MAN302 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

2019-20 TRIMESTER 1

ASSESSMENT 1: ASSIGNMENTS

Assignment #1 Guide

Due

Friday, 1 November 2019 at 11:55pm

Instructions

• Access the Learning Resources section of the course in the eLearning System.
• Study all learning resources of Topics 1 and 2, read Chapters 1 and 2 of the Textbook,
and study the relevant Strategy Creation Tools.
• Do the exercises and perform the case studies in the following Case Illustrations and
Strategy Challenges.
• Submit both via the eLearning System on or before the due date/time.
• Be ready to present to the class your Assignment #1. You will be randomly picked to
present to the class .

Case Illustrations
1. Does Starbucks’s strategy (as described in Illustration Capsule 1.1) seem to set it apart
from rivals? Does the strategy seem to be keyed to a cost-based advantage,
differentiating features, serving the unique needs of a niche, or some combination of
these? What is there about Starbucks’s strategy that can lead to sustainab le
competitive advantage?

2. Go to investor.siriusxm.com and check whether Sirius XM’s recent financial reports

indicate that its business model is working. Are its subscription fees increasing or
declining? Are its revenue stream advertising and equipment sales growing or
declining? Does its cost structure allow for acceptable profit margins?

3. How does the scope of a business affect the language of its vision statement? How
would you reword the Whole Foods vision statement (as shown in Illustration Capsule
2.1) to reduce it to less than 100 words? (Currently = 154 words)

4. Does the corporate culture at Patagonia match its stated values (as described in
Illustration Capsule 2.2)? What independent authoritative views support and dispute the
implication that Patagonia’s stated values are real rather than cosmetic? Outline
Patagonia’s business strategies and strategic actions. Are any of th em in conflict with
its stated values.

5. Indicate which of Yum! Brands’ company objectives (as stated in Illustration Capsule
2.3) are strategic and which are financial. Use the balanced scorecard approach to
propose an effective company performance managem ent system for Yum! Brands. How
has Yum! Brands performed when compared to its stated company objectives?
Strategy Challenges
1. Using the business model canvas, describe the current (at the time the Case Study was
written) business model of the company in your respective Case Study.

2. Using the business model canvas, describe the business model options that could be
considered by the company.

3. Compare the current business model against the business model options that could be
considered by the company in terms of potential:
a. value generation
b. growth

4. Evaluate the vision and mission statements of the company in your respective Case
Study. Are the vision and mission statements in alignment with the current business
model of the company? Give compelling reasons to support your evaluations and
conclusion.

5. What are the short-term and long-term financial and strategic objectives of the current
business model of the company.