FSM 4160 Foodservice & Beverage Strategies & Logistics Strategic

Case Study Assignment: (20 points)

The assignment is based on a foodservice case study identified by your faculty member. Once you have read the case study, read the article titled: Guidelines for applying Porter’s five forces framework: A set of industry analysis templates. This article will provide insights on how to apply Porter’s five forces to the case.

Review your notes about SWOT analysis from readings in your text. Carefully review the guidelines listed below and then begin the writing process.

The assignment includes four sections – an introduction, a background analysis, application of decision support tools (SWOT and Five Forces), final recommendations and problem solving.

Introduction (1 page or less)
What is your paper about? Explain the paper (not the case).

Background Analysis & Interpretation (1 – 1 ½ pages)
Does the organization have a vision and mission? If yes, describe each?
(when answering this question use data provided directly from the organization website not a secondary source)
Who is the organization’s target market?
What is the organizational structure? Who is in charge?
What is the organization’s foodservice market segment?
Who are the organizations competitors? What companies occupy the organizations strategic group? Where does the organization fit within its competitive group?
What is the organizations market niche (what differentiates it from the others in its competitive group)?

Application of Decision Support Tools (1 or 2 pages)
What are the organizations Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats? (complete and submit a SWOT analysis with narrative explaining your findings – include a SWOT table populated with data from your analysis)
Apply Porter’s Five Forces to the case. (complete and submit a Five Forces analysis with narrative explaining your findings, rate each force – include a five forces table populated with data from your analysis)

Recommendations & Problem Solving (1 or 2 pages)
1. List at least three specific recommendations for strengthening the company. Be sure to support your recommendations with evidence from your analysis. In other words – use the findings from your SWOT and Five Forces to inform the recommendations you make.

Note: You may have to do additional web research specific to the industry discussed in the case when completing the SWOT and five forces analyses – be sure to plan accordingly. Answer the questions listed above in narrative, not bullet form. Use tables as well as narrative when writing up your five forces and SWOT analyses. Weave your answers into a thoughtful paper. Take your time and thoroughly proof read and edit your writing prior to submitting