Create?a 10- to 15-slide presentation for key stakeholders to solicit their approval of your strategic plan. Address the following in your presentation: An introduction with

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Case Study Analysis

Gbenga Adeogun

University of Phoenix

STR/581

Claudia Duranceau

September 19, 2023

TOMS Shoes operates in a dynamic external environment that can significantly impact its ability to realize its vision. Financial impacts, such as alterations in customer spending patterns or international monetary crises, may affect the company's receipts and profitability. Social elements, for instance, moving fashion inclines or customer inclinations, can affect the requirement for their items (Pendergraft, 2021). Additionally, environmental concerns and sustainability issues are increasingly important in the fashion industry, potentially affecting TOMS' reputation and production processes. Regulatory factors, including trade policies and labor laws in the countries where TOMS manufactures its shoes, can also impact its operations. Furthermore, competitive pressures from both traditional and sustainable footwear companies may require TOMS to continually innovate and adapt to remain successful in a competitive marketplace.

TOMS Shoes faces competition from various major competitors in the footwear industry. Some of its significant rivals consist of Nike, Adidas, Skechers, as well as Vans. This business offers a wide array of shoe designs as well as have set up themselves as market leaders (Pendergraft, 2021). While TOMS separates itself with its one-for-one giving version as well as commitment to social responsibility, it still deals with market share as well as consumer commitment versus these reputable rivals.

Several factors affect the growth of TOMS Shoes. One critical factor is consumer awareness and interest in socially responsible and sustainable products. As consumers become more conscious of their purchasing choices, TOMS may benefit from the growing demand for ethical and eco-friendly products (Salum & Coleta, 2018). Additionally, TOMS' ability to expand its product line beyond shoes, such as eyewear and coffee, diversifies its offerings and can contribute to growth. International expansion and partnerships with retail giants like Target have also played a role in TOMS' growth strategy.

Internally, TOMS Shoes must consider factors like efficient supply chain management to ensure timely delivery of products. Maintaining its reputation for corporate social responsibility and transparency is essential, as any deviation from its mission could lead to reputational damage (Pendergraft, 2021). Moreover, innovation in product design and sustainability practices will be crucial for staying competitive and appealing to evolving consumer preferences.

TOMS Shoes has several strengths, including a strong brand identity associated with social impact, a loyal customer base, and a successful one-for-one business model that resonates with consumers. Its commitment to corporate social responsibility and ethical sourcing also enhances its reputation (Salum & Coleta, 2018). However, weaknesses include potential limitations in product diversification, as it primarily focuses on footwear, and the need to continually innovate to remain relevant in a competitive market.

Challenges and threats for TOMS Shoes may include changing consumer attitudes, market saturation, and competition from established brands. Economic downturns can affect consumer spending on premium-priced products, impacting TOMS' sales (Salum & Coleta, 2018). Supply chain disruptions, such as those caused by geopolitical issues or natural disasters, can disrupt production and distribution. Furthermore, as the company grows, maintaining its social mission and avoiding accusations of "cause-washing" will be a continuous challenge.

The feasibility of TOMS Shoes' continued success depends on its ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, expand its product range, and maintain the authenticity of its social mission (Salum & Coleta, 2018). While its unique one-for-one model and strong brand identity provide a competitive advantage, the company must navigate the complexities of the global footwear market and remain committed to its mission. To remain successful, TOMS must strike a balance between profitability and social impact while staying responsive to changes in the external and internal environment.

References

Pendergraft, G. (2021).  TOMS Shoes: Effective Altruism?. SAGE Publications: SAGE Business Cases Originals.

Salum, F., & Coleta, K. (2018). TOMS SHOES CASE.

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Strategic Plan Research

Gbenga Adeogun

University of Phoenix

STR/581

Claudia Duranceau

September 26, 2023

The selected strategic plan for analysis in this MBA coursework is one from a renowned coffeehouse chain operating in the fast-food industry – Starbucks Corporation. Starbucks is a renowned worldwide mention with an intense profile in in excess of 30,000 venues around the planet. The organization's plan of action is a wide-reaching report that embraces the fundamental segments of a normal strategic plan.

The Starbucks plan for success clearly showcases the organization's objective to "encourage and nurture the human spirit – one individual, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time." It contains a list of strategic aims and benchmarks that are consistent with this vision, such as growing its physical store locations, boosting client satisfaction, and augmenting its digital influence (City, 2021). This clear sense of purpose and ambition is crucial for propelling the organization's efforts.

Furthermore, the business assesses its interior and exterior contexts carefully. It applies a SWOT analysis to measure its current position, competitive advantages, and possible dangers, all of which are essential for informed strategic planning (City, 2021). Starbucks' plan of action also accounts for its workforce. The firm is committed to promoting fairness and inclusiveness and has projects in place to boost diversity, such as the Starbucks College Achievement Plan and alliances with entities like Opportunity Youth (Musonera, 2021). These attempts are in line with the company's beliefs and are necessary for attaining its strategic goals.

