Essay Instructions: Background
This final case involves an analysis of strategy implementation at the Kraft Foods Company. You will use the resources you identified in the SLP to gather information about the company and relate that information to your work in the previous four cases.
The Case in this course is an ongoing case, which means that we have been taking an intensive look at one company over the course of 5 modules. This term, we conducted a strategic analysis of the Kraft Foods Company. In order to be best prepared and perform well on the cases, it is highly recommended that you complete the background readings and the SLP before writing the case.
Required Reading
Please refer to the required and optional readings on Strategic Controls, the theme for this module.
Assignment
In Module 5, we will conclude the case study process by researching the Kraft Foods Company's strategic controls and their fit with the company's chosen strategy.
Keys to the Assignment
? Step One. Review your Case papers from Modules 1-4 so that you are familiar with the mission, vision, SWOT, strategy, and strategic choices you have identified over the course of the class.
? Step Two. Research the structure, systems, people, and culture at the Kraft Foods Company. Use the responses you provided in the SLP as a guideline. You will not be able to get answers to every single question, but you will need to answer at least one or two for each component.
? Step Three. Describe the Kraft Foods Company's organizational design, key strategic control systems, primary human resources concerns, and cultural factors, and the effect that these have had on the implementation of the Kraft Foods Company's strategy.
? Step Four. In a 5-7 page paper, critically evaluate the fit ? or the lack of fit ? between the company's mission, strategy, and organizational components critical to implementation. Do these components complement the strategy? Why or why not?
? Step Five: What changes would you - as the CEO - make to better assure the success of the company's strategy?
? Step Six: Consider the Case as a formal business report that you are developing for the Board of Directors and CEO as the Kraft Foods Company's consultant. This is a professional document. Follow the format below:
o Executive summary: a synopsis of the main points, conclusions and recommendations made in the longer report. If you have never written an executive summary before, or would like a refresher, check this website: http://www.highendfinance.com/CommercialLoans/Docs/07-4%20ES%20Guidelines.doc
o Introduction: State the main purpose of the paper (thesis statement), what you hope to accomplish, and how you will go about doing it.
o Main Body: The "meat" of the paper. Emphasize analysis, not just description. Delineate separate topics or sections with headings.
o Conclusion: Summarize your paper in the light of your thesis statement.
Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated on the following seven (7) points:
? Precision - Does the paper address the question(s) or task(s)?
? Breadth - Is the full breadth of the subject, i.e., the Keys to the Assignment, addressed?
? Depth - Does the paper address the topic in sufficient depth and include the background readings and other background resources as references?
? Critical thinking - Is the subject thought about critically, i.e., accurately, logically, relevantly, and precisely?
? Clarity - Is the writing clear and are the concepts articulated properly? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding to the questions or are points conveyed through excessive use of quotations?
? Organization - Is the paper well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are headings included in all papers longer than two pages?
? Referencing (citations and references) - Does the paper include citations and quotation marks where appropriate? Are the references from the background readings and assignment present and properly cited? Are all the references listed in the bibliography present and referred to via citation?
Requested writer: Bolavens