five Forces; Distinctive Capabilities; Emergent Strategy; Mission Statements; Strategy; SWOT Analysis; Competitive Advantage
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Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 2: Building a Successful Strategy." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-102, August 2016. (Revised December 2016.)
  • March 2009 (Revised May 2009)
  • Background Note

Executing Strategy

By: J. Bruce Harreld
This is a note to introduce the principles for effectively implementing a new strategy. It emphasizes the interdependence of strategy and execution in developing and sustaining superior competitive performance. Primarily based on the notion that strategy should be a... View Details
Keywords: Alignment; Competitive Strategy; Management Teams
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Harreld, J. Bruce. "Executing Strategy." Harvard Business School Background Note 809-126, March 2009. (Revised May 2009.)
  • TeachingInterests

Strategy Execution

By: Dennis Campbell

This course takes strategy as given and teaches what students need to know to execute and win in highly competitive markets. Using fundamental building blocks based on accountability systems and structures, this course is divided into seven modules:

1.... View Details

  • November 2016 (Revised December 2016)
  • Module Note

Strategy Execution Module 14: Managing Strategic Risk

By: Robert Simons
This module reading provides an overview of the business conduct boundaries, strategic boundaries, and internal control systems used to manage risk. Boundary systems—linked to clear, enforceable sanctions—are essential whenever demanding performance goals are set and... View Details
Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Strategy Execution; Boundary Systems; Innovation; Internal Controls; Fraud; Human Behavior; Staff Experts; Strategy; Risk Management; Behavior; Governance Controls; Management Practices and Processes; Boundaries; Employees; Business Strategy; Innovation and Invention
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Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 14: Managing Strategic Risk." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-114, November 2016. (Revised December 2016.)
  • 2019
  • Working Paper

The Strategic Management of Execution

By: David J. Collis
“Tell me David, is it better to have a great strategy poorly executed or a so-so strategy really well executed?” The age-old question suggests there is a fundamental tradeoff between strategy and execution. The tone in which it is asked typically flags that the... View Details
Keywords: Strategy Execution; Strategy; Management
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Collis, David J. "The Strategic Management of Execution." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 20-026, September 2019.
  • November 2016 (Revised March 2018)
  • Module Note

Strategy Execution Module 9: Building a Balanced Scorecard

By: Robert Simons
This module reading explains how to construct a strategy map and build a balanced scorecard. Using an internal value chain model, the module illustrates how a balanced scorecard can support and enable customer management, innovation, operations, and post-sale service... View Details
Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Execution; Performance Measurement; Strategy Map; Business Goals; Customer Measures; Strategy; Balanced Scorecard; Business Model
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Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 9: Building a Balanced Scorecard." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-109, November 2016. (Revised March 2018.)
  • August 2016 (Revised May 2018)
  • Module Note

Strategy Execution Module 1: Managing Organizational Tensions

By: Robert Simons
This module reading lays the foundation for executing strategy using performance measurement and control systems. Properly applied, these systems can overcome the organizational blocks that impede the potential of all people who work in modern organizations. This... View Details
Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Strategy Execution; Performance Measurement; Profit Planning; Organization Design; Profitable Growth; Management Attention; Organizational Conflict; Human Behavior; Strategy; Ethics; Goals and Objectives; Organizational Design; Management Analysis, Tools, and Techniques; Performance; Measurement and Metrics
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Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 1: Managing Organizational Tensions." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-101, August 2016. (Revised May 2018.)
  • November 2016 (Revised December 2016)
  • Module Note

Strategy Execution Module 13: Identifying Strategic Risk

By: Robert Simons
This module reading begins by describing the three sources of strategic risk—operations risk, asset impairment risk, and competitive risk—and demonstrates how these risks can undermine an entire business. To assist in the identification of these risks, the risk... View Details
Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Execution; Risk Assessment; Operational Control; Asset Impairment; Franchise Risk; Fraud; Strategy; Information Management
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Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 13: Identifying Strategic Risk." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-113, November 2016. (Revised December 2016.)
  • September 2016 (Revised January 2018)
  • Module Note

Strategy Execution Module 4: Organizing for Performance

By: Robert Simons
This module reading explores the implications of different business models on organization design. After discussing the distinction between units focused on work processes and those devoted to markets, the analysis provides insight as to when to organize businesses by... View Details
Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Execution; Customer Focused Organization; Specialization; Span Of Control; Span Of Accountability; Span Of Attention; Strategy; Organizational Design; Organizational Structure
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Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 4: Organizing for Performance." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-104, September 2016. (Revised January 2018.)