Furthermore, Starbucks emphasizes corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Its scheme outlines the organization's duty to ethically source coffee, decrease its environmental effect, and contribute positively to the neighborhoods it serves.

References

City, Q. (2021). STARBUCKS CORPORATION.

Musonera, E. (2021). Strategic marketing case analysis: Starbucks.  Journal of Business and Social Science Review,  2(11), 12-22.

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Case Study Analysis

Gbenga Adeogun

University of Phoenix

STR/581

Claudia Duranceau

September 26, 2023

The loss of confidence in the Twitter brand can be can be traced back to multiple root causes. To begin with, Twitter has grappled with massive complications linked to the wide-scale diffusion of false stories and untrustworthy news on its platform. This has eroded confidence in the site as users became increasingly anxious about the promotion of deceptive content and the feasibility of control.

Issues Pertaining to user wellbeing and maltreatment have likewise had an influence in limiting trust in Twitter. The stage battled to successfully address online harassing and domineering language, which yielded adverse client encounters and an impression that Twitter was not doing enough to secure its clients (Twitter Investigation Report, 2020).

Furthermore, Twitter's inconsistent enforcement of regulations and thought to be prejudice in political and social questions have brought about a diminishment of confidence. Clients from the two sides of the political tree have blamed Twitter of favoring one opinion instead of the other, further wearing away the sense of equity and impartiality.

In reaction to these difficulties, Twitter has taken multiple steps to regain user confidence. They have introduced measures to combat misinformation and improve the transparency of political advertising (Twitter Investigation Report, 2020). They have also labored to increase consumer protection by instituting tougher regulations and protocols against bullying.

These measures signify progress in the right direction, however, it is up for discussion whether they provide a full-fledged plan to revive consumer trust. The issues Twitter faces are intricate and diverse, requiring constant and pro-active endeavors to manage (Twitter Investigation Report, 2020). Fostering and upholding confidence is a continuous process, and Twitter must show a sustained determination to these problems to completely restore confidence from users.

Comparing Twitter's internal atmosphere to that of a competitor like Facebook, it's evident that both businesses grapple with comparable struggles in relation to false information, consumer security, and content regulation. Nevertheless, Facebook has incorporated a more extensive set of solutions to address these issues, for instance creating an autonomous governing body to evaluate material judgments (Twitter Investigation Report, 2020). This hints that Facebook could have an improved chance to retrieve confidence in the near future.

Regarding the probability of Twitter's strategic moves leading to a sustainable competitive advantage, it's uncertain. Trust is a vital component in the achievement of social media platforms, and Twitter's capacity to reestablish faithfulness will rely upon its steady endeavors and productivity in tending to the distinguished issues (Twitter Investigation Report, 2020).

To help Twitter gain an edge over its rivals, I would prescribe an extensive corporate tactic: Establish stricter and more transparent content control conventions to guarantee the website is a secure and trustworthy site for customers. Additionally, establish and execute innovative Artificial Intelligence and machine learning technology to identify and control the spread of fake news and hazardous material instantly.

References

Twitter Investigation Report. (2020). Department of Financial Services. https://www.dfs.ny.gov/Twitter_Report

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Signature Assignment: Modified SWOT Analysis

Gbenga Adeogun

University of Phoenix

STR/581

Claudia Duranceau

October 03, 2023

Company Overview

For this assignment, I have selected Apple Inc., a prominent company from the 2019 Fortune 500 list that exemplifies a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace. Apple Inc. is a multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California. It is known for its innovative products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, and various software and services. Apple's strong brand reputation, loyal customer base, and continuous innovation have contributed to its sustained competitive advantage.

SWOT Analysis for Apple Inc.

Strengths

Apple Inc. boasts a multitude of strengths that underpin its sustained competitive advantage. Foremost among these is its formidable brand, globally renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and the creation of user-friendly products. Apple's consistent delivery of cutting-edge products and pioneering technologies, such as the iPhone, iPad, and Macintosh computers, has set industry standards and fortified its position in the market (Gupta, 2018). Moreover, Apple has masterfully constructed a unique ecosystem encompassing its devices, software, and services like iCloud and the App Store, fostering customer loyalty and retention. Bolstering its strengths further, the company wields substantial financial resources, including an extensive cash reserve, empowering investments in research, development, and expansive ventures (Gupta, 2018) . Complementing these assets, Apple's highly efficient supply chain management ensures the swift delivery of its products to consumers, contributing to its enduring competitiveness.

