A strategic analyst wants to study the competitive positioning of companies in the smartphone industry based on price range and product features.…

CA Intermediate · Financial Management and Strategic Management · MTP · May 2026
A strategic analyst wants to study the competitive positioning of companies in the smartphone industry based on price range and product features. Explain how the analyst can use Strategic Group Mapping to analyse the industry. Also, state the insights that can be derived from such a map.

Suggested Answer and Working Notes:

The strategic analyst can use Strategic Group Mapping to analyse the competitive positioning of smartphone companies based on price range and product features as follows: Steps to use Strategic Group Mapping: Identify key variables: Select relevant competitive dimensions such as price (low to high) and product features (basic to advanced). Plot companies on a graph: Position each smartphone company on a two-dimensional map using these variables. Form strategic groups: Companies with similar strategies (e.g., high price-high features or low price-basic features) will cluster together forming strategic groups. Represent market share: The size of each group (circle) may indicate the market share of firms within that group. Insights derived from the map: Helps in understanding the competitive positioning of firms in the industry.Identifies direct competitors within the same strategic group.Reveals market gaps or opportunities (e.g., underserved segments).Highlights mobility barriers between groups (e.g., difficulty in moving from low-end to premium segment).Assists in analysing the intensity of competition within and across groups. Thus, Strategic Group Mapping provides a visual and analytical tool for better strategic decision-making in the smartphone industry.

Topics: Part-A: Financial Management, Part B: Strategic Management

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