...Ford Motors Strategic management , Whole Foods Market * By Taritz16 * Feb 12, 2010 * 546 Words * 36 Views Page 1 of 2 Case 1 Whole Foods Market in 2008: Mission, Core Values, and Strategy This case was written to (1) illustrate the CEO’s role as chief strategist and organization leader, (2) demonstrate how a company’s business principles and core values can link tightly to and drive a company’s strategy and operating practices, and (3) give students practice in evaluating a company’s direction and strategy in the context of a fast-emerging segment of an important industry. The case requires that students draw upon most all of the concepts discussed in Chapters 1 and 2 in preparing the case for class discussion. Suggested assignment question for the case: What is your assessment of John Mackey’s strategic vision for Whole Foods Market, the strategic objectives he has set for the company, the core values that Whole Foods displays in its operations, and the company’s strategy? How well is Whole Foods’ strategy working? Was the Wild Oats Market acquisition a good move or a mistake? What recommendations would you make to John Mackey in light of recent events at the company? Detailed assignment questions: 1. What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing? 2. Is the strategy well matched to recent developments and conditions in the natural and organic foods segment of the food retailing industry? 3. Do you...
Words: 310 - Pages: 2
...Case 1: Whole Foods Market in 2010: Vision, Core Values, and Strategy 1. What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing? * Whole Foods uses the competitive advantage of having 100% organic products and the highest quality of natural products. Whole Foods uses growth strategy of expanding a combination of opening its own new stores and also acquiring small, owner-managed chains located in desirable markets. Another use of strategy is their location of stores. The company had a set number of stores each year. Their product line strategy guaranteed 100% satisfaction on all items purchased and too live up to their core values. For pricing, Whole Foods products and offerings were “value-priced”. The prices are normally higher than conventional supermarkets. 2. Is Whole Foods’ strategy well matched to market conditions in the food retailing industry (one of the criteria for a winning strategy discussed in Chapter 1)? * Whole Foods does not pass the fit test in the food retailing industry because other supermarkets dominate the industry and have the potential to have more success in a down economy. Whole Foods does have a sustainable competitive advantage in the industry that is becoming a preferred way of life. This company has the option of producing a superior performance, but it may not be for more than a brief period. As far as the performance test, Whole Foods does have financial strength and maintains competitive strength...
Words: 955 - Pages: 4
...Whole Foods Market in 2010: Vision, Core Values, and Strategy 1. What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing? The chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing are providing foods labeled natural and organic. Whole Foods executes that by offers the highest quality, least processed, most flavorful naturally preserved and fresh foods available. 2. Is Whole Foods’ strategy well matched to market conditions in the food retailing industry (one of the criteria for a winning strategy discussed in Chapter 1)? Yes, Whole Foods’ strategy is well matched to the market conditions. Their product line strategy is focused on providing natural, organic, and gourmet food and nonfood items to their customers. Whole Foods is recognized by the USDA as being a Certified Organic grocer by Quality Assurance International. This means that all their products are grown organically; the products are grown without the usage of pesticides, fertilizers, bioengineered, growth hormones, or antibiotics. 3. Do you think John Mackey has a good strategic vision for Whole Foods? Why or why not? Yes, I do believe that John Mackey has a good strategic vision. Now that organic food market is a fast growing market segment John Mackey got into the business of turning Farmers Markets is to Supermarkets at the right time. People are becoming more health-conscious than in years before, we as a people are more aware of what we are eating and what...
Words: 2982 - Pages: 12
...Case 1 1. What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market pursuing? The principal purpose as an organization in helping support the health, wellbeing, and healing of both people (costumers and Team Members) and of the planet (sustainable agriculture, organic production and environmental sensitivity). The mains elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market pursuing is to grow but maintaining the same standards of quality and service. The Growth strategy had been to expand via combination of opening its own new stores and acquiring small, owner-managed chains that had capable personnel and were located in desirable markets. In 2008 the company had 89 stores averaging 51,500 square feet located in 36 states. 2. Is the strategy well matched to recent developments and conditions in the natural and organic foods segment of the food retailing industry? Whole Foods Market does have a well matched strategy to the recent developments and conditions in the natural and organic food segments of the food retailing industry. The strategy of Whole Foods Market is to grow by providing quality organic products. Consumer demand for organic foods was growing at close to 20 percent annually, for several factors: * Healthier eating patterns on the part of a populace that was becoming better educated about foods, nutrition, and good eating habits. * A “wellness” trend among people of many ages and ethnic groups. ...
