By Dave Whittemore · Updated · 33 company case studies
The recurring allocation among sustaining the core (defending existing Power), adjacencies (extending it), and transformational bets (the next S-curve). Prioritization frameworks are tactics; the strategic question is whether allocation matches the lifecycle stage, the moat-timing plan and the stated intent.
Over-investing in the core when the category is overshooting invites disruption; over-investing in the next curve before PMF starves the loop that funds it.
From the win chains in Strategy Canon case studies: what the winner did, and what its rival did at the same step.
Grow where costs are known; retreat elsewhere
Cut unit costs while keeping the network
Exit paid consumer acquisition when ad costs rose
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| Author | What they call it / where it appears |
|---|---|
| Christensen | The innovator's dilemma in the budget |
| Martin & Lafley | Management systems for resourcing |