Scenario: Maria is considering operating a local business in the beauty and cosmetology sector in the island of Trinidad. She has completed research into the operations of similar businesses locally and intends to market and sell her products initially at the local level, with the possibility of extending at the regional level in the near future. Maria understands that to shape the business’s overall strategy there are various strategic drivers both internally and externally which must be considered and wants expert advice on these drivers relevant to her business. She is also struggling with deciding on the best structure for the organization, as well as the most effective ways of marketing her products to ensure that they are more attractive to buyers than the current options. She is considering a strategic alliance but is not sure if to form links among non-competitive firms or associate with firms in an unrelated activity. Maria is aware of internal and external tools which businesses use to understand the operating environment but is unsure which ones are feasible for her business or will provide the most relevant information. Whilst Maria has a lot of ideas, she recognizes the need for help to ensure her success. As a Strategic Consultant, you are required to provide some guidance to Maria by responding to the following questions: Structure Type a.Recommend with justification an appropriate structure (from the structure types listed below) for Maria’s business. Illustrate the structure graphically. b.Identify one (1) limitation of this structure, whilst suggesting one (1) way to mitigate it.   stucture type functional,multidivisional,holding, matrix,transnational, team andproject.

Scenario: Maria is considering operating a local business in the beauty and cosmetology sector in the island of Trinidad. She has completed research into the operations of similar businesses locally and intends to market and sell her products initially at the local level, with the possibility of extending at the regional level in the near future. Maria understands that to shape the business’s overall strategy there are various strategic drivers both internally and externally which must be considered and wants expert advice on these drivers relevant to her business. She is also struggling with deciding on the best structure for the organization, as well as the most effective ways of marketing her products to ensure that they are more attractive to buyers than the current options. She is considering a strategic alliance but is not sure if to form links among non-competitive firms or associate with firms in an unrelated activity. Maria is aware of internal and external tools which businesses use to understand the operating environment but is unsure which ones are feasible for her business or will provide the most relevant information. Whilst Maria has a lot of ideas, she recognizes the need for help to ensure her success. As a Strategic Consultant, you are required to provide some guidance to Maria by responding to the following questions:

Structure Type

a.Recommend with justification an appropriate structure (from the structure types listed below) for Maria’s business. Illustrate the structure graphically.

b.Identify one (1) limitation of this structure, whilst suggesting one (1) way to mitigate it.

stucture type

functional,
multidivisional,
holding, matrix,
transnational, team and
project.