The IMP focuses on the analysis of the current position of an organisation with which you are familiar and the valuation of managerial alternatives (decisions) for maximising its value over the next three to five years. From a Strategic Direction perspective, the IMP seeks to address questions that provide insight into (see also Figure 1):

1. The organisation's external competitive context - its markets, competitors, industry structure and dynamics (including degree of maturity), relevant political, economic, technological and social drivers.

2. The organisation's internal basis of competitiveness as would be reflected by its portfolio of strategic resources and its ability to exploit these in its internal value chain. However, also related to the internal dimension is the broader internal context further represented by the organisation's structure, processes, culture and management capabilities (including leadership).

3. The organisation's strategic and core purpose related to the creation of superior value for relevant stakeholders.

4. The strategic direction the organisation would be advised to take on careful consideration of the three foregoing factors.