Module 3 – Case
GRAND STRATEGY SELECTION
Assignment Overview
The Module 3 Case assignment requires that you use the
various Grand Strategy selection matrices to select the grand strategy (or
strategies) that the Coca-Cola Company should follow.
Case Assignment
List the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
of the Coca-Cola Company that you identified in the Module 2 Case assignment.
Review the SWOT Analysis Diagram (Slide 4 of the Grand
Strategy Selection Matrices PowerPoint presentation). In which cell do you
believe Coca-Cola Company belongs? Defend your answer.
Next, using the Grand Strategy Selection Matrix (Slide 7),
determine the grand strategy (or grand strategies) that should be pursued by
Coca-Cola. Discuss the assumptions you have made in applying the Grand Strategy
Selection Matrix (i.e., explain why you chose “overcome weaknesses” vs.
“maximize strengths” and why you chose “internally-directed” vs. “externally
directed”).
Next, apply the Model of Grand Strategy Clusters (Slide 8)
to the Coca-Cola Company. Discussion the assumptions you made in applying the
Model of Grand Strategy Clusters to the Coca-Cola Company (i.e., rapid vs. slow
growth; weak vs strong competitive position).
Finally, apply the BCG Matrix (Slide 10) to Coca-Cola’s core
strategic choices. Again, discuss your assumptions for choosing, e.g., high
versus low market share). Is Coca-Cola a Dog, Cash Cow, Star, or Question Mark?
Compare your results from the Grand Strategy Selection
Matrix (Step 2), the Model of Grand Strategy Clusters (Step 3), and the BCG
Matrix (Step 4). How do your results compare?
Conclude your written analysis by stating which grand
strategy (or strategies) Coke should follow and why. Defend your answer!
Assignment Expectations
Your Case Assignment should be a minimum of 5-6 pages in
length.
You are required to use APA formatting and you are required
to cite and reference your sources.
Please make sure you review the assignment rubric prior to
writing your assignment.
Be sure to use section headings to organize your paper, for
example:
Introduction
Coca-Cola Company SWOT
Application of the Grand Strategy Selection Matrix
Application of the Model of Grand Strategy Clusters
Application of the BCG Matrix
Comparison of Results
The Grand Strategy Coca-Cola Should Choose
Conclusion
Module 3 – SLP
GRAND STRATEGY SELECTION
For purposes of the Module 3 SLP, you are a Strategic
Management consultant. Your client is a major competitor in one of the
following industries:
Amusement Parks in the U.S.
Golf Centers and Country Clubs in the U.S.
Concert and Event Promotion in the U.S.
Jewelry Stores in the U.S.
Nursery and Garden Stores in the U.S.
Department Stores in the U.S.
Women’s Clothing Stores in the U.S.
Furniture Stores in the U.S.
New Car Dealers in the U.S.
Fast Food Restaurants
in the U.S.
Your client has an extensive number of strengths (indeed,
these are SCAs): A solid image, the top market share in the industry, excellent
cash flow, and a very low long-term debt to equity ratio. Because your client’s
company is renowned in the industry (which you have selected from the list
above), the organization has also managed to attract – and retain – the most
talented people working in the industry. Finally, the company’s approach to
marketing is second to none.
While your client is clearly aware of its internal
strengths, the organization is still unclear relative to whether the company
should pursue a “Grow” (a more aggressive) strategy, or a “Hold” (a more
passive) strategy. Your client has engaged you to do some research on the
industry (use IBISWorld and other current publications in the library). In
IBIS, be sure to review the sections: “Industry Questions” and “Industry
Issues” in addition to other key information and industry data. Assess the
opportunities and threats facing the company, and determine the relative
attractiveness of the industry as a whole. Then using the GE/McKinsey Matrix,
decide whether your client should pursue a “Grow” or a “Hold” strategy. Because
you already know that your client’s business strength is “strong,” your task is
to determine the attractiveness of the industry/market.
After performing some research on the client’s industry
using IBISWorld, write a 2-3 page memorandum to your client in which you
discuss the key threats and opportunities in the industry’s operating
environment. Next, dependent on the attractiveness of the industry/ market,
advise your client as to whether the company should pursue a “Hold” or “Grow”
strategy. Finally, use the Model of Grand Strategy Clusters to recommend a
grand strategy that your client should pursue. Be sure to justify your
choice.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your SLP assignment should be a minimum of 2-3 pages in
length.
At a minimum, you should include the following section
headings to organize the memo to your client:
Introduction
Opportunities and Threats in the _______ Industry
The GE/McKinsey Matrix Applied to the ________ Industry
Model of Grand Strategy Clusters Applied to the _______
Industry
Conclusion
You are required to use APA formatting and you are required
to cite and reference your sources.
Please be sure to review the assignment rubric prior to
writing your assignment.
