Topic: A strategic recommendation document (Ethical Perspective) for Grupo Bimbo
Description:
The written assignment utilizes the two cases on Grupo Bimbo. The two cases together highlights the importance of balance between a firm’s international growth strategy and the implementation of its values and culture. Your task is to construct a strategic recommendation document for Bimbo going forward, at the time frame of the Corporate Social Responsibility case. The second case is given as additional information on Bimbo’s operations in various countries.
Key things you may consider in constructing the case recommendation.
First, on the business side, balancing between local dominance and international expansion is the key strategic issue that Bimbo is facing. internationalization of Bimbo’s business was obviously important for its growth strategy. In addition to increasing its presence at its key markets in the US and Latin America, penetrating new markets such as China is also important. A key part of this is international profitability, which was still lagging behind its domestic one. Having said that, the local dominance in its domestic and Latin America markets serve as a key strength of the company.
Second, Bimbo is undoubtedly one of the most respected companies in Mexico and is well known for its ability to blend the company’s strategy development with its mission and values. How can Bimbo go about continuing this tradition in Mexico and the rest of the market it has entered?
Case Questions:
What does Bimbo need to do to increase International profitability? (it’s possible to illustrate with one country case)
How can Bimbo balance between its local market and its international growth?
What should be its future growth strategy going ahead?
Are there any potential tradeoffs between Bimbo’s growth strategy with its commitment to the values of the company, which is expressed partially through its CSR activities?
How can Bimbo extend or integrate these values to its businesses abroad? What potential adjustment can it make for its CSR programs and practices?
In light of acquisitions of very differing companies as a key strategy for its expansion, how can Bimbo go about integrating these companies (or not) with Bimbo’s core values and practices?
Formatting guidelines:
Format: business report/strategic proposal, style accordingly
Use the case questions as a guideline on relevant issues, not as rigid structure format (not Q&A)
Include an executive summary (maximum of 100 words).
Length: 2500 words (+/- 10%), word limits excluding the executive summary, footnotes, bibliography,figures and references.
For literature citation, use the Harvard style of referencing in text and footnotes for citing additional information source.