Application: Developing and Implementing Successful Strategies
You should now be familiar with the concepts of planning, strategy, and a competitive advantage. It is now time to examine the case of the Campbell Soup company and the direction that the CEO took that company in the early 2000s. See Chapter 6 of your course text.
The Campbell Soup Co. is still one of the world oldest and best-known global food companies. This company also owns many other well-known brands that are not associated with a soup product. In 2001, the company's profits and stock price plunged due to loss of market percentage and a decrease in demand for several key products. The CEO, Douglas Conant, took an almost textbook approach to rebuilding the company, and he achieved remarkable success.
Create a 300 - to 700- word paper which answers all of the following questions:
• Summarize the key findings of the SWOT analysis done by Conant. Explain why they are "key" findings.
• Which of following term or terms best describes the strategy or strategies that Conant implemented at the Campbell Soup Co.? Why?
• Low-cost
• Differentiation
• Focus low-cost
• Focused differentiation
• Related differentiation
• Was the Campbell Soup Co. vertically integrated? If it was, was it backwards or forward integrated? Explain your reasoning.
• In your opinion, what do you think were the strengths and weaknesses of Conant's strategic decisions?