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Assessment 1 Topic: Critical Strategic Analysis of Weetabix Acquisition by Post Holdings Rasha Elbanna R1805D5376972 Tutor: Rajeev Bali
MBA - Master of Business Administration V2 Module- ST4S38-V1 27/01/2019
FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND SOCIETY
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Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ........................ ...................................... .......................... ............................... .............................. ..........................3 ...............3 2.0 Strategic S trategic positioning of the company............................ company........................................ ..........................4 ..............4 2.1 Porter’s Generic Strategic Analysis……………………………………….. Analysis………………………………………..5 5 2.1.1 The Cost Leadership Strategy ……………………………………………6 ……………………………………………6 2.1.2 Cost Focus……………………………………………………………………7 2.1.3 The Differentiation Strategy……………………………………………… Strategy………………………………………………..7 ..7 2.1.4 The Focus Strategy- Niche Markets……………………………………… Markets ………………………………………7 7 2.2 Bowman's Strategy Clock…………………………………………………… Clock …………………………………………………….7 .7 3.0 Stakeholders Analysis………………............... Analysis………………............................... ............................ ..........................9 ..............9 3.1 Stakeholder Members……………………………………………. Members…………………………………………….…………...9 …………...9 3.2 Stakeholder Influence……………………………………………………… Influence ………………………………………………………..10 ..10 4.0 External environment……………………………………………………… environment ………………………………………………………...12 ...12 4.1 PEST ANALYSIS …………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………..12 ..12 4.1.1 Political Analysis ........................... ........................................ .......................... ................................ .............................12 ..........12 4.1.2 Economical Analysis .......................... ......................................... ................................. ............................... .................13 ....13 4.1.3 Social Analysis .............................. .......................................... .......................... ............................... ..............................13 .............13 4.1.4 Technological Analysis ............................ .............................................. ............................... ...........................14 ..............14 5.0 Industry Analysis ............................ ........................................ ......................... ............................... ................................ ...............14 .14 5.1 Porters Five Forces……………………. Forces…………………….…………………………………… ……………………………………..15 ..15 5.1.1 Competitive Rivalry within the same Domain ………………………….15 5.1.2 Threat of new entry………………………………………………………….16 entry………………………………………………………….16 5.1.3 Threat of substitution………………………………………………………..16 substitution………………………………………………………..16 5.1.4 Buyer power …………………………………………………………………..17 …………………………………………………………………..17 5.1.5 Supplier power ……………………………………………………………….17 ……………………………………………………………….17 6.0 Conclusion ......................... ........................................ ........................... .......................... ........................... .......................... ..................17 .....17 REFRENCE .......................... ...................................... ......................... ......................... ............................... ................................ ....................19 .......19
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1.0 Introduction
The need for strategic management has become crucial recently, as businesses / organizations encounter multitudinous challenges from competitors, customers , new technology and suppliers .According to Liebowitz, 2006 organizational survival and sustainability has increasingly been a challenge. Strategic planning illuminates long term objectives and sets the incumbent actions to achieve them. According to plans set, businesses would be able envisage company’s future and dispose a formula to reach to that end point. Moreover, the necessity for strategic leadership is what positions any firm relative to its rivals. Expansion strategy has been acquired by many organizations in the past years. The Expansion Strategy is endorsed by organizations in attempt to secure high thrive compared to past achievements . In other words, when an organization decides to grow through widening of its business scope in one of aspects, for example customer groups, customer functions or technology alternatives, either individually or jointly, then it follows the Expansion Strategy . One of the easiest ways in business expansion is acquisition. It is the fastest way to grow your company. Acquisition helps to