23 Jun Lay unit of PepsiCo a
Lay unit of PepsiCo and the Nabisco unit of Kraft Foods. Frito-Lay is the largest
maker of salty snacks (Lays potato chips, Doritos) while Nabisco is the largest maker
of cookies and crackers. Thus in each of its major product lines, Kellogg faces firms
that are at least as large as it is and have the resources to spend to grow their brands,
develop new products, and make acquisitions. Kellogg also faces competition from
vastly improved store brand products which sell for less than brand name products
since they dont require much spending for advertising or promotion.
Until the 1980s, Kellogg distributed its products through grocery stores and was
largely able to set its own price. Now Kelloggs largest customers are cost-conscious
discount merchandisers such as Wal-Mart and Target. Since Wal-Mart and Target are
much larger than Kellogg, they can exert pricing pressure on Kellogg. Wal-Mart
accounted for 14 percent of Kelloggs sales in 2004, up from 12 percent in 2002.
Business Strategy and Policy – Final Exam BUS522(2008E)
Page 2
One of Kelloggs ongoing problems is that most of its best known products (Corn
Flakes, Rice Krispies, Bran Flakes) were developed over 50 years ago. Its last major
in-house product was Pop-Tarts, developed in the 1960s.
Kellogg in 2006 is further reducing and eliminating the trans fatty acids and saturated
fats in its products by using genetically modified soybeans. The company has begun
to use Vistive, an oil made from St. Louis-based Monsanto Co.s genetically modified
soybeans that is low in linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. Kellogg is one of the
first large food manufacturers to use the oil to lower levels of trans fat and saturated
fats in its products. Due to a shortage of soybean oil that is low in linolenic acid,
Kellogg will also work with the Bunge/DuPont Biotech Alliance to increase
production of Nutrium, another low-linolenic soybean oil made from genetically
modified soybeans. Kellogg will begin using Nutrium in 2007.
In January 2006, shares of breakfast cereal maker Kellogg Co. climbed to over $50 as
earnings climbed. Kellogg has been gaining market share from rivals General Mills
and Kraft Foods Inc., parent of Post cereals. Kellogg is likely to retain its No. 1
position in the U.S. ready-to-eat cereal market for the foreseeable future.
(Adapted from case study by Henry Beam,
Western Michigan University & Forest David, Francis Marion University)
Question 1 & 2 are based on the Case Study: Kellogg
1. (a) As mentioned in the case study above, Kellogg is going through a challenging
time. Perform an external audit on Kellogg. Discuss the opportunities and threats
facing the company.
10 Marks
(b) Apply Porters Five Forces Model to assess the competitive position of
Kellogg. Justify assumption made, if any.
15 Marks
2. (a) Should Kellogg attempt to acquire Quaker Oats from PepsiCo? Would
Quaker Oats be a good strategic fit for Kellogg?
10 Marks
(b) In order to strengthen the strategic fit with Quaker Oats, discuss the key issues
that Kellogg should focus on to make the acquisition a success.
15 Marks
Business Strategy and Policy – Final Exam BUS522(2008E)
Page 3
3. What are the pitfalls in strategic planning that management in an organization
should watch out for or avoid? Identify any five pitfalls and describe them.
25 Marks
4. Discuss the five steps involved in performing an IFE Matrix.
25 Marks
5. Define and explain three intensive strategies and give an example for each strategy.
25 Marks
6. Compare and contrast the IE Matrix with the BCG Matrix.
25 Marks
7. Describe the seven-step process of effective contingency planning in strategy
evaluation.
25 Marks
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