Strategic Plan Research LaTanya Pop Es581 Professor Anthony

15strategic Plan Researchlatanya Popestr581professor Anthony Barnes

Strategic Plan Research The selected organization is Ben & Jerry's, an American corporation that operates as a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate, British Dutch Unilever. The establishment of the firm occurred in 1978, with its founders being Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen. The company specializes in the production of frozen yogurt, ice cream, ice cream novelty goods, and sorbet. The operational strategy of the organization demonstrates effectiveness by incorporating clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each category (Michalak, 2019). The Ben & Jerry's company has been around for a very long time, and in that time it has demonstrated its capabilities to the rest of the globe on several occasions, as well as continually come up with original ideas to enhance its standing in the industry (Michalak, 2019).

Additionally, the business plan of Ben & Jerry's is really effectively presented and examined due to the fact that it is highly clear in terms of the objectives and goals that it outlines. The strategic plan provides a comprehensive outline of the organization's intended direction and the strategies it will employ to achieve its goals. Within the dairy product market, the organization is strategically positioning itself to emerge as the foremost brand (Mei, 2018). This objective is explicitly articulated through their intention to actively collaborate with professionals, including research and development executives, consultants, as well as food and diet specialists, whom they want to recruit and integrate into their operations (Mei, 2018).

By engaging in this practice, individuals will be able to actualize their objectives, using the expertise, information, and competencies possessed by these experts. Ben & Jerry's encounters a dynamic external milieu distinguished by rigorous FDA regulations pertaining to product labelling, which serve to uphold health and quality benchmarks (Marchese, 2020). The imposition of import tariffs on exports originating from the United States presents a formidable predicament, as it engenders a rise in retail expenditures and exerts a discernible influence on the ability to compete effectively. Additionally, the economic environments of the firm's key markets have a significant impact on its performance (Marchese, 2020).

The ice cream industry is greatly influenced by natural factors, like agricultural items such as bananas, milk, and chocolate. Ben & Jerry's possesses several internal characteristics, which contribute to its success in the market. These strengths encompass a significant portion of the market share, a strong and well-established brand image, stable and reliable partnerships with suppliers, and an extensive global distribution network. Nevertheless, the company faces the predicament of diminished profit margins, obstacles in achieving complete regulatory adherence, and substantial investments in projects pertaining to social responsibility. The potential increase in demand for ice cream and sweets that are of superior quality and meet safety standards offers favorable prospects; however, the presence of intense competition and regulatory limitations continue to provide ongoing challenges (Marchese, 2020).

Notwithstanding these obstacles, the organization possesses invaluable, scarce, and difficult-to-duplicate assets, hence enhancing its capacity to sustain a competitive advantage. The plan also encompasses a comprehensive strategy that incorporates a people's plan and focuses on promoting workforce diversity. The Ben & Jerry's brand has emerged as a significant representation for various ethnicities, cultures, and religions, leading to positive impacts on society (Marchese, 2020). The company aims to foster growth and cultivate an inclusive environment that recognizes diversity as a valuable asset. Additionally, an Equity Team has been established to provide oversight for the project, and significant progress has already been made.

Finally, the organization incorporates principles of corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability. According to their declared long-term objectives, Ben & Jerry's demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling their social responsibility by utilizing their company as a means to promote justice and peace. One of the strategies businesses can employ to promote economic and social fairness is by increasing their procurement of Fair Trade ingredients (Sorensen, 2020). Furthermore, it is at the forefront of advancing the promotion of Global Sustainable Dairy Products. This is achieved by its endorsement of ecologically friendly dairy farming practices in collaboration with milk suppliers worldwide, thereby assuring rigorous oversight and regulation of cloned animals.

The primary objective of the company's ecological sustainability efforts is to address the issue of residual plastic present in its ice cream cartons. The company aims to eradicate the utilization of petroleum-derived plastic in the entirety of its packaging materials. By the year 2025, there is a collective aspiration to ensure that all objects and materials are subjected to the principles of reusability, biodegradability, or recyclability. Over the course of numerous years, the enterprise has diligently tried to mitigate its overall ecological footprint, while acknowledging the existence of further endeavors that lie ahead. References Marchese, D. (2020). Ben & Jerry's Radical Ice Cream Dreams. Mei, S. (2018). The impact of acquisitions of small social enterprises by giant multinational corporations on the consumers' brand perception of the acquired firm: the case of Ben & Jerry's (Doctoral dissertation). Michalak, R. (2019). Ben & Jerry’s: Continuing to turn values into value through Linked Prosperity. In Perspectives on Purpose (pp. ). Routledge. Sorensen, L. (2020). Analyzing the Adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies.

Paper For Above instruction

Ben & Jerry's, an iconic American brand known for its innovative and socially conscious approach to the ice cream industry, demonstrates a robust strategic plan that aligns with its mission of combining high-quality products with social responsibility. Founded in 1978 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the company's strategic direction is driven by a clear vision to become the leading ice cream brand globally while maintaining commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and community engagement (Michalak, 2019). This comprehensive strategic plan enables Ben & Jerry's to leverage its unique assets and uphold its values amidst a highly competitive marketplace.

