The output should make the tradeoff visible enough for someone else to inspect, challenge, and act on.
loading…
corporate & business strategy framework
Evaluate prospects by sector prospects and business competitive capabilities.
quick answer
Shell Directional Policy Matrix is a 3x3 portfolio matrix for Portfolio strategy. It turns the decision into named fields, evidence, and a visible shell directional policy matrix worksheet / visual.
The output should make the tradeoff visible enough for someone else to inspect, challenge, and act on.
Evaluate prospects by sector prospects and business competitive capabilities.
Use BCG Growth-Share Matrix when its output is closer to the conversation you need: Classify business units/products by relative market share and market growth.
worked example
A filled example is easier to understand than a blank template. Use it to see the shape before applying the framework to your own case.
A filled example so you can see the shape before applying Shell Directional Policy Matrix to your own context.
A filled example so you can see the shape before applying Shell Directional Policy Matrix to your own context.
generate yours
Start Ask PL with the framework, required inputs, and your context. It will ask for missing details, render the 3x3 portfolio matrix, and explain what decision the output should change.
Apply Shell Directional Policy Matrix to my situation. Context: [Decision, audience, options, evidence, and constraints.] Use the Shell Directional Policy Matrix structure: - Industry attractiveness low/medium/high: - Business strength low/medium/high: - investment posture zones: Ask only for missing inputs that would change the output. Then render the 3x3 portfolio matrix and name the decision it should change.
how to use it
Use the framework to change a decision, not to fill a worksheet. Start narrow, add evidence, then inspect what the shell directional policy matrix worksheet / visual makes clearer.
Write the concrete portfolio strategy choice, tradeoff, or conversation the framework should change.
Fill the important slots: Industry attractiveness low/medium/high, Business strength low/medium/high, investment posture zones.
Mark what is measured, what comes from customers, and what is still judgment.
End with the next move, the riskiest assumption, or the evidence that would change the shell directional policy matrix worksheet / visual.
quality check
Use this check after the artifact is filled. Blank fields are not failure; they are the next research question. Look for concrete evidence, missing constraints, and assumptions that would change the next move.
The framework needs a concrete decision. Broad intent turns it into a worksheet, not a decision aid.
Good framework output makes assumptions visible enough for someone else to challenge.
The diagram is useful only if it changes the next product conversation.
common mistakes
Do not use Shell Directional Policy Matrix as a worksheet. Name the choice, conversation, or tradeoff the output should change.
Separate measured facts, customer evidence, and leadership judgment so weak assumptions stay visible.
If the diagram does not match the decision, switch frameworks instead of stretching the boxes.
The framework should clarify the next move. It should not replace strategy, sequencing, or judgment.
use something else when
Classify business units/products by relative market share and market growth.
Prioritize investments by industry attractiveness and business strength.
Classify portfolio by competitive position and industry maturity.
faq
Evaluate prospects by sector prospects and business competitive capabilities.
Business context; objectives; available evidence; stakeholder judgment
Shell Directional Policy Matrix worksheet / visual
Use Shell Directional Policy Matrix when the decision matches this job: Evaluate prospects by sector prospects and business competitive capabilities.
Avoid it when you need BCG Growth-Share Matrix's output instead: Classify business units/products by relative market share and market growth.
It is both: a structure for thinking and a visible 3x3 portfolio matrix that makes the decision easier to inspect.
A good input names the real decision, uses concrete evidence, and separates facts from assumptions.
Use the shell directional policy matrix worksheet / visual to choose the next move, name the riskiest assumption, or decide what evidence would change the call.
Use BCG Growth-Share Matrix when the real output you need is closer to: Classify business units/products by relative market share and market growth.
Yes. Describe your context and Ask PL can ask for missing inputs, render the 3x3 portfolio matrix, and explain what decision it should change.