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Despite its remarkable strengths, Apple Inc. grapples with certain weaknesses that warrant consideration. Foremost among these is the propensity for premium pricing, a characteristic that renders Apple products less accessible to budget-conscious consumers. This pricing strategy, though conducive to maintaining profit margins, can alienate a segment of potential customers. Another vulnerability lies in Apple's substantial dependence on iPhone sales, which constitute a substantial portion of its revenue (Gupta, 2018). Consequently, the company faces susceptibility to market fluctuations in smartphone demand, necessitating diversification strategies. Additionally, the closed ecosystems associated with Apple's products, while enhancing security and consistency, limit customization options for users, potentially hindering adaptability to individual preferences (Gupta, 2018). Furthermore, Apple's involvement in various legal battles, particularly patent disputes, poses a dual challenge—financial burden and time-consuming distractions—that necessitates prudent legal management to safeguard its competitive standing.

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Opportunities

Apple Inc. finds itself poised at the threshold of compelling opportunities that promise to enhance its already formidable competitive position. Firstly, the company's services segment, encompassing offerings like Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade, presents a lucrative avenue for diversifying its revenue streams, capitalizing on the growing demand for digital entertainment and subscription-based services. Secondly, Apple's expansion into emerging markets, notably India, holds the promise of tapping into a vast and burgeoning consumer base, further broadening its global reach (RASCH, 2018). Thirdly, the burgeoning growth in healthcare technology and wearables represents a valuable opportunity for Apple, with its innovative products like the Apple Watch and health-focused applications, positioning the company at the forefront of the digital health revolution (RASCH, 2018). Lastly, the increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness aligns with Apple's commitment to eco-friendly practices, offering the prospect of developing and promoting sustainable product lines that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers, potentially bolstering the company's reputation and appeal in a conscientious market.

Threats

Apple Inc. faces a spectrum of threats in the dynamic landscape of technology and global markets. Chief among these is the relentless competition from formidable rivals such as Samsung and Google, who continually vie for market share and profitability, necessitating Apple's unwavering commitment to innovation and differentiation. Furthermore, the susceptibility to supply chain disruptions, as exemplified by the global upheaval wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the fragility of Apple's intricate supply network, warranting contingency planning to mitigate potential production hiccups (RASCH, 2018). The escalation of regulatory scrutiny, particularly concerning antitrust and privacy concerns, represents a growing threat, as it may impose stringent regulations and operational restrictions that impact Apple's business practices (Momin, 2022). Lastly, the specter of currency fluctuations looms, with exchange rate variations potentially affecting Apple's international revenue and profitability, necessitating vigilant financial strategies to counteract these economic vicissitudes and safeguard its competitive standing.

Evaluation of Internal Factors

Apple's strengths, including its strong brand, innovative products, ecosystem, financial resources, and supply chain efficiency, collectively support and promote its competitive advantage. The brand loyalty and reputation have allowed Apple to command premium prices for its products (Momin, 2022). Its continuous innovation and efficient supply chain ensure it delivers high-quality products to consumers globally.

Evaluation of External Factors

Opportunities such as services growth, expansion into emerging markets, healthcare, and sustainability align with Apple's strengths and contribute to its competitive advantage. The company can leverage its strong brand and financial resources to seize these opportunities (Momin, 2022). However, threats such as competition, supply chain disruptions, regulatory scrutiny, and currency fluctuations require strategic management to mitigate potential risks.

Conclusion

Apple Inc. has retained its edge through a combination of features, comprising a distinguished name, special offerings, devoted consumer following, and productive supply chain operations. Despite obstructions and dangers, the firm's capacity to alter, advance, and vary its revenue sources locates it as a leader in the sector and guarantees its on-going success in the hi-tech world. Apple's dedication to worth and user experience underlines its perpetual aggressive gain in the market.

References

Gupta, S. K. (2018, December 18).  Apple SWOT 2023 | SWOT Analysis of Apple. Business Strategy Hub. https://bstrategyhub.com/swot-analysis-of-apple-apple-swot/

RASCH, D. F. A. (2018). BUSINESS MODEL. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Al-R-Firend/publication/358375031_BUSINESS_MODEL_SIMPLFIED_WITH_EXAMPLES_FROM_GLOBAL_COMPANIES/links/61fe76cba7d76d0f08c29e5e/BUSINESS-MODEL-SIMPLFIED-WITH-EXAMPLES-FROM-GLOBAL-COMPANIES.pdf

Momin, A. (2022, March 31).  Apple SWOT Analysis 2022. PESTLE Analysis. https://pestleanalysis.com/apple-swot-analysis/

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Business Plan Assessment

Gbenga Adeogun

University of Phoenix

STR/581

Claudia Duranceau

October 10, 2023

Purpose of the Strategic Plan

Starbucks' strategic plan serves as a roadmap to achieve its overarching objective: to inspire and nurture the human spirit. This purpose is reflected in its commitment to community engagement, customer satisfaction, employee development, and ethical business practices (City, 2021). The plan embodies Starbucks' ethos of being more than just a coffee provider but a positive force in the communities it operates.

