Module 3 –
Case
STRATEGIC CHOICES
Assignment Overview
The Case in this course is an ongoing exercise, meaning that
we will continue to review one company over the course of our four modules. In
Module 3, we will be conducting a strategic analysis of Pepsico.
Specifically, the Module 3 Case requires that you identify
the primary business strategy employed by Pepsico. You will also be providing a
critical, written analysis evaluating that strategy in the context of the
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats you identified in Module 2.
Required Reading
Refer to the required and optional readings related to
strategic choices, the theme of Module 3.
Case Assignment
In a 6- to 8-page paper, respond to the following:
Which of the four generic (Porter) strategies does Pepsico
follow, and how do you know?
Integrate the strategy you have identified above with the
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats you identified in Module 2
(this exercise should provide you with some specific actions the company should
be taking relative to its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
These actions are referred to as “strategic choices”). Do Pepsico’s strategic
choices align with the firm’s generic strategy? If not, what are the specific
points of disconnect? Think critically about this step, as no company achieves
perfect alignment of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats with
its chosen strategy. As the MBA, it is your job to uncover the discrepancies
and problems.
How can Pepsico leverage its strengths and shore up its
weaknesses by altering its strategic choices? How can the company take
advantage of environmental opportunities and minimize environmental threats by
altering its strategic choices? Be specific.
Complete the paper by commenting on how your view of
Pepsico’s vision and mission has changed or has been reconfirmed by this
process of strategic analysis. Would you make any suggestions to revise the
company’s vision, mission, or values statements, or to any of its
goals/objectives?
5. Consider the Case as a formal business report that you
are developing for the Board of Directors and CEO as Pepsico’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.csun.edu/~vcecn006/summary.html
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
headings.
Conclusion: Summarize your paper in light of your thesis
statement.
Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated using the grading rubric.
Tips and Suggestions
Business school case-study assignments are meant to offer
practice opportunities for future business people who are earning their MBA
degrees. Consider yourself a consultant hired by the company to make these
critical assessments. There are no right or wrong answers to the Case question,
as long as your position is well defended.
Study the theoretical concepts provided in the Background
materials section of the module, and identify main strategy concepts.
Include a cover page and reference page, in addition to the
6-8 pages of analysis described above.
Include section headings as appropriate.
Cite and reference all sources, including those that you
paraphrase. This means include citations and quotation marks for direct quotes
of more than five words, and citations for information you have
“borrowed” or paraphrased from other sources.
Follow Trident Guidelines for Well-Written Papers.
Submit your analysis by the end of this module.