One of the primary facets of Ben & Jerry's strategic plan is market positioning. The company's goal to emerge as the foremost brand within the dairy product industry involves a nuanced understanding of consumer preferences and a strong emphasis on product differentiation. By collaborating with food and diet specialists, research and development teams, and industry consultants, Ben & Jerry's ensures its offerings remain innovative, high-quality, and aligned with emerging health and environmental standards (Mei, 2018). These collaborations are crucial in creating a sustainable competitive advantage, as they foster innovation and cater to an evolving consumer base increasingly concerned with health, ethics, and environmental impacts.

The external environment significantly influences Ben & Jerry's strategic initiatives. Stringent FDA regulations concerning product labeling and safety standards necessitate meticulous compliance to uphold consumer trust and brand integrity (Marchese, 2020). Additionally, trade policies such as import tariffs on U.S. exports introduce economic challenges that impact retail prices and market competitiveness. The influence of climatic and agricultural factors is also notable, affecting the supply chain of essential raw materials like milk, cocoa, and bananas—ingredients central to the company's product offerings (Marchese, 2020). Addressing these external pressures requires an adaptable supply chain management system that can mitigate risks associated with trade constraints and climate variability.

Internally, Ben & Jerry's boasts significant strengths that support its strategic ambitions. Its considerable market share, strong brand reputation, and extensive global distribution network enable the company to sustain a competitive edge. Furthermore, stable partnerships with suppliers and a commitment to social missions fortify customer loyalty and reinforce brand perception. Nonetheless, challenges such as reduced profit margins, regulatory compliance complexities, and substantial investments in social and environmental projects pose ongoing hurdles. Despite these, the company's possession of scarce and difficult-to-imitate resources—such as its brand equity and social mission—help preserve its competitive advantage (Michalak, 2019).

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental sustainability are integral to Ben & Jerry's strategic vision. The company's commitment involves advancing Fair Trade sourcing and promoting sustainable dairy practices through collaborations with global milk suppliers. Their environmental goals include eliminating petroleum-based plastics from packaging by 2025 and ensuring all packaging materials are reusable, biodegradable, or recyclable (Sorensen, 2020). These initiatives demonstrate how the company's strategic plan intertwines social sustainability with corporate operations, aligning corporate goals with global sustainability standards and consumer expectations.

To translate strategic goals into measurable outcomes, Ben & Jerry's employs several Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These include metrics related to sales growth, profitability of new flavors, consumer engagement, and sustainability benchmarks. Continuous process improvement efforts focus on refining manufacturing techniques to enhance product quality, such as optimizing ice crystal formation and air cell distribution. Marketing strategies also emphasize public relations, promotional campaigns, and community engagement to boost brand recognition and customer loyalty (Najar & Rather, 2020).

Furthermore, Ben & Jerry's fosters an inclusive and diverse workforce as part of its internal strategic initiatives. Recognizing diversity as a strength, the company has established an Equity Team to oversee diversity efforts and promote an inclusive organizational culture. This approach not only aligns with societal values but also enhances innovation and decision-making by incorporating diverse perspectives (Marchese, 2020). The emphasis on workforce development and community engagement ensures the company's social missions are embedded within its operational practices.

In adapting to the changing landscape, Ben & Jerry's demonstrates agility and entrepreneurial spirit. The company's proactive approach to market trends, consumer behaviors, and regulatory changes allows it to navigate uncertainties effectively. Its focus on continuous learning, innovation, and strategic agility supports long-term sustainability and growth in a competitive environment (Najar & Rather, 2020).

In conclusion, Ben & Jerry's strategic plan exemplifies a comprehensive approach that balances business growth with social responsibility. Its strategic objectives are grounded in leveraging core assets, adapting to external challenges, and advancing sustainability initiatives. The company's emphasis on innovation, diversity, and environmental stewardship positions it as a leader in both the ice cream industry and corporate social responsibility, illustrating how purpose-driven strategies can generate long-term value for stakeholders.

References

• Marchese, D. (2020). Ben & Jerry's Radical Ice Cream Dreams.
• Mei, S. (2018). The impact of acquisitions of small social enterprises by giant multinational corporations on the consumers' brand perception of the acquired firm: the case of Ben & Jerry's (Doctoral dissertation).
• Michalak, R. (2019). Ben & Jerry’s: Continuing to turn values into value through Linked Prosperity. In Perspectives on Purpose (pp. ). Routledge.
• Sorensen, L. (2020). Analyzing the Adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies.
• Najar, A., & Rather, A. (2020). Mediating role of guest’s attitude toward the impact of UGC benefits on purchase intention of restaurants; Extending social action and control theories. Journal of Foodservice Business Research, 23, 10.1080/.2020..
• Beard, A. (2021). Why Ben & JERRY'S speaks out. Harvard Business Review.