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.
Comment l'animer
- 1
Before the workshop, collect data: estimated market growth rate and relative market share for each product, service, or business unit under review.
- 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
Plot each product or unit as a circle on the matrix — size the circle proportional to revenue or strategic importance.
- 4
Label each quadrant: Stars (top-right), Question Marks (top-left), Cash Cows (bottom-right), Dogs (bottom-left).
- 5
Discuss each item together: Is the placement accurate? Is the growth rate sustainable? Is the market share figure reliable?
- 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
Identify resource flows: which Cash Cows will fund which Stars or promising Question Marks?
- 8
Document decisions and assign owners — the matrix is only useful if it drives action.
Conseils
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.
Variantes
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.
Contextes d'utilisation
Questions fréquemment posées
Quand utiliser BCG Matrix ?â–ľ
Utilisez BCG Matrix lorsque vous souhaitez: Product portfolio review; Annual strategic planning; Investment prioritisation workshops; Business unit performance review; M&A target evaluation.
Combien de temps dure BCG Matrix ?â–ľ
BCG Matrix dure généralement 60–120 minutes.
Pour combien de participants BCG Matrix convient-il ?â–ľ
BCG Matrix fonctionne mieux pour des groupes de 3–15 participants.
De quels matériaux ai-je besoin pour BCG Matrix ?▾
Pour animer BCG Matrix, vous aurez besoin de : BCG Matrix template (A1 or projected), sticky notes, markers, data on revenue/market share per product or business unit.
Quel est le niveau de difficulté de BCG Matrix ?▾
BCG Matrix est classé intermédiaire — une certaine expérience en facilitation est utile.
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Essayer gratuitementMethod 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).