This session, we will be conducting a strategic analysis of the Kraft Foods Group. The best preparation for doing well on the Case Assignments is to complete the Background information reading and the SLP before writing the Case.
The outcome of this Case is to complete an internal analysis of the Kraft Foods Group. In doing so, you will partially use the RBV framework in your assessment of the organization’s strengths and weaknesses. Your internal analysis will lead to the completion of a SWOT analysis (which you will finalize in Module 4).
Required Reading
SWOT analysis: Lesson. (2009). Retrieved on November 6, 2012, from: http://marketingteacher.com/Lessons/lesson_swot.htm
Zahorsky, D. (2009). A business owner’s secret weapon: SWOT analysis. Retrieved on November 6, 2012, from: http://sbinformation.about.com/cs/bestpractices/a/swot.htm
Case Assignment
The completion of an internal profile can be an extensive undertaking, requiring far more time and resources than we have for this course. So—as in prior modules—limit your analysis to the identification and evaluation of one or two key items in each element of the model, as described in the Background reading and as enumerated in the SLP for this module.
Keys to the Assignment
• Step One: Conduct a critical and thorough internal analysis of the Kraft Foods Group, assessing as many of the company’s internal strengths and weaknesses as you can. Incorporate the results of your RBV analysis from the SLP exercise into your discussion. Also, consider the operations, customer service, finance, human resources management, and marketing functions. See the following website, as it will help you decide which strengths and weaknesses you might wish to evaluate: http://www.businessballs.com/swotanalysisfreetemplate.htm
• Step Two: In a 5- to 7-page paper, present the results of your internal analysis, leading to conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses facing the Kraft Foods Group as revealed by your analysis.
• Step Three: Synthesize your internal analysis with your external environmental analysis (from Module 2) and complete an overall SWOT analysis. In essence, you are to recommend—based on your SWOT—specifically what the company should do. Give your overall analysis—does the company have more strengths than weaknesses? More weaknesses than strengths? Whatever you decide, you need to recommend (with explanations) a company strategy—in response to your collective assessment of the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Step Four: Consider the Case as a formal business report that you are developing for the Board of Directors and CEO as the Kraft Foods Group’s consultant. This is a professional document. Follow the format below:
◦ Executive summary: This is a synopsis of the main points, conclusions and recommendations made in the longer report. If you would like a refresher on writing an executive summary, check this website: http://www.highendfinance.com/CommercialLoans/Docs/07-4%20ES%20Guidelines.doc
◦ Introduction: State the main purpose of the paper (thesis statement), what you hope to accomplish, and how you will go about doing it.
◦ Main Body: The “meat” of the paper. Emphasize analysis, not just description. Delineate separate topics or sections with section headings.
◦ Conclusion: Summarize your paper in the light of your thesis statement.