Costco Wholesale Corp. - 2009
Case Questions
1. Market
A. Clearly and specifically define the market for this business as it now exists in one clear and specific sentence. This must be a complete definition (customer, product/service, level in chain, and geographic area at a minimum).
B. Provide full support as to why this is the best definition. Address each part of the definition separately.
A. Which of these is the company currently pursuing? Select only one and fully support your position. You must address all aspects of the definition - each separately.
B.
Is this the best choice for this company at this time, or would one of
the other 2 be better? Support your answer, but don't get into implementation,
just address the competitive approach.
3. Mission statement
A. Write a new mission statement for the company, using the information from the case as needed. It must be clear, complete, and concise and cannot be more than 75 words long. Make this specific to this company - no generic missions are acceptable.
B. Support the new mission statement fully by showing how it contains the four required components (customers, etc.). Address each component separately.
C. The class handout gives four major purposes of a mission statement (define, etc.). Support your new mission statement by showing how it meets each of the four purposes. Address each purpose separately.
4. Competitive Profile Matrix - CPM
A. Prepare a Competitive Profile Matrix for the company, comparing it to Sam's Club and BJ's. Use 8 to 10 factors. Be sure you use competitive factors and the same industry you defined in #1. You may have to do some (minimal) research for this.
B. What does this tool recommend for the company? Explain. Be sure to clearly address BOTH levels of the recommendation.
5. Recommendation:
A. What one major strategy should they pursue now? You must be specific (not generic) and support fully. Support for your choice being the most appropriate choice is critical. Use the following outline to answer this question. You must address all detail items within 3 & 4 fully.
1. State your recommended strategy.
2. Explain your strategy.
3. Support why your strategy is appropriate.
4. Support why your strategy is the best strategy.
B. Clearly relate and justify your proposed strategy to each tool above.
1.
Relate to Porter in #2B
2. Relate to Life Cycle in #3B
2. 3. Relate to CPM in #4B.
See FAQ for answers to frequently asked questions about this case.
- Q1 – 3/15/2011 -