Strategic Windows and Entrapment

Discusses the phenomena of strategic windows and entrapment. Develops Abell′s (1983) notion of strategic windows in arguing that where an enterprise has overlapping strategic windows it can shift its attention to a different window when one window starts to close. This makes it easier for the firm to stay in business. Moreover, strategic windows which have closed can be reopened (viz. the watch industry and the rebirth of clockwork movements in the 1990s). Strategic windows present opportunities for decision makers but they also contain traps. Combines for the first time the concepts of strategic windows and entrapment.