Royal India food retail: struggling to stay fresh

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Aman Jhaveri ◽  
A. Anantharaman
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Middle Level ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Food Retail ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Content Type

Subject area Strategic management. Study level/applicability Entry-level post-graduate management students at an MBA program; middle-level professionals in an executive management program. Case overview Royal India Food Retail (RIFR) is an organized food retailer, head-quartered in Delhi, India. The firm has established 180 outlets across the three Indian states of Delhi, Chandigarh and Punjab, selling fruits and vegetables, full-range of staples, grocery items and essential non-food items and fast-moving consumer good products. Since its inception, RIFR has been making losses, owing to both unfavourable external conditions and poor strategic management. In 2014-2015, RIFR reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) loss of Rs 46m as against Rs 276m in 2013-2014 and Rs 346m in 2012-2013. This case examines the problems of RIFR, against the backdrop of an unfavourable industry structure and the need for astute decision making, and poses the question of what the next step for RIFR should be. Expected learning outcomes Developing a clear understanding of the business environment; understanding the challenges faced by businesses in emerging markets; highlighting the dynamics of a volume-driven vis-à-vis a margin-driven approach to business strategy; and the importance of resources as critical elements of strategy development. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

FragraAroma – accord in business, concord in family

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (7) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Nakul Gupta ◽  
Radha R. Sharma ◽  
Rupali Pardasani
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
Family Business ◽  
Family Relations ◽  
Business Management ◽  
Spillover Effects ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Content Type

Subject area Entrepreneurship, internationalization, family-owned business management, strategic management. Study level/applicability MBA/postgraduate management program courses on family business management. The case can be taught at the beginning of the course to acquaint students with the dynamics of family-owned businesses. MBA/postgraduate/undergraduate courses on entrepreneurship. It can be used in the middle of the course to highlight the challenges presented by an entrepreneur due to change in the business environment and macroeconomic scenario. MBA/postgraduate course on strategic management. It can be used at the beginning of the course to introduce strategies for managing and sustaining growth of a business. MBA/postgraduate course on organizational development. It can be used in the middle of the course to help students understand the importance of designing an optimal organizational structure for a family business. Case overview FragraAroma was an Indian fragrance company. Anil Gupta, the Founder and Managing Director of FragraAroma, and his sister Nisha were equal shareholders of the company. With changes in the Foreign Direct Investment Policy in 2013 in India, Anil and Nisha's husband Tarun had different expansion plans for FragraAroma. While Anil was planning to expand FragraAroma internationally, but his sister and her husband wanted diversification of the company's customer segment in the domestic market itself. The case is poised at the juncture, where Anil was facing a labyrinth of critical decisions. Would he go ahead with Tarun's expansion plan or stick to his plan of internationalization? Would his decision affect the harmony of the family? Was there a way that could enable him sailing his family and family business out of the doldrums? Expected learning outcomes This case is primarily about a family business and the dilemmas faced by the owner of that family business. The case captures the challenges faced by a family business in sustaining growth and competitiveness. The case can be used to understand how decisions are taken in a family-owned business. To understand the challenges faced by a family-owned business while developing and implementing its growth strategies. To understand the opportunities and challenges presented to a family-owned businesses when macroeconomic scenarios change. To understand the spillover effects of business decisions on family relations in a typical family-owned business setup. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes.

Backcasting as a strategic management tool for meeting VUCA challenges

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kent Thorén ◽  
Martin Vendel
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Strategy Formation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Major Transitions ◽  
Strategy Process ◽  
Feasible Path ◽  
Core Idea ◽  
Interactive Workshop

Purpose Backcasting helps managers involve and align the organization throughout a strategy process. Its core idea is creating a logical path from a depicted future back to the present, to share, analyze and manage strategic challenges. Still its use in strategic management is under-researched. The purpose of this paper is to verify the relevance and validity of backcasting as a strategic management tool. It also analyzes and structures knowledge about backcasting and its practical application in strategic management. Design/methodology/approach This paper employs desktop research method to outline the benefits and limitations of backcasting for strategy formation under VUCA conditions. Findings Backcasting can help organizations overcome cognitive barriers and broaden the scope of options when analyzing future positions. The research provides insights regarding the potential and limitations of backcasting when addressing uncertainty and its drivers. For instance, it helps managers to assess and align visions; increase the understanding and clarity regarding complex dependencies; as well as improve strategic agility. Practical implications Backcasting is exceptionally useful for investigating possible futures and alternative paths to it. Backcasting is an interactive workshop-based method that challenges prevailing mindsets by assuming we are in the future, looking back towards today to find a feasible path when major transitions are necessary. With it, managers can deal with even the most uncertain decisions in a structured manner. Originality/value Backcasting for many reasons has a great potential as a tool for strategy development. It has been successfully applied in other fields but only to a limited extent in business. This paper formally examines its applicability in this context and demonstrates its relevance for dealing with VUCA challenges.

