Final answer:
The correct answer is option b. Porter's five forces.
Step-by-step explanation:
When evaluating the acceptability of a new strategy in a business environment, various analysis tools can be utilized to aid the decision-making process. The most appropriate tool among the options provided would be Porter's five forces. This analytical framework examines the competitive forces within an industry, including the threat of new entrants, the bargaining power of suppliers, the bargaining power of buyers, the threat of substitute products or services, and the competitive rivalry among existing firms. Understanding these forces can help a company determine the attractiveness and potential profitability of a new strategy within the market context.
Another useful approach in strategy evaluation is conducting a cost/benefit analysis. In this approach, the company would list all the costs associated with implementing the new strategy on one side, and all the benefits on the other side. This allows for a comparison between what the company will sacrifice and what it stands to gain, helping to make an informed decision by weighing marginal costs against marginal benefits.
Although not listed as an option in the question, cost/benefit analysis is a fundamental decision-support tool that can complement the use of Porter's five forces by providing a financial perspective on the strategy's feasibility.