- A.A 3x3 portfolio matrix plotting business units on industry attractiveness vs business unit strength, refining the BCG matrix with multiple weighted variables. ✓
- B.Michael Porter's framework for analyzing industry attractiveness across five competitive forces — rivalry, suppliers, buyers, new entrants, and substitutes.
- C.A 2x2 grid of internal Strengths and Weaknesses crossed with external Opportunities and Threats — used to frame strategic options before recommending action.
- D.A 3x3 portfolio matrix plotting business units on industry attractiveness vs business unit strength, refining the BCG matrix with multiple weighted variables.
GE-McKinsey Matrix is a 3x3 portfolio matrix plotting business units on industry attractiveness vs business unit strength, refining the BCG matrix with multiple weighted variables. The other options describe related but distinct concepts in Strategic Frameworks — see the deep-dive guide for the full distinction.
How to think about questions like this
Captures more nuance than BCG's 2x2. Questions like this test whether you can distinguish GE-McKinsey Matrix from neighboring concepts. The most common trap is choosing a closely-related concept that sounds similar but applies in a different context.
When you see a definition question on an exam, do two things: (1) translate the question into your own words, then (2) generate the answer in your own words before reading the options. This avoids the cognitive bias of recognizing a familiar phrase as correct just because it is familiar.