extend market share, expand in new markets, and obtain advanced technology as well as acquiring readymade skilled personnel / teams. Mergers and acquisitions, have adopted as vital corporate strategies for rapid growth and development (Ramakrishnan 2010).According to strategic researchers, mergers and acquisitions are successful not only in the realization of underlying intents but they are also helpful in the attainment of other objectives (Brouthers et al. 1998; Lahovnik 2000). Post Holdings, the third-largest cereal firm in the US and posses brands including Great Grains, Golden Crisp and Cocoa Pebbles. Post is a leader within its markets and shares a commitment to delivering great tasting nutritious products for the whole family .Post Holdings, a company which is dated back to more than 100 years, and dedicated to serve shareholders, employees, consumers and customers in order to grow and succeed. To attain this vision a strategy has to be in place, to strive in a global competitive market. One of the main strategies employed by Post Holdings is acquisition in order to expand in new markets. Since 2008, Post Holdings has achieved several acquisitions which have remodeled the company into a diversified consumer 3
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products holding company. In order to penetrate, the British market the easiest strategy was through acquiring UK number one ready-to-eat cereal products, Weetabix. Moreover, Weetabix products were exported to 80 countries, with factories in Europe, east Africa and North America. This acquisition means that there would be a change in stakeholder both internally and externally. In order to have a successful M&A, this would require setting objectives and carryout the desired strategic analysis to avoid failure and ensure competitive asset or bonus by this synergy. The objective of this study is to spotlight on critical strategic analysis of Weetabix acquisition by Post Holdings. It will explore and analyze the strategic position of Weetabix in cereal industry and stakeholder involved as well as external and industry analysis. In order to execute this analysis, use of appropriate literature and academic principles, models and theories to fortify the opinion and recommendation, as required. 2.0 Strategic positioning of the company
A company’s relative state within its domain is significant for its efficiency. Strategic positioning is what differentiates a company from its rivals .It reflects company’s values which are translated into products. It is the objective or goals set that influences action/ approach in a situation. According to Wickham, 2001: 230, Strategic positioning is influenced by the mode the business as a whole and how it recognizes itself in a beneficial state over its competitors and the manner by which it provides value to precise customer segments. Porter's generic strategic Analysis and Bowma n’s Strategy clock are techniques assigned to evaluate and recognize approaches on how to gain interest over rival companies. Porter (2008) states, “That being able to understand the competitive forces and its causes helps reveal the roots of an industry’s current -profitability while providing a framework for anticipating and influencing competition and pr ofitability over time”
Porter 2012 discusses that strategy defines the company’s distinctive approach to competing and the competitive advantages on which it will be based.
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2.1 Porter’s Generic Strategic Analysis
Porter in 1980 noted that strategy should aim one of the three, either cost leadership, differentiation, or focus. These are known as Porter's three generic strategies. Porter’s generic analysis is a technique applicable for any type of organization whether it provides a product or a service, indifferent of the organization’s size. Porter insisted that any organization must choose only one of the three or expose the organization and would exhaust organization’s valuable resources as shown in Figure 1. Porter's generic strategies framed the association between cost minimization strategies, product differentiation strategies, and market focus strategies.
Figure-1. A diagram of Michael Port er's Three Generic Strategies based on an image from Porter M. E., Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors (New York: Free Press, 1980), page 39.
Porter proposed four "generic" business strategies that could be embraced with a view to achieve competitive advantage. The strategies correlate the level to which area of a business' activities are narrow versus broad and the extent to which a business seeks to differentiate its products. Porter noted that strategy determines company’s exclusive perspective in competing and the competitive privilege on which it will be based. A competitive advantage can be earned over rivals, by providing greater value, better prices, better services etc.
