ACCA SBL Technical Articles. Index

• Market segmentation: a strategic analysis and positioning tool

This article delves into the characteristics and significance of market and customer segmentation, a component of strategic analysis that falls under the purview of Section C in the Strategic Business Leader syllabus.

• The strategic planning process – part 1 
• The strategic planning process – part 2

These SBL Tehcnical articles concentrate on the practical application of your management and strategy expertise within a scenario-based context. In Part 1, we examine the intricacies of strategic planning, which can be divided into three primary facets. In Part 2, we follow a similar simplification strategy when addressing the challenges related to strategic decision-making and the execution of those strategies.

 Risk

• Four lines of defence and assurance mapping : This article explores the alignment of assurance mapping with the concept of the four lines of defense, illustrating a transparent depiction of risk management actions and the validation provided by the controls and evaluations in place.
• COSO's enterprise risk management : 
• Strategic and operational risks : Assessing risks involves evaluating their potential impact and the probability of their occurrence.

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Technology and data analytics

• Applications of new technology – part 1
  Applications of new technology – part 2
  Applications of new technology – part 3 : The utilization of cloud, mobile, and smart technology has experienced a substantial surge in recent years, with applications extending across various facets of daily life. In Part 1, we examine notable instances of how these technologies are integrated into our households and the travel sector. Part 2 centers on their implementation within the realms of retail and banking. Lastly, Part 3 delves into the realm of cloud computing. Across all three sections, we delve into the advantages presented by these technologies as well as the challenges they present.
• A world of intelligent agents: Artificial intelligence has been making waves in the fields of computer science, robots and automation. This article looks at how developments with artificial intelligence are being utilised to create more efficient machines that think for themselves - or rather than rely on humans entirely like they used too back when we had our own personal chauffeurs!
• Principles and application of e-marketing in SBL: The article provides a differential between traditional marketing and e-marketing, while focusing on how these two types can be applied in different ways.
• Cyber security and the strategic business leader: The skills required to become an effective strategic business leader are not limited, but include knowledge of IT security. This article explains why these important abilities should be considered when looking into a career in strategy and demonstrates how they can help you work towards that goal!
• Getting connected to the Internet of Things: The Internet of Things is a term that refers to the connection and networking between physical objects, or things. These sensors can be anything from your home's temperature being monitored by an air conditioner unit; all devices within it - including you! 
• Applying big data and data analytics in Strategic Business Leader: The article teaches us big data and its importance in today's society. It explains that typically speaking, this type of information contains many more variables than traditional statistics can measure due to their scale, which makes them harder for humans or machines alike to deal with on an everyday basis - but not impossible! 
• E-commerce: This SBL Technical article discusses how the internet has changed our lives and become an essential part in everyday transactions. It also talks about some benefits that come with e-commerce, as well social costs involved for both businesses but especially consumers when buying online.

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Organisational control and audit

• Internal audit : Internal auditing, often regarded as the management of controls within an organization, plays a pivotal role in the corporate governance structure. It can be perceived as a top-level control in response to risk or by assessing the intricate tasks carried out by the internal audit function
• Environmental auditing : Organizations are increasingly utilizing environmental auditing to enhance investor trust and address the expectations of other stakeholders.

Finance in planning and decision-making

• Financial analysis in Strategic Business Leader (SBL): This article outlines the method you should adopt when tasked with evaluating an organization's financial performance and status in an SBL (Strategic Business Leader) scenario. Your analysis should emphasize computations related to factors that hold strategic and operational significance for the organization.
• Assessing organisation performance : Evaluating organizational performance necessitates proficient interpretation and a solid grasp of the information's contextual significance within the given question.
• Topic explainer video: Suitability, Acceptability & Feasibility (SAF)
• Topic explainer video: Internal control systems

Enabling success and change management

• Project documentation, roles, and responsibilities : This article examines the documents typically prepared during project initiation, such as the business case and the project initiation document, and outlines the roles and responsibilities of key personnel involved in the project process.
• The Baldrige performance excellence model : The Baldrige model for world-class organizations is featured in the SBL syllabus. This article discusses potential examination approaches and how the model may be assessed.
• Financial analysis in Strategic Business Leader (SBL): In this article, we will look at how to analyse a company's financial performance and position. You should focus on calculations relating to strategically or operationally important factors for them, specifically regarding their business interests in mind - that is what matters most!
• Planning for success – successful project management
• Blockchain: a revolution in the making: In a world where information is exchanged between two parties with the click of button, how can we be sure that what's being said constitutes reality? Blockchain seeks to answer this question by providing transparency and trust.
• Cryptocurrencies: Cryptocurrencies are a new, innovative form of money created with the vision to be independent of any single country or organization. This article looks at what exactly cryptocurrencies do, their potential impact on our financial system, and how you can invest in them for your long-term financial goals!
• Performance indicators : Both the Strategic Business Leader and Advanced Performance Management exams require candidates to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and critical success factors (CSFs).

• Topic explainer video: Harmon Process Model
  In this video, expert tutor Steve Willis tackles the 'Harmon Process Model' (YouTube).

Closing comments:

If you are looking for ACCA SBL exam tips, read our expert blog on how to pass SBL exams. Suppose you want a more in-depth understanding of the topics covered in the SBL Technical articles. In that case, we recommend that you take one of our courses.

Our expert tutors will guide you through each exam syllabus topic and help you to apply what you have learned to pass your exams. Alternatively, why not buy one of our ACCA SBL books if you prefer to self-study?

The books contain tips and practice questions to help you succeed. We wish you all the best with your studies!