Choice of an authoritative style when implementing a survival urgency-based strategic change

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maheshkumar Joshi ◽  
Sanjeev Jha
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Middle Managers ◽  
Strategic Change ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Organizational Survival ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Method Bias

Purpose Extant research suggests that managing strategic change has become a key managerial function and this duty encompasses changes in organizational product-market boundaries and organizational structure among many related organizational activities. The need to achieve strategic change arises because of major shifts in the external environment and the subsequent need for the organization to remain viable and competitive in the changed environment. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate if middle managers are likely to adopt authoritative style while implementing strategic change when they sense organizational survival. Design/methodology/approach “Sensemaking” literature led to development of the authors’ hypotheses and these were tested using the responses of 117 middle managers. The authors used survey-based instrument to collect data and used regression analysis to explicate the responses of the middle managers. Findings Results indicate that when middle managers sense that the survival of the organization is at stake, they are likely to choose an authoritative style. The authors also investigated the moderating role of organizational commitment, strategic posture of the top management team, and hostile business environment on the relationship between perception of survival urgency and the choice of authoritative implementation style. Only organizational commitment moderates this relationship. Research limitations/implications The authors’ data collection was survey based and the authors used a single source for each questionnaire and this process may lead to possibilities of mono-method bias. However, steps were taken to reduce the resultant mono-method bias. The respondents are from a variety of industries and future research may focus on one specific industry. Practical implications The first implication of this study allows us to expand research focus on the adoption of authoritative style, a research area that is not explored very much. The second implication of the study is that middle managers tend to focus on their emotions when it comes to implementing strategic changes. Using arguments from sensemaking the authors show that the perception of need for survival or the perception that business environment is hostile will determine how strategic change could be implemented. Middle managers must be treated as more than just the implementers of the directives/fiats/orders/edicts that originate from the top. Social implications Role of middle managers in strategic change management is critical and the authors suggest that the perception of organizational survival at risk leads to choice managerial style by middle managers. Originality/value The authors have combined ideas from both the strategic management and organizational development fields to understand successfully the implementation of strategic change in a survival urgency situation. In the past, the strategic management literature focused primarily on understanding strategy formulation process, and the process of implementation was generally neglected. The respondents are from a variety of industries. The analysis indicate that membership to any one firm was not impacting the results obtained by the authors and as such allows for results to generalized.

Niyogi books: making a difference in the Indian book publishing industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Trisha De Niyogi ◽  
Sushil S. Chaurasia
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Marketing Strategy ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Publishing Industry ◽  
Publishing House ◽  
Book Publishing ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Book Publishing Industry ◽  
Content Type

Subject area Marketing strategy. Study level/applicability The course is well suited for MBA and Executive MBA class on Strategic Management, Marketing Strategy, Brand Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Change in emerging economies. The case can also be taught to senior undergraduate students to explore the issues mentioned in the case as an integrative case for courses like Strategic Management and Marketing Strategy. Case overview Niyogi Books had positioned itself as an independent publishing house with a focus on the niche area of trade books. Due to the internet, digitalization and globalization the dynamics of the book publishing industry had changed considerably, and the company needed to think and reflect on its current position and future strategy. Niyogi Books had added new products and new markets along with other innovations to succeed in the business of publishing. But the way ahead for Niyogi Books was to innovate in light of fast-paced technological advancement. The company needed to balance the digitization of content as well as retailing with its existing print strategy. A related issue is the need to plan an innovative and cost-effective communication strategy to boost sales. Expected learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: analyze the business environment of the publishing industry, realize the need for a branding strategy for small business and apply communication strategies single/multi-channel setting, understand the need of an organization to purposefully adapt an organization’s (self-) resource base (management capability to effectively coordinate and redeploy internal and external competences) and analyze the role of a growth strategy and how it can be used to devise a product/marketing strategy. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

scholarly journals Service-based business models in the Swedish railway industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirka Kans ◽  
Anders Ingwald
Keyword(s):  
Business Strategy ◽  
Service Management ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Railway Vehicle ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Railway Industry ◽  
Business Opportunities ◽  
New Business

PurposeThe purpose is to describe new business opportunities within the Swedish railway industry and to support the development of business models that corresponds with the needs and requirements of Industry 4.0, here denoted as Service Management 4.0.Design/methodology/approachThe study is an in-depth and descriptive case study of the Swedish railway system with specific focus on a railway vehicle maintainer. Public reports, statistics, internal documents, interviews and dialogues forms the basis for the empirical findings.FindingsThe article describes the complex business environment of the deregulated Swedish railway industry. Main findings are in the form of identified business opportunities and new business model propositions for one of the key actors, a vehicle maintainer.Originality/valueThe article provides valuable understanding of business strategy development within complex business environments and how maintenance related business models could be developed for reaching Service Management 4.0.

