Explain Smuckers' Fit or Lack of Fit - Case Analysis
The case in this course is an "ongoing" case, which means that we have been taking an intense look at one company over the course of 5 modules. This term, we conducted a strategic analysis of the JM Smuckers company. In order to be best prepared and perform well on the cases, it is highly recommended that you complete the background readings and the SLP before writing the case.
This final case involves an analysis of strategy implementation at Smuckers. 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 four cases.
Step One. Review your cases 1-4 so that you are familiar with the mission, vision, SWOT, strategy, and strategic choices you identified over the course of the class.
Step Two. Research the structure, systems, people, and culture at Smuckers. Use the questions listed in the SLP as a guideline. 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 Smuckers' organizational design, key strategic control systems, primary people concerns and cultural factors that have a direct effect on strategy implementation.
Step Four. In a 4-5 page response, critically evaluate the fit - or lack of fit - between the company's mission, strategy, and organizational components critical to implementation.
Format:
Consider the Case as a formal business report that you are developing for the Board of Directors and CEO as Smuckers' company consultant. This is a professional document.
Executive summary: a synopsis of the main points, conclusions and recommendations made in the longer report. If you have never written an executive summary before, or would likea refresher, check this website http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/it/edit226/resource/execsumm.pdf
Introduction: State the main purpose of the response (thesis statement), what you hope to accomplish, and how you will go about doing it.
Main Body: The "meat" of the response. Emphasize analysis, not just description. Delineate separate topics or sections with headings.
Conclusion: Summarize response in the light of your thesis statement.