Module 4 –
Case
STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION AND STRATEGIC CONTROLS
Assignment Overview
This final case involves an analysis of strategy
implementation at Pepsico. You will use the resources you identified in the SLP
to gather information about the company and relate that information to your
work in the previous cases.
Required Reading
Refer to the required and optional readings related to
strategy implementation and strategic controls, the themes for this module.
Case Assignment
In Module 4, we will conclude the case study process by
researching Pepsico’s strategic controls and their fit with the company’s
chosen strategy.
Keys to the Assignment
Step One: Review your Case papers from Modules 1-3 so that
you are familiar with the mission, vision, SWOT, strategy, and strategic
choices you have identified over the course of the class.
Step Two: Research the structure, systems, people, and
culture at Pepsico. You will not be able to get answers to every single
question, but you will need to answer at least one or two for each component.
Step Three: Describe Pepsico’s organizational design, key
strategic control systems (e.g., budgeting and variance analysis systems),
primary human resources concerns, and cultural factors, and the effect that
these have had on the implementation of Pepsico’s strategy.
Step Four: In a 6- to 8-page paper, critically evaluate the
fit—or the lack of fit—between the company’s mission, strategy, and
organizational components crucial to implementation. Do these components
complement the strategy? Why or why not?
Step Five: Choose three of the 13 ethical
“prescriptions” included in the following article:
https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/business-ethics/resources/incorporating-ethics-into-the-organization/
. Next, discuss the extent which the company’s sense of business ethics has
been embedded within its strategic management process, as evidenced by your
chosen three indicators.
Step Six: What changes would you—as the CEO—make to better
assure the success of the company’s strategy? This is the most important
section of the Module 4 Case.
Step Seven: 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 the light of your thesis
statement.
Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated using the grading rubric.
Tips and Suggestions
Note the following 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. You must meet minimum length
requirements.
Include section headings as appropriate.
Cite and reference all sources, including those 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.