The interaction of strategy and technology in an era of business re-invention

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saul Berman ◽  
Philip Dalzell-Payne
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technology ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Cognitive Computing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extensive Field ◽  
The Future ◽  
Traditional Strategy ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The authors extensive field experience and analysis suggests that the traditional strategy approach is increasingly ill equipped for a business environment that is being radically changed by new digital technology. Design/methodology/approach They explore some of the ways in which strategy development approaches need to be revised to remain relevant in the world of artificial intelligence, digital reengineering and cognitive computing. Findings Digital technology is both a means to tactical advantage and the key to transformational strategic opportunities. Practical implications Today’s strategies need to allow companies to proactively discover what is going to drive customer value, and also spontaneously react to changing market conditions. Originality/value Re-conceptualizing the future with advanced digital technologies -- “Digital Reinvention” -- starts with working with customers to anticipate and characterize what, how, when and where they wish to engage in the future.

Strategy in the time of pandemics, climate change and the Kurzweil Singularity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Camillus ◽  
Shoba Ramanadhan ◽  
Krishnan Ganapathy
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Soft Power ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Smart Power ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Daunting Challenge

PurposeThe business environment is increasingly fraught with societal disruptions—caused by factors such as pandemics, climate change and the probability of sentient machines—that are fundamentally different than the industry disruptions that firms have experienced and determined how to overcome. Societal disruptions create chaotic ambiguity and unknowable futures. This paper offers an approach to strategic management in the context of societal disruptions, employing purpose-driven “smart power” to harmonize the organization and the environment and promote both economic and social sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe paper integrates the construct of smart power that blends hard and soft power, the concepts of purpose and identity that define what is core, aspirational, enduring and distinctive about the organization and the techniques of taming wicked problems in order to design processes and structures that can function in the context of social disruptions.FindingsThe paper offers a strategic management approach that employs purpose-driven smart power to overcome the challenge and thrive in the context of chaotic ambiguity.Practical implicationsThe approach offers practical guidelines for designing processes and structures that can guide strategic decision making in organizations challenged by societal disruptions.Originality/valueThe distinctive and daunting challenge posed by societal disruptions is delineated, and constructs and frameworks from multiple disciplines are uniquely integrated to potentially tame the chaotic ambiguity and unknowable futures created by these disruptions.

Strategy development by small scale industries in India

2010 ◽  
Vol 110 (7) ◽  
pp. 1073-1093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajesh K. Singh ◽  
Suresh K. Garg ◽  
S.G. Deshmukh
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Organization Culture ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Organization ◽  
Information Technology Training ◽  
Competencies Development ◽  
Small Scale Industries

PurposeIn the present scenario of e‐globalization, small scale industries (SSIs) are considered engine for economic growth all over the world. After markets globalization, SSIs are facing many pressures and constraints to sustain their competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to examine various issues in context of Indian SSIs such as nature of pressures and constraints, competitive priorities, competencies development, areas of investment, and their relationship with performance.Design/methodology/approachFor collecting data, a questionnaire‐based survey was conducted. In total, 75 valid responses were received. Statistical analysis of data acquired from survey is done by reliability test, t‐test, and correlation analysis.FindingsCost reduction, quality improvement, and delivery in time have emerged as major challenges for SSIs. Market research, welfare of employees, and research and development are found as major areas for investment. Use of information technology, training of employees, and research and development has significant relationship with performance.Research limitations/implicationsOrganizations should develop their strategies after analysing business environment and SSIs should utilize their resources judiciously. However, it is felt that this study can be further explored by considering other aspects of strategy development such as human resource, vendor development, organization culture, etc.Originality/valueFindings and issues of the paper will be highly useful for SSIs in framing their strategies, and academia for further research in the context of changing market scenario.

scholarly journals Operations strategy development in project based production – a political process perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Koch ◽  
Ole Friis
Keyword(s):  
Small Body ◽  
Political Process ◽  
Middle Level ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Operations Strategy ◽  
Operation Strategy ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Principles

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study how operations strategy (OS) innovation occurs in a project-centred production and organisation. Design/methodology/approach – A longitudinal case study encompassing the processes at the headquarters of the company and in two projects using lean. Findings – The operation strategy development commences at a middle level in the organisation, is underpinned and embedded in production projects and only after several years becomes embedded in the corporate operation strategy. Projects use lean principles in a differentiated manner. Research limitations/implications – A qualitative case study provides insight into only a single occasion of change in OS. More case studies would probably reveal several paths of OS development. OS development need to be handled as emergent, political and with contributions from several managers and management levels, bridging the vertical divides between projects and headquarter. Practical implications – A conscious and systematic vertical integration and interaction is crucial in project-based companies doing operation strategy development, something critically difficult at building contractors. Originality/value – The present study contributes to the small body of studies of OS development processes, by providing insight in how project-based companies renew their operation strategy.

Catch me if you can!

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 24-26
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Everyone involved in strategic management – in theory or in practice – knows about competitive advantage. Every company should have one, or at least be identifying and developing one. Unfortunately, like a lot of things that “everybody knows”, competitive advantage means different things to different people. Getting to a single, unambiguous definition of competitive advantage is harder than you might expect – and “I’ll know it when I see it” doesn’t really help anyone to run a successful company in the contemporary business environment. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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