Methodology
How we calculate your assessment results
The STRATEDGE Business Diagnostic uses 30 questions to help an organisation assess its maturity across six strategic pillars.
Results are calculated using clear rules based on the answers selected, showing a score for each pillar and an overall assessment score.
The report helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, and suggests practical steps to develop organisational performance.
This assessment is an initial, indicative tool. It is not an independent audit or an accredited certification.
The rules below are the ones the application actually uses. There are no hidden weights and no AI in the scoring.
1. The response scale
| Response | Meaning | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1Not Established | No defined practice exists. | 0 |
| 2Initial / Ad Hoc | Informal and dependent on individuals. | 25 |
| 3Partially Implemented | Defined, but not applied consistently. | 50 |
| 4Consistently Implemented | Applied consistently across the organisation. | 75 |
| 5Fully Implemented, Monitored and Improved | Embedded, measured and continuously improved. | 100 |
| Not Applicable | Does not apply to our organisation. Excluded from scoring. | Excluded |
2. Calculation rules
- Pillar score
- ((sum of valid responses − number of valid responses) ÷ (4 × number of valid responses)) × 100. An all-1 pillar scores 0 and an all-5 pillar scores 100. Scores are shown as whole numbers.
- Minimum data per pillar
- Each pillar needs at least three valid responses (ratings 1–5). With fewer, the pillar is shown as having insufficient assessment data and receives no score.
- Overall maturity score
- The equally weighted average of the valid pillar scores, out of 100. At least four valid pillars are required; otherwise no overall score is produced and the report explains why.
- Not Applicable
- Excluded from every calculation. It never counts as zero and never lowers a score.
- Strengths, gaps and priorities
- Strengths are valid pillars scoring 61 or above; performance gaps are those below 61. Up to three of the lowest-scoring pillars at or below 80 become priorities. Ties follow the order of the pillars.
- Recommendations and roadmap
- Pre-written by STRATEDGE, not generated by AI. Each recommendation addresses a specific practice you rated lowest within your priority pillars, with an indicator and expected outcome. When every pillar exceeds 80, the advice shifts to continuous improvement and innovation.
Worked example
Digital Transformation answers of 2, 1, 3, 4 and Not Applicable give four valid responses with a sum of 10: ((10 − 4) ÷ (4 × 4)) × 100 = 37.5, shown as 38 (Emerging). The Not Applicable answer is ignored rather than counted as zero.
3. Five maturity levels
Initial
0–20
Practices are largely absent or informal. Building basic, documented foundations is the immediate priority.
Emerging
21–40
Early practices exist but are inconsistent and depend on individuals. Structure and ownership are needed.
Developing
41–60
Key practices are defined but not yet applied consistently. Focused effort can deliver visible gains.
Established
61–80
Sound practices are applied consistently. The focus shifts to measurement, optimisation and scale.
Advanced
81–100
Practices are embedded, measured and continuously improved. Sustain the advantage and keep innovating.
4. The six strategic pillars
- 5 questions
01Strategy & Governance
Clarity of direction, measurable objectives and effective oversight.
- 5 questions
02Digital Transformation & AI Readiness
Systems, data and the capacity to adopt AI responsibly.
- 5 questions
03Marketing & Customer Growth
Proposition, pipeline discipline and customer insight.
- 5 questions
04Leadership & Human Capital
Leadership capability, talent and a culture of accountability.
- 5 questions
05Operational Excellence
Standardised processes, measurement and continuous improvement.
- 5 questions
06Risk, Sustainability & Resilience
Risk oversight, continuity, sustainability and readiness for external change.
5. Limitations and privacy
The diagnostic reflects the perspective of the person completing it and is not benchmarked against other organisations in this version. When you start the assessment, STRATEDGE securely saves your company name, business email, answers, progress and score. Only authorised STRATEDGE administrators can see them; they are never sold or shared, and there is no account to create. The consultation button simply opens STRATEDGE's consultation page. Read the Privacy Notice