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Figure 2 – Source of Competitive Advantage (From Mindfultool.com)
Porter called the generic strategies "Cost Leadership ”, "Differentiation" (product differentiation developing exclusive products and services) and "Focus" (market segmentation). He then subdivided the Focus strategy into two parts: "Cost Focus" and "Differentiation Focus." Any company that achieves the three of them is operating in the right track. 2.1.1 The Cost Leadership Strategy This strategy aims at reducing the cost of production. This strategy is applicable in large
scale business where the cost of production is lessened. This would lead to a product that reaches end user with a more valuable lesser price. In case of Weetabix acquisition by Post Holdings, it was clearly stated that due to this acquisition with post , that the firm will have a “meaningful cost reduction opportunities through leveraging each other's manufacturing and supply chains where we overlap, as well as combining our global procurement purchases". 2.1.2 Cost Focus
These are usually products similar to the mother product with relatively low price and might have relative difference in quality but satisfies the need of specific segment. As for Weetabix it would not fall within this sector
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2.1.3 The Differentiation Strategy This strategy requires differentiating your product or services from other companies
competing within the same domain. To achieve this would require a strong Research and development approach as well as marketing and sales team who monitor market changes and customer’s needs and expectations. A well established organization as Weetabix and supported by another strong organization as Post holdings would be a strong competitor with its various products available plus the newly added ones to its range from Post holdings
2.1.4 The Focus Strategy- Niche Markets
This strategy focuses on market segmentation according to customer needs. Some companies adopt multi-focused strategy. Generally every organization carry out its efforts to cover a specific market segment. Due to the wide range of products introduced by Weetabix such as cereals, Alpen bars, Weetabix on the go etc. and the added value by the Post Holdings acquisition therefore increasing product range, to have on board protein bars and drinks. Moreover, Weetabix is the no:1 on the go breakfast drink.
2.2 Bowman's Strategy Clock
Bowman's Strategy Clock is a guide implemented by companies in outlining marketing strategy to evaluate its competitive position in contrast to competitors’ contribution. It is an illustrative depiction which presents the link between customer benefit and prices. Bowman’s strategy is a useful extension to Porters generic strategy into eight strategic alternatives for companies to pursue when differentiating their competitive benefits versus competitors as shown in figure 3. This diagram helps businesses to rotate in eight directions in attempt to locate what they offer to customers at what prices .
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Figure 3- Bowman's Strategy Clock
With reference to Bowman’s clock Weetabix would fall in Differentiation. Weetabix prior Post holdings acquisition has managed to have a wide range of products through launching highly innovated products such as Oatiflakes, Ready Brek Chocolate, Weetos and Oaty Bars launched between 2007 -2010. In Addition Weetabix has successfully adapted a “ to how people shop eat” strategy and accordingly introducing products for different places for example offering two-biscuit packs in Kenya where shopping is more little and often and 48 packs in Mexico where bulk buying is more common. Therefore is it always crucial adopt product according to customers preferences .Moreover , according to Post Holdings to Acquire Weetabix presentation on April 18, 2017 Weetabix is an iconic leading brand with 85 years of heritage and best-in-class health credentials and 97% of Weetabix products classified as “healthy”. Therefore, with continuous stress and campaigns carried out to in support of adopting healthier lifestyles, Weetabix would easily differentiate itself from competitors. According to Post, Weetabix would give more strategic options. Weetabix, in 2015 adopt a smart age differentiation strategy by introducing Weetabuddy campaign in cooperation with Cartoon Network which targeted ages 4-10. The 2015 Weetabuddies campaign was huge success; delivering an increase in sales of 14 per cent (volume) and 4 per cent (value) (January 2015 vs. January 2014). Further, Vitale (representative of Post
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Holding), sees opportunities in selling the companies' products in each other's markets and for tapping into the UK "active nutrition" market. This would again increase product range and differentiation.
