10/21/09 Mr. Bourgase NAME: Case Studies Worksheet 22 First of all, summarize all the relevant information in an organized format. o You need to understand what is happening in detail before making a recommendation So far, we have evaluated products according to: o Their role in the Canadian Business Community o Brand Identity o Consumer Profiles o Human Resources This information can be combined into a “S.W.O.T. Analysis” for case studies. o Strengths: the product’s best features (i.e. high quality, high brand awareness, consumer loyalty and repeat customers) o Weaknesses: areas that can be improved (i.e. poor distribution, poor online promotion) o Opportunities: a chance to grow and do better (i.e. creating a women’s clothing line to attract more customers, opening a new store downtown for urban consumers) o Threats: challenges and dangers to the business (i.e. poor profit/loss figures, high income consumers no longer buying the product, primary market getting older) Secondly, develop alternatives and compare them. 1) The Status Quo: Option 1 is always staying the course and doing nothing 2) Possible Alternatives: Examples of alternatives could include: o launching a new product o discontinuing a new product o going online o opening more stores o targeting a new primary market o and many more possibilities… 3) Positives and Negatives: Based on your analysis, list the strengths and weaknesses of each plan. If possible, give a likely outcome. Lastly, make a recommendation about what the company should do and why. Worksheet 22 Case Studies Sample Case: Two brothers are thinking of opening a coffee and donut shop because they would like to enjoy a success similar to Tim Horton’s. They are confident that they can build their own empire if they devote all of their time and energy to the business. Identify three major obstacles that the brothers will face in trying to compete with an established brand like Tim Hortons. What are some competitive advantages that they could use to combat the advantages of a large chain like Tim Hortons? Class Blog major assignments and evaluations information for parents updated weekly http://www.bourgase.com/school/