Generating Options

You may find it useful to include brainstorming using cross-functional teams to generate options. In particular this can be effective when looking at SWOT analysis (strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats), and Porter’s Five Force analysis (suppliers’ bargaining power, buyers’ negotiating power, threat of new entrants; threat of substitutes, competitive rivalry).

Sourcing options might include the use of buying alliances, make/buy or outsourcing/insourcing. Each of these need to be evaluated in due course utilising appropriate methodologies such as acceptability, feasibility and suitability tests; business cases should be generated accordingly.