3.0 Stakeholder Analysis
Freeman defined a stakeholder as “any group or individual who can affect or is affected by the achievement of the organization’s objectives” . Similarly, Eden and Ackermann, 1998, 117 present stakeholders as “People or small groups with the power to respond to, negotiate with, and change the strategic future of the organization ”. According to Moreover, Walker, Bourne, and Shelley (2008) consider stakeholders as groups and individuals who have interest in a business. According to Paul Nutt’s in Why Decisions Fail (2002) , the importance of stakeholder and how crucial it is to analyze stake holder as a lack in or partial implementation would lead to unwanted or poor outcomes .Generally, Stakeholders involved are variable, it could be individuals, groups, or organizations, government. Stakeholders are either primary or secondary. Primary stakeholders are ones who determine the internal activities of an organization, for example Equity shareholders, customer, suppliers, employees, business partners, shareholders, investors etc. Secondary stakeholders are the ones having interest in the organization but with no power over the internal function of the organization e.g. the public, government, global society, media, trade bodies, competitors etc. In strategic analysis of the acquisition of Post Holdings and Weetabix, is essential to identify stakeholders involved. 3.1 Stakeholder Members Primary Social Stakeholders
Customers
Investors/ Shareholders of Weetabix and Post Holdings
Employees of Weetabix
suppliers and partners
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Secondary Social Stakeholders
Trade Bodies
UK Government and society
Occupational safety and health
Food Safety
Competitors breakfast cereal e.g. Kellogg’s
Media
National Health Service
National Insurance Fund ,
Primary non-social Stakeholders
Non-human species
Future Generations
Secondary non-social stakeholders
Regulators such as customer rights protection
Awareness campaigns for healthier lifestyle
3.2 Stakeholder Influence
After identifying, the stakeholders involved it is essential to map out the groups and/or individuals to indicate how influential they are on decision making. Using Stakeholder Influence Diagrams/ power grid is a helpful in stakeholder mapping. Stakeholder influence diagrams presents how the stakeholders on a power versus interest grid influence one another. The technique is taken from Eden and Ackermann (1998, 349350) and begins with a power versus interest grid.
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Interes t
High
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Weetabix employees
UK Government
Society
Regulatory Bodies
Investors
Shareholders
Customers
Suppliers
Competitors
low
Low
High Power
Figure 4. Power Versus Interest Grid
Primary stakeholders includes the shareholders of both Post Holdings and Weetabix; they lead/ regulate the business overall functions. They possess a high level of power and interest in the organization and must be satisfied at all levels. Moreover, shareholders of both Post Holdings and Weetabix and employees are also primary stakeholders with less power and high interest. The British government is considered as secondary stakeholders. The British government is an essential player in ensuring this acquisition process follows the proper legal routes and all stipulated organization’s rules for employees’ welfare. On the other hand, investor returns maybe affected. Individuals or groups who own high power and high interest as investors are advice to be handled thoughtfully.
These individuals should be employed fully in
organizations operations and require efforts to be satisfied. In recent years Customers imposed great power through effect of social media which impacts buying power or may even ruin brand. It is of great importance to monitor activities that can affect product sales. Employees are the individuals with high interest and less power in the power / interest grid and require as well high satisfaction to ensure continuity and smoothness in workflow. According Post holding 2017 report, one of the obstacles to be faced for a successful integration of these acquisitions depends on our ability to manage the operations and personnel of the acquired businesses. Further, secondary shareholders 11
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involve the public, global society etc. which has a direct or indirectly outcome on the organization and vice-versa but would still require monitoring.
4.0 External environment
Environmental analysis is a way of auditing external environment. According to Davies 2017,
the nature
of the environment can be either: simple or complex, static or dynamic
and certain or uncertain. Important factors determining these natures include maturity and research ability. One commonly used technique for environmental analysis is PEST: P-POLITICAL, E-ECONOMIC, S-SOCIAL & T-TECHNOLOGICAL
4.1 PEST analysis
Pest Analysis is compromises of 4 elements political factors, economical factors, social factors and technological factor 4.1.1 Political Factors that Impact Weetabix
Political factors include Political, taxation, legislation, foreign trade, employment law, government stability. A stable political climate is what attracts investors. According to Vitale CEO of Post holdings in its annual report 2017, the uncertainty perceived due to the enforcement of Brexit, increased economic unpredictability impacting business operations and business. The may also results cause disruptions to and create uncertainty surrounding our business, including affecting our relationships with our existing and future customers, suppliers and employees .Brexit may also affect agreements the United Kingdom makes to retain access to European Union markets either during a transitional period or more permanently which may affect geographical expansion. Moreover, the acquisition of Weetabix by Post holdings would face negative profit impact, due to increase funding and expenses to our qualified pension and other post-retirement plans. They would be obligated to ensure that these plans are funded or paid in accordance with applicable regulations to retain employees at Weetabix. In addition , any change in legal and regulatory factors, including environmental laws, advertising and labeling laws, changes in food safety and laws and regulations
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governing animal feeding and housing operations would have a direct or in direct effect in business operation 4.1.2 Economic Factors that Impact Weetabix
Economic factors include economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation rate. These factors profoundly determine how businesses function and formulate decisions. For example, Exchange rates can affect the costs of exporting goods and the supply and price of imported goods in an economy. According to Kan& Massoudi (2017), Post – Brexit UK, experiences a drop in value and a weaker pound, that makes UK a more attractive destination for investors/ buyers and therefore more M&A. In addition, UK economy is slowing down after eight years trough post global financial crisis. Demand, output and jobs have been tough in the two years since the June 2016 Brexit vote which has dropped the buying power due to fear of uncertainty. One of the economical significant factors impacting Business performance is volatility in raw material cost, commodities, packaging or energy used to manufacture goods Turell, warned of rising product prices Weetabix , as a post Brexit impact arising from weak value of sterling, boosting ingredients prices leading to raw materials costs . Moreover, as wheat are priced in dollars prices are even going higher.