Words: 829 - Pages: 4
...Whole Foods Student 1 Response to Discussion Question 3.1 Pertinent Management Issues The pertinent management issues of Whole Foods Market is to ensure the organization maintains its competitive advantage despite the economy. As discussed in the case study, the decline in the economy had negative impacts on the growth and competitive advantage of the organization. Leaders in Whole Foods Market should continue to focus on their current strategy and examine ways to maintain their competitive advantage. Analysis and Evaluation Five Forces Model: According to Thompson, Strickland, and Gamble (2012), the strategy of Whole Foods Market best aligns with a focused differentiation strategy. A focused differentiation strategy is “concentrating on a narrow buyer segment and outcompeting rivals with a product offering that meets the specific tastes and requirements of niche members better than the product offerings of rivals” (Thompson et al., 2012, p. 136). More simply put, the strategy of Whole Foods Market is a focus on a narrow buyer segment offering unique, differentiated products. Market Target: A focused differentiation strategy aims at securing a competitive advantage with a product designed to appeal to a specific group of buyers (Thompson et al., 2012). The specific group of buyers Whole Foods Market works to satisfy are those who have particular interest in natural and organic foods. Whole Foods Market has a strategy that will “help support the health, well-being, and...
Words: 1733 - Pages: 7
...ANAAB, WILLIAMS, BUS 421, 0360290, CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1 1. What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing? The chief elements of the strategy that whole Foods Market is pursuing are Fresh natural and organic foods and products with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. Promote healthier eating/lifestyle and increasing consumer knowledge/education of food safety, environment and how pesticides affect the land as well as the human body. 2. Is the strategy well matched to recent developments and conditions in the natural and organic foods segment of the food retailing industry? Yes the Whole Foods strategy has worked well for the company. They have good products and seem to have happy employees who also obtain shares in the company. They do not have much competition only on smaller scales or small areas in existing regular food markets. The company is still expanding even in this poor market and acquiring new stores and companies. 3. Do you think John Mackey has a good strategic vision for Whole Foods? Why or why not? What do you like or dislike about the company's motto "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"? Do the motto and the principles underlying it (exhibit 1) really matter at this company or are they just nice words and cosmetic window dressing? Explain. Yes, looking at the company’s profits and growth I believe John Mackey has an excellent strategic vision for this company and employees. He has managed...
Words: 1492 - Pages: 6
...Assignment Questions 1. What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing? Whole Foods busca implementar comida o alimentos dentro de un entorno integro, tiene como objetivo crear productos de la más alta calidad sin perder su sentido orgánico, pues buscan eliminar cualquier tipo de conservadores dentro de sus alimentos. 2. Is Whole Foods’ strategy well matched to market conditions in the food retailing industry (one of the criteria for a winning strategy discussed in Chapter1)? Creo que la estrategia está muy bien establecida y relacionada con las necesidades del mercado, ya que ofrece alimentos sanos sin ningún tipo de conservador y al mismo tiempo de alta calidad. Actualmente las personas son conscientes de la importancia de la buena alimentación y cada vez se preocupan más por consumir alimentos sanos. 3. Do you think John Mackey has a good strategic vision for Whole Foods? Why or why not? What do you like/dislike about the company’s mission/vision “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet” that is set forth in case Exhibit 1? Do the mission/vision and the core values underlying it (case Exhibit 3) really matter at this company or are they just nice words and cosmetic window dressing? Explain. 4. Do Whole Foods Market’s core values as presented in case Exhibit 3 really matter? Are they “real” or just cosmetic window dressing? What evidence can you cite to support your answer? Have Whole Foods’ core values contributed to the company’s...
Words: 368 - Pages: 2
...Case 2 Whole Foods Market in 2010: Vision, Core Values, and Strategy Introduction Whole Food Markets by 2006 became the world’s largest retail chain of natural and organic foods supermarkets. By 2010 Whole Foods consisted of 290 stores in 38 states, 6 stores in Canada, and 5 in Great Britain. With 90 stores that are 40,000sqaure feet or larger. John Mackey, the CEO believed the rapid growth and market success were due to “remain a uniquely mission-driven company-highly selective about what we sell, dedicated to our core values and stringent standards and committed to sustainable agriculture.” Whole Foods company’s motto- “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet” the statement alone assumes its core mission is beyond food retail it’s about our world/environment we live in. According to hoover.com, Whole Foods planned to reach $12 billion in sales by 2010 by adding 25-30 new stores a year. Due to competition and “the economy has slowed the company’s sales growth, it increased by only 1% in fiscal 2009 vs. 2008 to about $8 billion.” The stores emphasize perishable products, which account for about two-thirds of sales. Whole Foods Market offers some 2,200 items in four lines of private-label products (such as the premium Whole Foods line). Founded in Austin, Texas, in 1980, Whole Foods Market initiated the supermarket concept in natural and organic foods retailing. Identification of key problems/strategic issues * From 1992-2007 Whole...