Key Objectives

Market Development

To expand market reach, Starbucks can invest in emerging markets with a focus on localized products. Collaborations with local artisans and incorporating regional flavors can attract diverse customer bases. Digital initiatives like mobile ordering enhancements can streamline customer experiences, catering to the modern, tech-savvy consumer.

Process Improvement

Process enhancements should concentrate on supply chain efficiency, ensuring a steady flow of high-quality coffee beans. Automation in routine tasks can free up employee time for more meaningful customer interactions (Musonera, 2021). Implementing eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing practices align with societal expectations and the company's vision.

Development of People

Investment in employee education and well-being, such as advanced barista training programs and mental health support, can boost morale and service quality (Musonera, 2021). Acknowledging cultural diversity within the workforce through inclusivity workshops fosters a harmonious work environment, enhancing productivity.

Product/Service Quality Improvement

Starbucks can focus on enhancing its product quality through continual innovation. Developing healthier menu options, exploring sustainable packaging, and introducing unique, seasonal beverages can attract health-conscious and environmentally aware customers (Musonera, 2021).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

KPIs should encompass customer satisfaction scores, market penetration rates in new regions, employee retention rates, sustainability metrics, and revenue growth. Monitoring these indicators will provide insights into the plan's effectiveness, guiding strategic adjustments as needed.

Recommended Initiatives

Enhance customer experiences through loyalty programs, personalized promotions, and interactive digital platforms, ensuring brand loyalty and repeat business.

Strengthen environmental efforts, promoting eco-friendly packaging, renewable energy use, and community-focused initiatives to bolster Starbucks' reputation as a socially responsible brand.

Adapting to the Changing Business Environment

Given the evolving market dynamics, Starbucks should continuously monitor consumer trends and preferences. Embracing digital advancements, including mobile ordering, contactless payments, and AI-driven customer service, can enhance the customer journey. Additionally, staying attuned to global socio-cultural shifts, especially regarding health and sustainability, can aid in tailoring products and services to meet changing demands. Collaborative partnerships and mergers can also open avenues for innovation and expansion, ensuring Starbucks remains agile and competitive in the ever-changing business landscape.

References

City, Q. (2021). STARBUCKS CORPORATION.

Musonera, E. (2021). Strategic marketing case analysis: Starbucks.   Journal of Business and Social Science Review, 2(11), 12-22.

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Case Study Analysis

Gbenga Adeogun

University of Phoenix

STR/581

Claudia Duranceau

October 10, 2023

In addressing Airbnb's advantage over competitors concerning regulations affecting its business operations, a comprehensive business strategy is vital to ensure ethical treatment of consumers, navigate local, state, and international regulatory requirements, and motivate individuals to participate positively in the accommodations market. To achieve ethical treatment of consumers, Airbnb should focus on transparency, safety, and fair practices. Implementing strict vetting processes for hosts, ensuring accurate property representations, and establishing clear guidelines for guest behavior are essential steps (John et al, 2020). Collaborating with local communities, governments, and regulatory bodies to create industry standards and codes of conduct can further enhance ethical practices.

Regarding local, state, and international regulations, Airbnb should establish a dedicated compliance team well-versed in the legal frameworks of different regions. This team should proactively engage with local authorities, staying informed about evolving regulations and adapting the platform accordingly (John et al, 2020). Airbnb can also invest in education programs for hosts, educating them about legal obligations, safety protocols, and ethical responsibilities. Regular audits and monitoring mechanisms can ensure ongoing compliance and adherence to regulations.

For the international component of their business model, having a separate strategy is crucial. Cultural nuances, legal disparities, and consumer preferences vary significantly across borders. Airbnb should customize its approach based on the specific needs of each country or region. This customization includes understanding local laws, adapting marketing strategies, and respecting cultural norms (John et al, 2020). Building strong relationships with local partners, including government agencies and hospitality organizations, can facilitate smoother operations and foster community acceptance.

Furthermore, Airbnb should prioritize sustainable practices and community engagement globally. Collaborating with local organizations for social initiatives, promoting eco-friendly practices, and investing in community development projects can enhance Airbnb's reputation and foster positive relationships internationally (John et al, 2020).

In conclusion, Airbnb's success in the accommodations market lies not only in its innovative platform but also in its ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes ethically and responsibly. By prioritizing consumer ethics, adapting to diverse regulatory environments, and tailoring strategies for international markets, Airbnb can foster a positive ecosystem, ensuring the sustainable growth of its business while benefiting both hosts and guests.

References

John D. Varlaro Johnson & Wales UniversityJohn E. Airbnb in 2020 GambleTexas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

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