4.1.3 Social Factors that Impact Weetabix
Social factors include demographics, social mobility, lifestyle changes, consumerism, levels of education, health consciousness. As mentioned earlier , recent years have experienced aggressive health awareness campaigns and support to shifting eating habits. This would be an add value as Weetabix is considered to have 97% of its products healthy. Moreover, the is a continuous change in shopping habits. Breakfast has become one of the largest on-the-go meal covers around 28% of consumers shop on-the-go for the first meal of the day. Protein has become a mainstream health trend with 49% of the UK population aware of the benefits of protein and only 5% rejecters of protein foods . Darryl Burgess lightens up that protein cereals is a fastest growing segment in the category, up 7.3% due to a 40% rise in consumers looking to add more
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protein to their diet. This presents a huge sales opportunity for retailers and foodservice operators, but also represents a challenge for traditional cereals. Media campaigns and social media can help changing buying habits of consumers. It is of great importance to have an eye on various activities that can affect product sales. On the other hand, it can be a means of attracting more customers. 4.1.4 Technological Factors that Impact Weetabix
This includes new R&D developments, speed of technology transfer, rates of obsolescence Technological and fast responses to customer expectations. Transferring breakfast trends or customer preference into products, through a strong R&D activity determines barriers to entry. This was implemented by weetabix on launching Weetabix on the go. A huge opportunity for Weetabix, to launch a high protein breakfast cereal with the mainstream health trend of protein consumption. Application of new technological techniques that can decrease cost of production and improve quality of products. 5.0 Industry Analysis
Recently, cereal industry has exhibited a competitive growth with various organizations competing to take over the market. To be able to prevail and survive with a very aggressive competition with rivals like Kellogg’s, Nestle, Quaker, Cheerios, Malt -OMeal, Cinnamon toast crunch etc. the industry requires to analyze the business ’ performance and the various factors to be highly competitive with various businesses fighting for growth in its market share. Industry analysis assists organizations interpreting and setting up competitive strategy that would help acquire competitive advantage against its competitive forces. It would be crucial to identify the root of competitive forces faced by the organization. Porter’s Five Forces paradigm is utilized to interpret uncertainty. It includes1) Bargaining Power of Suppliers, 2) threat of substitutes, 3) power of buyers, 4) Threat of entry, and 5) Competitive Rivalry Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
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5.1 Porters Five Forces
Porters included five strategic aspects to be taken into consideration on analyzing and identification of corporate strategy. This includes competition from rival sellers, competition from potential new entrants to the industry, competition from producers of substitute products, supplier bargaining power, and customer bargaining power.
