Strategic Management of Starbucks

COMPETENCIES

3011.1.1 : Strategy as a Process
The graduate identifies the strategic process and the execution of a strategic plan.

3011.1.2 : Fundamental Perspectives on Strategy
The graduate assesses the fundamental perspectives on strategic decision-making using analytical tools.

3011.1.3 : Winning Strategies and Maximizing Strategic Power
The graduate analyzes generic strategies for winning a competitive advantage and determines how to apply maximum strategic power.

3011.1.6 : The Framework for Communicating and Executing Strategy
The graduate evaluates the framework necessary to effectively execute strategy.

INTRODUCTION
You will use the various analytical tools presented in the course to provide a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis for Starbucks. Once the SWOT analysis has been generated, you will discuss how this information might be used in terms of making strategic decisions for Starbucks. You will also discuss what makes a strategy either successful or unsuccessful and how the SWOT analysis can affect the overall success or failure of the strategy. Finally, you will use your analysis to create a business strategy for Starbucks.

Note: Any information that would be considered confidential, proprietary, or personal in nature should not be included in the actual task submission to WGU. Do not include the actual names of people, suppliers, the organization(s), or other identifiable information. Fictional names should be used. Also, organization-specific data, including financial information, should not be included but should be addressed in a general fashion as appropriate. Work performed for a client or an employer is their property and should not be used without written permission.

REQUIREMENTS
Your submission must be your original work. No more than a combined total of 30% of the submission and no more than a 10% match to any one individual source can be directly quoted or closely paraphrased from sources, even if cited correctly. The originality report that is provided when you submit your task can be used as a guide.

You must use the rubric to direct the creation of your submission because it provides detailed criteria that will be used to evaluate your work. Each requirement below may be evaluated by more than one rubric aspect. The rubric aspect titles may contain hyperlinks to relevant portions of the course.

A. Evaluate what makes a strategy either successful or unsuccessful by doing the following:

1. Discuss how the creation of the vision, mission, and values statements are critical in the formation of the overall strategy.

2. Discuss the importance of leadership team buy-in of the strategy.

3. Discuss the use of at least two analytical tools in performing a situational analysis.

4. Discuss the importance of having the appropriate alignment between strategy, people, and corporate culture.

a. Discuss the role that this alignment plays in determining the success or failure of the business strategy.

B. Perform a SWOT analysis for Starbucks by doing the following:

1. Analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Starbucks.

C. Discuss how the SWOT analysis from part B impacts Starbucks’ strategic decisions.

D. Acknowledge sources, using in-text citations and references, for content that is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.

E. Demonstrate professional communication in the content and presentation of your submission.

Rubric

A1. Vision, Mission, and Value Statements
The candidate provides a logical discussion, with sufficient detail, of how the creation of the vision, mission, and values statements are critical in the formation of the overall strategy.

A2. Leadership Team Buy-in
The candidate provides a logical discussion, with sufficient detail, of the importance of leadership team buy-in of the strategy.

A3. Analytical Tools
The candidate provides a logical discussion, with sufficient detail, of the use of at least 2 analytical tools in performing a situational analysis.

A4. Alignment Between Strategy, People, and Corporate Culture
The candidate provides a logical discussion, with sufficient detail, of the importance of having the appropriate alignment between strategy, people, and corporate culture.

A4a. Success or Failure
The candidate provides a logical discussion, with sufficient detail, of the role that the alignment plays in determining the success or failure of the business strategy.

B1. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
The candidate provides a plausible analysis, with sufficient detail, of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Starbucks.

C. Impact of SWOT Analysis
The candidate provides a logical discussion, with sufficient support, of how the SWOT analysis from part B1 impacts Starbuck’s strategic decisions.

D. Sources
The submission includes in-text citations for sources that are properly quoted, paraphrased, or summarized and a reference list that accurately identifies the author, date, title, and source location as available.

E. Professional Communication
Content reflects attention to detail, is organized, and focuses on the main ideas as prescribed in the task or chosen by the candidate. Terminology is pertinent, is used correctly, and effectively conveys the intended meaning. Mechanics, usage, and grammar promote accurate interpretation and understanding.