Please read the discussion post first, after reviewing I need a reply to what my classmate had to say about the discussion topic.

Basically agreeing or not with a reason to the reply.

Here is the discussion post

Vince Lombardi was quoted as saying “The best game plan in the world never blocked or tackled anybody”; strategist often believe their work is done once they’ve identified the right strategy to be implemented, but in reality the strategy implementation phase is often far more difficult than the strategy formulation phase.

In addition to organization design, there are several other factors that can cause a good strategy to fail: management, operations, marketing, finance, R&D and MIS issues. Review your response to Learning Activity #1 and determine which ONE of these additional factors could cause that specific strategy to fail. Clearly identify the factor, explain why it could cause the strategy to fail – fully support your response.

Here is my classmate response to the discussion post:

Organizational design is a very important factor in implementing strategy for Kroger, but it certainly is not the only one. Another factor that could cause the strategy to fail is that of the management. Since Kroger should be using a multidivisional structure, the management of the Private Label division has a vital role. The executives must develop leaders at every level within the division to insure that the strategy is executed properly; organizations that are successful and high performing clearly understand that it’s the lower and mid level managers that make things happen and really enforce what it takes to execute the strategy (Bersin, 2012, para. 13). If the management drops the ball and does not continue to pursue the strategy outlined for Kroger, then their strategy will not be successful.

Failing to have the right people in management and leadership positions can lead to failure in strategy implementation; this can overly burden the current managers and force them to neglect other duties, which will ultimately undermine whatever strategy they are working towards (Hsieh & Yik, 2005, para. 9). The right managers can keep the strategic plan in the forefront and advocate for it on a daily basis. This will help keep the company’s strategy in place and help it be successful.