Global Journal of Business Management

Global Journal of Business Management ISSN 6731-4538 Vol. 5 (9), pp. 001-011, September, 2011. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Strategic positioning analysis of Ghana’s national wood export sector

M. S. Odoom Domson¹ and P. Richard Vlosky^2,3*

¹Marketing Solutions International, Forestry Commission Pavilion, Trade Fair Center, Accra, Ghana.

²Louisiana Forest Products Development Center, Louisiana.

³Forest Products Marketing, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, Louisiana.

Accepted 19 April, 2011

Abstract

Export-led strategies are very crucial to achieving growth and goals of developing and transition economies such as Ghana. As a result, export strategies are being adopted in many developing countries. Although such export strategies might be in place, the deployment of public resources and funds warrant periodic programmatic evaluation. The objective of the study was to assess Ghana’s wood products export sector strategies and performance. Using a combined National Export Strategy Template (NEST) and Balanced Scorecard (BCS) framework, we surveyed the 250 largest wood products manufacturers in Ghana. Overall, respondents indicated there was no comprehensive and well documented export strategy in place. We suggest that public and private sector institutions in the wood export sector coordinate activities to create an enabling environment for Ghana wood products exporters to compete favorably in the international market. The application of a combined National Export Strategy Template (NEST) and Balanced Scorecard (BCS) framework can be used to evaluate wood product export strategies in any geographical or national setting. This approach is a valuable tool that pinpoints strategic strengths and weaknesses.

Key words: Export, Ghana, wood products, international market.