    Strategy Execution Series

    The 15-module Strategy Execution series forms a complete course that teaches the latest techniques for using performance measurement and control systems to implement strategy. Module... View Details
    • October 2016 (Revised February 2019)
    • Module Note

    Strategy Execution Module 5: Building a Profit Plan

    By: Robert Simons
    This module reading describes how to build a profit plan to reflect the strategy of a business in economic terms. After introducing the profit wheel, cash wheel, and ROE wheel, the module illustrates how to use a profit plan to assess the viability of different... View Details
    Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Execution; Profit Planning; Cash Flow Analysis; Asset Utilization; Return On Equity; Business Planning; Testing Strategy; Analyzing Strategic Alternative; Strategy; Asset Management; Cash Flow; Investment Return; Management Systems; Profit
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    Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 5: Building a Profit Plan." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-105, October 2016. (Revised February 2019.)
    • Video

    Introduction to Strategy Execution

    • Research Summary

    Mastering Strategy Execution

    By: Robert Simons

    Professor Robert Simons’ research encompasses three areas of management accountability that are the foundation for successful strategy execution: organization design, performance measurement and control, and risk management. In addition, Simons is interested in the... View Details

    • December 2016 (Revised May 2018)
    • Module Note

    Strategy Execution Module 15: Using the Levers of Control to Implement Strategy

    By: Robert Simons
    This module reading pulls together key concepts and techniques from the Strategy Execution series into an integrated model—the levers of control. The four levers are: (1) belief systems, (2) boundary systems, (3) diagnostic control systems, and (4) interactive control... View Details
    Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Execution; Levers Of Control; Balancing Innovation And Control; Managing Growing Businesses; Turn Around Management; Human Behavior; Organizational Life Cycle; Strategy; Management Systems; Performance; Measurement and Metrics; Management Analysis, Tools, and Techniques; Behavior
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    Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 15: Using the Levers of Control to Implement Strategy." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-115, December 2016. (Revised May 2018.)
    • November 2016 (Revised December 2016)
    • Module Note

    Strategy Execution Module 11: Using Diagnostic and Interactive Control Systems

    By: Robert Simons
    This module reading introduces diagnostic and interactive control systems. Diagnostic control systems are the management-by-exception systems that managers use to monitor the achievement of their business strategy. Interactive control systems are the systems that top... View Details
    Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Execution; Performance Measurement; Diagnostic Control Systems; Interactive Control Systems; Emergent Strategy; Goal Setting; Incentives; Strategy; Motivation and Incentives; Goals and Objectives; Management Systems; Performance Evaluation
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    Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 11: Using Diagnostic and Interactive Control Systems." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-111, November 2016. (Revised December 2016.)
    • November 2016 (Revised December 2016)
    • Module Note

    Strategy Execution Module 8: Linking Performance to Markets

    By: Robert Simons
    This module reading shows how to link profit plans and other performance measurement systems to both internal and external markets. Starting with the transfer of goods and services within a firm, the module discusses the different methods of designing transfer pricing... View Details
    Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Execution; Transfer Pricing; Activity Based Costing; Return On Investment; Residual Income; EVA; Strategy; Cost Accounting; Activity Based Costing and Management; Markets; Investment Return
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    Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 8: Linking Performance to Markets." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-108, November 2016. (Revised December 2016.)
    • October 2016 (Revised December 2016)
    • Module Note

    Strategy Execution Module 6: Evaluating Strategic Profit Performance

    By: Robert Simons
    This module reading demonstrates how to calculate and analyze the profit generated by different business strategies. Formulas and examples are provided to calculate profit generated by changes in market share, revenue growth, efficiency improvements, and support costs.... View Details
    Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Execution; Evaluating Business Performance; Profitability Analysis; Variance Analysis; Measuring Effectiveness; Measuring Efficiency; Activity-Based Costing; Flexible Budget; Accounting; Strategy
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    Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 6: Evaluating Strategic Profit Performance." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-106, October 2016. (Revised December 2016.)
    • November 2016 (Revised December 2016)
    • Module Note

    Strategy Execution Module 7: Designing Asset Allocation Systems

    By: Robert Simons
    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... View Details
    Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Execution; Asset Allocation Systems; Payback; Discounted Cash Flow; Internal Rate Of Return; Strategic Investments; Analyzing Acquisitions; Strategy; Capital Budgeting
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    Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 7: Designing Asset Allocation Systems." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-107, November 2016. (Revised December 2016.)
    • November 2016 (Revised December 2016)
    • Module Note

    Strategy Execution Module 12: Aligning Performance Goals and Incentives

    By: Robert Simons
    This module reading explains how managers use performance goals and incentives to ensure that employee actions align with the overall business strategy of the organization. The module begins by discussing how managers use goals to communicate business strategy, the... View Details
    Keywords: Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Execution; Performance Goals; Performance Measures; Incentives; Benchmarks; Motivation; Compensation; Bonuses; Strategy
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    Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 12: Aligning Performance Goals and Incentives." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-112, November 2016. (Revised December 2016.)
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