Kudler Fine Foods Business Strategy Essay Example
Kudler Fine Foods Business Strategy Essay Example

Kudler Fine Foods Business Strategy Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1234 words)
  • Published: March 4, 2017
  • Type: Case Study
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Expanding businesses are required to elevate their information technologies to keep up with growing customer bases and serve their increasing needs. "Strategic management, encompassing major decisions, choices, and actions, steers the entire course of the industry" (Gomez-Mejia et al., p 156). The task of strategic planning falls primarily under the top-level management, particularly the company owner—Kathy Kudler, in this scenario. To assist with devising the strategic plan of Kudler Fine Food, she employed an intern.

Kudler Fine Foods aims to expand and improve by leveraging the original ideas of the gourmet food store. These ideas include a comprehensive approach to customer service, recruitment of company personnel, and product procurement. While these elements contribute to inevitable growth, a strategic plan is essential to adapt to evolving business requirements. This document delivers an examination of Kudler Fine Foods' strategic management plan,

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highlighting its implications concerning technology, customer service and business growth prospects. It also explains both the positive and negative effects of internal and external stakeholders on the achievement of Kudler Fine Foods' future goals and objectives.

In today's era, technology forms an essential element in most companies with a touch of information technology (IT) embedded somehow. Kathy Kudler's strategic plan also recognizes IT as an integral part. This plan includes the enhancement of technological features such as online catering and e-commerce facilities, enabling customers to buy their desired products online, irrespective of their location (Kudler Fine Foods Virtual Portal Strategic Plan, 2003, p. 15). The updated website launched in 2004 holds a link to these features, but the recent revamp of the site in 2009 brought further improvements.

Technological advancements have simplified procedures and boosted efficiency, which bodes wel

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for the future expansion of Kudler Fine Foods. The availability of internet reduces entry barriers, enabling budding enterprises to connect with consumers globally (Gomez-Mejia et al., p 162). This accessibility boosts brand visibility and promotes services. To maintain and grow their specialty foods competitive edge, Kudler Fine Foods must evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) as they implement a strategic management plan for the gourmet store.

The SWOT analysis examines all aspects to aid in concentrating on the strategic plan. It pinpoints the advantages and disadvantages of crucial internal and external elements currently affecting Kudler Fine Foods. The main approaches to strategic information systems are internal and externally driven focus (Turban et al, p. 609). The internal systems enhance employee productivity, teamwork enhancement, and communication improvement (Turban et al, p 609). Streamlining and consolidating a strategic plan elevates the potential durability of a company and promotes employee development and support.

Through the development of innovative technology, the internal mechanisms of Kudler Fine Foods facilitate the realization of Kathy Kudler's business objectives and vision. The external-oriented technological solutions employed by Kudler Fine Foods enable it to evaluate the gourmet sector from an external perspective. Utilizing information smartly provides Kudler Fine Foods with the capability to attain a competitive advantage by acquiring a comprehensive understanding of its market and in-demand products. Such data confers a strategic benefit (Turban, et al, pp 609-610).

Moreover, trends in products and markets equip an organization with the necessary resources for current and potential strategies, and help establish contingency plans against possible threats. Case in point, Frito Lay is recognized for its extensive information technology usage which involves their suppliers, customers and competitors

(Turban, et al, p. 610). Kudler Fine Foods' strategic management's emerging sustainable competitive edge necessitates strategic reactivity to the company's primary focus. Kathy Kudler's careful evaluation and guidance chart the path of Kudler Fine Foods' expansion and sustainability agenda.

The guidance concentrates on the ongoing advancement to heighten effectiveness for every participant. The initial segment of the strategic program outlines the vision, “Kudler Fine Foods will be the ultimate gourmet grocery outlet for discerning patrons seeking the best-quality meats, fruits, dairy, and wine” (Kudler Fine Foods Virtual Portal Strategic Plan 2003, p. 3). The concept of social accountability is also articulated, as it offers the constituents a glimpse of Kathy Kudler's obligations not just towards her shop (s) but the neighboring communities too. This instance not only reflects her superb entrepreneurial acumen, but leadership prowess as well.

Leading by example, she not only strengthens herself but also positively impacts those who work under her and alongside her. The strategic planning of Kudler Fine Foods puts customer satisfaction on top of its priorities. The brainchild behind Kudler Fine Foods, Kathy Kudler, identified a need in her community and created the company as a solution. This vision indeed materialized and a strategic plan formed in 2003 aimed at the firm's future expansion and the improvement of services. Demonstrating commitment to customer satisfaction and retention, every feature of the store underscores quality assurance.

From the outset, Kathy Kudler was very clear about her focus which continues to impact her leadership and inspire her employees. As Gomez-Mejia et al rightly point out, "Reversing strategic decisions can lead to expensive consequences, hence most organizations adopt a long-term view while taking such decisions" (Gomez-Mejia

et al, p. 156). Kathy Kudler's objectives remain consistent, with strategic plans aimed at enhancing the company's vision, retaining customers, and delivering top-notch service. This approach and plan is integral to the success of Kudler Fine Foods. Effective internal and external communication ensures this message resonates with all stakeholders including both customers and employees.

Her vision is embraced by the staff as it involves them in the decision-making process. While she guides them, she also inspires participation and contribution in making decisions. This results in a sense of ownership among the employees, which effectively contributes to achieving the company's objectives. Like most businesses, sustainability is a key objective of Kudler Fine Foods. The strategic plan explores elements that could derail this goal. A plan must be constructed and applied that takes successful goal outcomes into account. Achieving strategic success results in a "sustainable competitive advantage" (Gomez-Mejia, et al, p. 157).

Replicating such a benefit can be costly or extremely challenging for a competitor (Gomez-Mejia, et al, p. 157). The approach encompasses cost-effective measures, resource optimisations and a focused plan which alone or jointly shape the future of a firm. Kudler Fine Foods' future success may be jeopardized by the likely establishment of a similar gourmet food shop. Kathy Kudler and her team should be cognizant of this potential risk and its repercussions. Elements of the strategic plan should encompass actions to counteract this risk and neutralize substantially, if not entirely, the competitive threat.

The SWOT analysis pinpoints not just strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, but also potential threats. Though there may not be an immediate threat, strategists still form plans to counter potential future threats, as the company's survival

hinges on its competitive advantage and preparedness for future risks. This analysis delves into Kudler Fine Foods' strategic management plan, examining the impacts related to technological advances, customer service and the rush of growth opportunities. It also scrutinizes how internal and external factors, both positive and negative, could shape the future success of Kudler Fine Foods' goals and objectives.

The conceptualization of the strategy outlines the path Kathy Kudler aspires for her firm, Kudler Fine Foods. The company's future objectives are pragmatic and offer the elements to establish a competitive edge and advantage for subsequent triumph. The envisioned future accomplishment and corporate expansion are contingent on technology advancements and stakeholder endorsement. The elusive sustainable competitive advantage is not only achievable but also guaranteed.

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