Business Strategy Analysis of Starbucks Case Study

Competitive Analysis and Positioning Strategies

Why do strategies fail?

The main reasons behind the failure of strategies are wrong execution practices. Some aspects of a strategy aren't really addressed. Bad strategies produce disappointing results. However, it should be noted that some good strategies also fail. It is much harder to figure out how things went wrong when a good strategy fails. Although good planning is obviously desirable; and indeed putting the strategy in action, few management chiefs really make an effort to fine-tune the process and leadership aspects that lead to the realization of the anticipated results. It is the lack of know-how in the execution of strategies that leads to the failure of, even, great strategies. The consequences are often grave.

One of the common identifiable reasons why strategies fail is to allow a strategy objective to change with time. Another common reason why strategies fail is because there are senior managers down the product delivery chain that do not agree with the new changes and begin to resist it (Wharton, 2005).

2. Distinctions

Pioneer

A pioneer focuses on the introduction of a new product and seeks to sell it to a broad market niche by use of inventive strategies coupled with a unique approach to such markets. They are primary product innovators, unlike fast follows, cost leaders and customer centrics.

Fast Follower

This is an imitative group that seeks to emulate successful products as they cling to the controlling products and significant customer bases. The fast follower's strength lies in their ability to improve on the pioneer's form and content.

Cost Leader

These are the late market entrants that apply assertive approaches to buffer their primary market bases from infiltration by competitors. Their primary preoccupation is enhancing efficiency across the levels of the value chain. These strategies eventually allow them to sell at lower prices. They differ from other strategies because their main aim is to strive for efficiency in the value chain so as to offer lower prices.

Customer Centrics

They offer great quality, impressive customer service and relatively lower prices than pioneers, but higher than cost leaders and fast followers (Slater, Olson, Tomas, & Hult, 2005) as a way of hooking their client base to become loyal to their outlets.

3. Successful Pioneer

Success in pioneering lies in both product and customer focus innovation. It involves a decentralized marketing system and patience on the part of the pioneer. Such a pioneer seeks a team of highly efficient marketing experts. Pioneers are assertive in their marketing approach because their primary anchors are innovators and those who…