Words: 3464 - Pages: 14
...Short Case Study Analysis Outline Brittany Coleman Professor Drake Mullens Business Strategy October 29th, 2012 Question #1 What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing? Is the strategy well matched to recent developments and conditions in the natural and organic foods segment of the food retailing industry? As two young hippies in the late 70’s, John Mackey and his girlfriend opened an all natural food market in Austin, Texas. The store blossomed successfully, with several more opening in surrounding towns. Each store produced accordingly and did well, however, Whole Market Foods big rise didn’t come until after 1992, when John Mackey made the decision to start buying natural food retailers all over the United States. With this demanding statement, Whole Foods Market made a startling presence in the produce aspect of things. John Mackey makes Whole Foods Market thrive with his strange but successful tactics that he uses. Instead of completely changing every store that he buys out, or market he takes over, he takes unique tendencies that each has and uses it to help the original better. Over 70% of Whole Foods Market were made from complete scratch, giving each one its own personality. Whole Foods Market main goal is to provide the most naturally produced and preserved foods that they can, in the most appealing and presentable way that they can. The fact that John Mackey is consistently open to new change for the profit...
Words: 1662 - Pages: 7
...Unit 5-Whole Food Market Case Study Analysis Kaplan University School of Business MT460 Management Policy and Strategy Author: Andrea Reed Professor: Dr. Marian Leerburger Date: November 21, 2012 Whole Food Market Case Analysis Introduction In 1978, John Mackey opened a natural foods grocery called Safer Way that focused mainly on vegetables. The store was not very successful and in 1979 Mackey joined with Craig Weller and Mark Skiles and they started Whole Foods Market. What Craig, Weller and Skiles wanted to do was change the world’s diet to a healthy one. Whole Foods not only has markets they have several other business; Allegro Coffee company, Pigeon cove seafood processing and Produce Field Inspection Office and Select Fish (Harasta and Hoffman, 2007). Whole Food Markets looks forward to one day providing the highest quality good tasting foods available. Synopsis of the Situation Whole Foods Market is a leading seller of natural and organic food. With over 100 stores their goal is to become one large store instead of a number of small ones. Whole Foods Market would like to make shopping for food into a pleasant, fun experience. It is the desire of Whole Foods to make the customer think of home when they enter one of their markets. The vision of Whole Foods is to have a brand known worldwide, and to introduce the future generation to a healthy diet and be the best in food retail( Key Issues With the growing demand will World Food Market be able to...
Words: 945 - Pages: 4
...Unit 3 Internal Analysis and Long-Term Objectives Case Study Analysis Kaplan University School of Business MT460 Management Policy and Strategy Author: Gerald Short Professor: Dr. Andryce Zurich Date: 12/31/2015 Internal Analysis and Long-Term Objectives Company Name: Whole Foods Market Topic of the Week: Internal Analysis and Long-Term Objectives Synopsis of the Situation Whole Foods Market is the world’s leading company in natural and organic food sales. Their growth and success is due to being highly selective about what they sell, they are also dedicated to high quality standards and their core values. They are also the first American grocer to be a nationally certified organic and ranked 284th in Fortune 500 (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Whole Foods is struggling to maintain its edge over today’s competition, many of their competitors can purchase more product and sell it for less. Due to the rising awareness of healthier eating and farmers producing more organic and natural products Whole Foods finds itself in a precarious position. The position would be the fierce competition from big box retailers such as Wal*Mart, target, Costco, and the standard grocery stores. These competitors have the ability to order larger quantities at a lower cost giving them the ability to offer the natural or organic products at a lower price (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Alternative Solutions 1. Increase brand awareness, image, and loyalty through advertising...
