Strategic Dissection of COMOPTEVFOR

Strategic Dissection of COMOPTEVFOR

This text concerns itself with the various strategies employed by COMOPTEVFOR in the execution of its mandate. The strategies highlighted in this case will not only be identified but also discussed at the various levels of strategy formulation and implementation. These levels comprise of the corporate, business, and functional levels.

COMOPTEVFOR: An Overview

Before discussing the various levels of strategy COMOPTEVFOR makes use of, it would be prudent to first highlight its key operations and dealings. In basic terms, COMOPTEVFOR is involved in the provision of "an independent and objective evaluation of the operational effectiveness and suitability of naval aviation, surface, subsurface, expeditionary, C4I, cryptologic, and space systems in support of Department of Defense and Navy acquisition and fleet introduction decisions" (United States Navy, 2013). In addition to providing procedural and technical guidance with regard to the objective as well as independent testing of tactics and systems, COMOPTEVFOR also provides the much needed policy direction for operational testing and evaluation.

Strategic Dissection

From the onset, it should be noted that to remain relevant, an organization must develop and formulate an integrated plan of action (strategy) that identifies not only its objectives but also its goals. It is this plan of action that enables an organization to move from its current position to an anticipated future position. In that regard, the relevance of strategy formulation and implementation cannot be overstated. Like any other organization keen on executing its mandate, COMOPTEVFOR has in place clear and well-developed strategies.

Corporate Level Strategies

Corporate level strategy in the words of Samson and Daft (2012) "pertains to the organization as a whole and the combination of business units and product lines that make up the corporate entity" (p. 298). With regard to COMOPTEVFOR therefore, we could identify its corporate strategy based on the activities it elects to engage in. The organizations' core business is essentially the evaluation of not only the suitability but also the effectives "of naval aviation, surface, subsurface, expeditionary, C4I, cryptologic, and space systems in support of Department of Defense and Navy acquisition and fleet introduction decisions" (United States Navy, 2013). This is this activity that drives COMOPTEVFOR as a whole as it attempts to safeguard the lives of its "ultimate customer." It is the 'market' in which it has decided to engage in.

Business Level Strategies

Strategy in this case as Samson and Daft (2012) observe "pertains to each business unit or product line" (p. 298). The question to be asked in this case as the authors point out therefore is; "how do we compete?" Over time, COMOPTEVFOR has boosted its abilities in an attempt to further increase and/or enhance its scope of responsibilities as well as capabilities. As Ireland, Hoskisson, and Hitt (2010) point out, a business-level strategy is essentially founded on those competencies and capabilities of a firm that enable it to have a clear competitive advantage. Currently, systems evaluation at COMOPTEVFOR is conducted by individuals with vast experience in both the evaluation and testing of the relevant equipment. It is also important to note that COMOPTEVFOR ensures conformity with all the relevant standards. For instance, its support process with regard to Fleet RDT&E happens to be in agreement with all the provisions of SECNAVINST 5000.2. This enables the COMOPTEVFOR to stay at the top of its game especially when it comes to activities revolving around multi-service evaluation and testing.

Function Level Strategy