According to the web search results, external drivers are “factors outside the organization that influence its performance, direction, and strategy” 1. External drivers can include market trends, customer demands, competitor actions, technological changes, regulatory requirements, and social issues. When there is recognized competition in the marketplace, an organization may use external drivers as a method to generate a business need, as it needs to respond to the competitive threats and opportunities, and to differentiate itself from other players in the industry. The other options are not correct because:
A. From the bottom up is a method to generate a business need from the employees or operational level of the organization, who identify problems or opportunities for improvement in their daily work processes 2. This method may not be suitable when there is recognized competition in the marketplace, as it may not address the strategic issues or challenges that the organization faces from external forces.
C. From middle management is a method to generate a business need from the managers or supervisors of the organization, who coordinate and oversee the work of the employees and report to the senior executives 3. This method may not be suitable when there is recognized competition in the marketplace, as it may not reflect the vision or direction of the organization’s leadership or stakeholders.
D. From the top down is a method to generate a business need from the senior executives or board of directors of the organization, who set the goals and objectives of the organization and determine its policies and strategies 4. This method may not be suitable when there is recognized competition in the marketplace, as it may not take into account the feedback or input from the customers, employees, or other external parties who are affected by the organization’s decisions and actions. References:
1: External Drivers - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics, section “Introduction”
2: Bottom-Up Approach - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics, section “Introduction”
3: Middle Management - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics, section “Introduction”
4: Top-Down Approach - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics, section “Introduction”
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