Recognize this business strategy model? customer intimacy...operational efficiency... product superiority

Question

I'm doing research for a class, and while I remember the basic idea behind this model -- that a company needs to focus on one strategy and can't be great at all three, I can't remember the reference. Help appreciated.

Answer 1

I believe you are referring to the sign that appeared in a Minnesota Dry Cleaners, that was cited in the 2 minute manager:

QUALITY

SERVICE

PRICE

PICK ANY 2

The axiom being you can have service and quality, but you have to pay for it.

You can a good price and good quality, but no service, or good service and price, but no quality.