Source: (CGMA, 2013) 5.1.1 Competitive Rivalry within the same Domain
In carrying out rival analysis, it is essentials to identify the various competitors, market structure, and their market share as well as growth rate. In addition, buyer switching effect due to low cost and level of product differentiation should be considered together with brand power and quality. In case of Weetabix, product differentiation would be achieved as Post Holding products will be added to Weetabix, therefore increase product portfolio. Moreover, the synergy between Post Holdings and Weetabix would give birth to cost reduction as mentioned by Post Chief Executive “meaningful cost reduction opportunities through leveraging each other's manufacturing and supply chains where we overlap, as well as combining our global procurement purchases". This cost reduction would help weetabix have competitive prices. Moreover, this acquisition would lead to geographical expansion in Europe, Middle East and even further and therefore market share would elevate. On the 15
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other Weetabix ought to monitor competitors like Kellogg’s, Quaker etc., with good marketing strength as well price war awareness is required. With the increase in healthier lifestyles approach, Weetabix would have better chances over competitors as 97% of its products are healthy. 5.1.2 Threat of new entry.
This refers to the ease of novel companies to the market. New entry would be attractive if the cost of entrance is relatively low. The cost is controlled by various factors including government policies, release of a low cost, quality product and differentiation of products as well as cost of advertisement. As weetabix is a well established strong, brand name, the effect of new entrants would have a minor effect. Moreover, new entrants will find it hard to compete with high costs of advertisement that can be paid by Weetabix. Moreover, Weetabix have a series advertisement campaigns for example in 2011 Weetabix ‘Weetakid’ by Bartle Bogie Hegarhy and in 2012 Weetabix ‘dad’s day out’ by Bartle Bogie Hegarhy As mentioned earlier due to cost reduction caused by this synergy, profitability would increase as well as there would be no cost of establishing a new organization. Moreover, Weetabix have a series advertisement campaigns for example in 2011 Weetabix ‘Weetakid’ by Bartle Bogie Hegarhy,In 2012 Weetabix ‘dad’s day out’ by Bartle Bogie Hegarhy
5.1.3 Threat of substitution
One of the main factors that will lead to substitution is price. Any alternative that would emerge in the market that would deliver relatively same quality and having lower price would lead customer switch. Taste preference could also be a factor that would lead to brand switch. Recently, the market has a number of substitutes providing similar oat based products or cereals like Quaker, Mornflake and many more. Weetabix sales might be highly affected by price and taste preferences in comparison to the above product. This would required to have a strong Research and Development Department to ensure release of innovated products as well as Marketing and sales which will have to fight to increase their market share and closely monitor their competitors.
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5.1.4 Buyer power
The bargaining power of buyers has been influential. Buyers can easily drive product prices down. Buying power is driven by number of buyers in the market, Brand loyalty and quality perceptions, offers made by suppliers in favor of buyers. Weetabix would need to set a marketing strategy to confirm customer’s needs and preferences due to the high competitive market have strong rivals as Kellogg’s, Quaker etc. Moreover, chain supermarkets, for example Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco stock their own brand of cereals at a highly competitive prices .A good marketing strategy would ensure brand loyalty. Moreover, good incentives like offers as well as product placing in well known supermarket chains and shops would support Weetabix market position. Weetabix have increased its product lines in recent years which will assist the market penetration. The wide variety of products offered by Weetabix means the business can target a wider customer base. Weetabix could also specifically attract customers associated with its competitors which would result in Weetabix gaining an increase in market share at the expense of these competitors.
5.1.5 Supplier power
Suppliers power is affected by number of suppliers; uniqueness of their product or service; relative size and strength of the supplier; and cost of switching from one supplier to another. It is also affected by supply and Demand As weetabix is a strong organization, the affect of supplier power is very less. Weetabix would have the ability to control prices of goods received from suppliers. Suppliers would not take the risk of being excluded by a large organization like Weetabix which would cover a big portion of its business.
6.0 Conclusion and Recommendations
Successful businesses use all the tools at their disposal to stay at the top of their chosen market. Weetabix has to realize the growing awareness in use of cereal based food and healthy lifestyles. Focusing on a key range of Weetabix branded products, and working even with retailers to ensure efficient feedbacks that would assure products that
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fulfill customer preferences and using social media to attain beneficial outcomes to improve customer service and value creation . Value creation ought to be a major focus, through offering competitive prices along with value products.
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ST4S38-V1-Strategic Analysis; Tools and Techniques
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