Title: A strategic matrix model for the apple industry in Lebanon

Authors: Rock-Antoine Mehanna

Addresses: Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Notre Dame University, P.O. Box 72 Zouk Mikayel, Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the Lebanese apple industry from a strategic macromanagement perspective. It employs the Industry Value Chain (IVC) framework, along with Porter|s Five Forces of rivalry as a methodology to enable the formulation of a matrix model comprising grand and competitive strategies. Several experiences from the USA, New Zealand, Chile, Mexico and Canada are discussed to draw some differences and similarities. This topic comes at a time when the government is struggling to find solutions for the apple sector. However, the governmental discussions and suggested solutions pivot mostly around technical and policy-oriented issues (e.g., government subsidies and limited seasonal national campaigns), disregarding any serious analysis of business-oriented solutions and private-public sector collaboration.

Keywords: business strategy; matrix model; Porter; Five Forces; IVC model; industry value chain; apple sector; Lebanon; strategic management; USA; United States; New Zealand; Chile; Mexico; Canada; public-private partnerships.

DOI: 10.1504/GBER.2009.025382

Global Business and Economics Review, 2009 Vol.11 No.1, pp.65 - 87

Received: 11 Nov 2008
Accepted: 13 Mar 2009
Published online: 20 May 2009 *

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