When decisions are made or problems are solved, they have potential strategic impact. As you remember from the Political Model of decision making, decision making is, by nature, a political process with various claimants attempting the influence each decision. However, when other influences are stronger, or there is not clear direction from above, decisions are made without regard to intended strategy and the organization takes on direction that is a result of the combined affect of these incremental decisions. Gaining ownership or control over distributors or retailers. Selling off tangible assets, in parts for their tangible worth.
Competitive strategies involve determining the basis of costumer or client decision making.
Generally, they are based on some combination of quality, service, cost, time, and quality of the experience. There are many typologies of competitive strategies. Porter's generic strategy typology has received the most attention Cost Leadership Strategies - With this strategy you are competing on price. Your various functional strategies all emphasize cost reduction. Differentiation Strategies - Differentiation strategies rely on some basis of product differentiation such as flexibility, specific features, service, time and availability, low maintenance, etc. as the basis for competition.