BCG

BCG is an acronym that can refer to several prominent entities in business and health. The most widely recognized are the Boston Consulting Group (a management consulting firm), the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine, and the growth-share matrix known as the BCG matrix.

Boston Consulting Group: BCG is a global management consulting firm founded in 1963 by Bruce Henderson in Boston, Massachusetts. It provides services in strategy, corporate development, operations, and digital transformation, advising clients across industries. The firm has offices worldwide and is known for its strategy-centric approach and analytical frameworks.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine: The BCG vaccine is a live attenuated strain derived from Mycobacterium bovis, developed by Albert Calmette and Jean Guérin in the early 20th century. It is primarily used to protect against tuberculosis, especially severe forms in children. Effectiveness against adult pulmonary TB varies by region, and vaccination policies differ by country.

BCG matrix: Also called the growth-share matrix, it was developed by Bruce Henderson in the 1960s for portfolio analysis. It classifies a company’s business units or products into four categories—Stars, Cash Cows, Question Marks, and Dogs—based on market growth and relative market share. The matrix is used to guide resource allocation and strategic prioritization, though it has limitations and has been refined over time.