David R. Forest - Strategic Management (2017)

Required Textdavid Fred R David Forest R 2017strategic Manage

Required Textdavid Fred R David Forest R 2017strategic Manage

REQUIRED TEXT David, Fred R. & David, Forest R. (2017). Strategic Management : A competitive advantage approach , 16th. Pearson Chapter 5 "Strategies in Action" Chapter 6 "Strategy Analysis and Choice." Go to the end of Chapter 5 and do Exercise 5C "What Strategies Should Hershey Pursue in )?" Steps 1 and 2 (minimum 300-word assignment). (When accessing Hershey's website, you'll have to click on "News Center," instead of Newsroom.) Then go to the end of Chapter 6 and do Exercise 6A "Perform a SWOT Analysis for Hershey Company" as an individual, 300-word (minimum) assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment requires two distinct but interconnected tasks based on the principles outlined in David and David's "Strategic Management: A Competitive Advantage Approach." The first task involves analyzing Hershey's strategic options by addressing Exercise 5C from Chapter 5, which focuses on identifying suitable strategies the Hershey Company should pursue. The second task is to perform a comprehensive SWOT analysis of Hershey, as guided by Exercise 6A from Chapter 6. These exercises aim to develop a student's ability to critically evaluate strategic options and internal and external factors influencing a company's success.

In the first task, students are expected to examine Hershey's current strategic position and determine appropriate strategic initiatives based on the context provided in the textbook. To answer Exercise 5C, students should consider Hershey's competitive environment, market trends, consumer preferences, technological developments, and other relevant factors. The analysis should involve steps outlined in the textbook, such as understanding the company's core competencies, identifying opportunities and threats, and proposing strategic moves that align with Hershey's strengths and competitive advantages. A 300-word minimum discussion should synthesize these insights, leading to well-reasoned strategic recommendations for Hershey to sustain and enhance its market position.

The second task involves conducting a SWOT analysis—identifying the company's internal Strengths and Weaknesses, alongside external Opportunities and Threats. This analysis requires students to assess Hershey's product portfolio, brand equity, innovation capabilities, operational efficiency, as well as external factors such as market competition, economic conditions, regulatory environments, and evolving consumer preferences. A thorough SWOT analysis will provide a framework for understanding Hershey’s strategic opportunities for growth and the challenges it faces. The expected minimum length for this analysis is 300 words, and it should include concrete examples supported by credible sources or data where appropriate, demonstrating the student's ability to synthesize internal and external factors into a strategic perspective.

Overall, these exercises aim to strengthen strategic thinking skills by applying theoretical concepts to a real-world company, Hershey. The analysis should be focused, coherent, and supported by evidence, providing a balanced view of Hershey's strategic landscape. The writing should be clear, academically rigorous, and demonstrate an understanding of strategic management principles. Proper citations and references should be included to support insights drawn from the textbook and any additional credible sources used for data or contextual background.

References

  • David, F. R., & David, F. R. (2017). Strategic Management: A Competitive Advantage Approach (16th ed.). Pearson.
  • Hershey Company. (2023). About Hershey. Retrieved from https://www.thehersheycompany.com
  • Grant, R. M. (2019). Contemporary Strategy Analysis (10th ed.). Wiley.
  • Thompson, A. A., Peteraf, M., Gamble, J. E., & Strickland, A. J. (2021). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases (22nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive Advantage. Free Press.
  • Barney, J. B., & Hesterly, W. S. (2019). Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage: Concepts and Cases (6th ed.). Pearson.
  • Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2017). Strategic Management: Competitiveness and Globalization. Cengage Learning.
  • McGrath, R. G. (2013). The End of Competitive Advantage: How to Keep Your Strategy Moving as Fast as Your Business. Harvard Business Review Press.
  • Kim, W. C., & Mauborgne, R. (2004). Blue Ocean Strategy. Harvard Business School Publishing.
  • Porter, M. E. (2008). The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy. Harvard Business Review.

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