Words: 948 - Pages: 4
...BME-214614-04 Organizational Behavior 18 February 2013 Belief and Support of Human Capital: Case Study Analysis of Whole Foods What role, if any, does McGregor’s Theory Y play at Whole Foods? Explain? The primary focus of this case study analysis shall be to examine the methods of Whole Food’s distinctive approach and development to the implementation of creative management strategies and how they can continue to successfully help them to maintain growth in their company. The underscoring premise of McGregor’s Theory Y primarily rest on the assumption that that the role of management is develop the potential of their employees and help them to realize their potential to meet the common goals of their organization (Steward, 2010). With this underlining thought in mind McGregor’s Y Theory plays an intricate and crucial role at Whole Foods. According to our textbook, Organizational Behavior, by Robert Kreitner and Angelo Kinicki, and the company’s primary mission directives, Whole Foods goal is for upper management to share the responsibility with their frontline managers in the development of a successful work environment (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2013, p. 30). Whole foods promotes their employee teams to be self-directed and take initiative and responsibility for operating together for the benefit of their entire business organization. To this end John Mackey, Cofounder and Co-CEO of Whole Foods Market promotes through the application of McGregor’s Theory Y the happiness and growth of...
Words: 1242 - Pages: 5
...Jeanne Eng 2012-04-BUS-421-GS001 Case Study Assignment 1 – Whole Foods Market 1. Does the company’s strategy reflect the company’s mission? Explain. Whole Food’s mission is based on three categories, the food, the people and the planet. They believe in providing natural whole foods through highly trained and passionate employees with the company taking active responsibility for the planet. It is apparent, when examining the company, that their business practices reflect their mission. Using their Product Quality Standards documents as a guideline, it is clear Whole Foods carefully considers which products they do or do not sell. Their buyers often visit the manufacturing plants of suppliers to ensure high standards. In addition to their commitment of only carrying foods that are “free of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners and hydrogenated fats” (Whole Foods Market, 2012), they also maintain a list of unacceptable ingredients which include standards like “artificial colors, artificial flavors, hydrogenated fats and high fructose corn syrup” (Whole Foods Market, 2012) and they do not carry products that contain those ingredients. Within the store, Whole Foods takes a team based approached to individual store management and success. Team members are organized around team leaders, which are responsible and empowered to make decisions such as merchandising and operations. Team members are also provided with other avenues for feedback such as an...
Words: 880 - Pages: 4
...STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT BIG CASE DISCUSSION 11 Group 6- BA Tut 1 Group members: Dam Thi Luyen Nguyen Thanh Hang Ta Minh Tan Ngo Van Lung Date: 26st April 2014 I. Introduction From analyzing the external and internal situation, although Whole Food Market has some big competitors, the company still has a strong competitive advantage over other key rivals in the natural and organic food industry. What is strategy that Whole Food Market implemented to compete successfully with their rivals? II. Process of finding the answers Base on the theory in the textbook and the information from Internet as well as results of the previous BCD, our group will test each of strategy to find out what is the most appropriate one for Whole Food Market Company. Testing 1. Low cost provider strategy Work Condition | Evaluation | Product price between rival sellers is vigorous | YES: From the case, competitors of Whole Food Market are trying to lower their price to compete and gain customers. For example: Trader Joe’s price is so attractive with customer, Fresh and Easy also is 20-25% bellow traditional supermarkets that is similar with Wal-Mart’s price and Sunflowers farmer market... | Products are readily available from many sellers | NO:Natural & organic products are special products. From the case, most of retailers try to supply for themselves and carry their private product labels, ex: 45% of products on Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market product shelves were supplied...
Words: 1176 - Pages: 5
...Unit 5 Whole Foods Case Study Analysis Kaplan University School of Business MT460 Management Policy and Strategy Author: Jonelle Newman Professor: Dr. Norris Date: March 29, 2014 Whole Foods Market Case Study Analysis Introduction Whole Foods Market began with a vision from entrepreneur John Mackey and his chain of stores has been successful for 30 years. Whole Foods Market focuses on natural and organic food items. One of the reasons why Whole Foods has been so successful is because their stores are different than its competition and the differentiation “allows them to charge a premium price for premium products.” (Pearce & Robinson, 2013, p. 29-1). Whole Foods focuses on natural and organic foods which is a definite plus as more people become focused on wellness and eating healthier. This leading supermarket chain does not waiver on its core values and mission and their mission statement which has also become their motto is simple: “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet.” (Farfan, 2014). Synopsis of the Situation Whole Foods has grown drastically over the years. The growth of the supermarket chain has been credited to store openings, acquisitions, and mergers. It is necessary to note that although the company’s total sales continue to increase; the operating margin and stocks have declined. (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Key Issues There are key issues that have been attributed to the decline of the company. The recession caused...
Words: 1013 - Pages: 5
