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BCG Matrix

Developed by the Boston Consulting Group in 1970, the BCG Matrix (Growth-Share Matrix) is a strategic portfolio analysis tool that plots business units or products across two dimensions: relative market share (horizontal axis) and market growth rate (vertical axis). The resulting 2x2 grid produces four quadrants — Stars (high share, high growth), Question Marks (low share, high growth), Cash Cows (high share, low growth), and Dogs (low share, low growth). In a workshop context, the BCG Matrix forces teams to have an honest conversation about which products or initiatives deserve investment, which should be harvested for cash, which need a strategic decision, and which should be divested. It prevents the common trap of spreading resources evenly across a portfolio regardless of strategic value. Teams must gather at least rough data on relative market position and industry growth before the session — numbers make the conversation real. The tool is most powerful when combined with qualitative discussion about competitive dynamics and market trajectory, not just plotted as a static snapshot.

Duración
1h–2h
Tamaño del grupo
3–15 people
Materiales
BCG Matrix template (A1 or projected), sticky notes, markers…

Cómo ejecutarlo

  1. 1

    Before the workshop, collect data: estimated market growth rate and relative market share for each product, service, or business unit under review.

  2. 2

    Draw or project the BCG Matrix: x-axis = Relative Market Share (right = high), y-axis = Market Growth Rate (up = high). Mark the midpoints for each axis.

  3. 3

    Plot each product or unit as a circle on the matrix — size the circle proportional to revenue or strategic importance.

  4. 4

    Label each quadrant: Stars (top-right), Question Marks (top-left), Cash Cows (bottom-right), Dogs (bottom-left).

  5. 5

    Discuss each item together: Is the placement accurate? Is the growth rate sustainable? Is the market share figure reliable?

  6. 6

    For each item, agree on a strategic directive: invest and grow (Stars), decide quickly (Question Marks), harvest (Cash Cows), or divest/discontinue (Dogs).

  7. 7

    Identify resource flows: which Cash Cows will fund which Stars or promising Question Marks?

  8. 8

    Document decisions and assign owners — the matrix is only useful if it drives action.

Consejos

  • Gather real data before the session — gut feel placements lead to political debates rather than strategic clarity.

  • Use market growth rate benchmarks (e.g.

  • >10% = high in most industries) agreed by the team upfront.

  • Don't treat the matrix as permanent: markets shift and so should classifications.

  • Challenge the assumption that Dogs are always bad — sometimes a low-growth, low-share product serves a key customer segment.

Variaciones

Run a 'Future BCG' where teams predict where each item will sit in 3 years given current trajectories. Combine with Ansoff Matrix to map diversification moves from current Cash Cows into new growth areas.

Casos de uso

Product portfolio reviewAnnual strategic planningInvestment prioritisation workshopsBusiness unit performance reviewM&A target evaluation

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Cuándo debo usar BCG Matrix?▾

Usa BCG Matrix cuando quieras: Product portfolio review; Annual strategic planning; Investment prioritisation workshops; Business unit performance review; M&A target evaluation.

¿Cuánto tiempo tarda BCG Matrix?▾

BCG Matrix normalmente dura entre 60 y 120 minutos.

¿Para cuántos participantes es BCG Matrix?▾

BCG Matrix funciona mejor para grupos de 3–15 participantes.

¿Qué materiales necesito para BCG Matrix?▾

Para realizar BCG Matrix necesitarás: BCG Matrix template (A1 or projected), sticky notes, markers, data on revenue/market share per product or business unit.

¿Qué tan difícil es facilitar BCG Matrix?▾

BCG Matrix está clasificado como intermedio — es útil tener algo de experiencia en facilitación.

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Method descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Boston Consulting Group (Bruce Henderson, 1970).

BCG Matrix — Facilitation Method | Workshop Weaver