Management Case Research and Analysis Report Sample

Management Case Research and Analysis

Management – Research Report

Purpose:

This individual assessment will contribute 40% to your overall grade.

Instructions:

Food industry mainly consists of four distinct sectors: the farm service sector, the producer sector, the processor sector and the marketer sector. This assessment requires you to choose one company from a food industry and respond to the following 4 questions. The company can be ideally from small to large or multi-national company from any part of the world.

a) Referring to the company you selected, what two external trends do managers in that company have to deal with? How do you think these trends might constrain decisions made by the managers?

b) Businesses are built on relationship. What two stakeholders do you think might be highly important to this company. What interests might these two stakeholders have?

c) The primary means of sustaining competitive advantage is to adjust faster to the environment than your competitors do. Comparing with other players in the industry, how effective you found the company to be, in using the digital business space to stay competitive in the market? Provide two evidence.

d) How could the company use its organisational design to encourage a learning organization for improvements in sustainability? Discuss from two perspectives.
Submission

You should submit using the LMS submission link for this assignment. Remember that, the report should:

a) Company background. Provide a summary of the business purpose, context and trade
– what is it and what will it do?

b) Present each question under separate sub-headings

c) Provide title of the report, student full name and student number, subject code and title, and name of teacher

d) Write approximately 2,000 words (+/- 10%). Table of content, executive summary, references and appendices not included in the word limit.

e) Must provide table of content and executive summary

f) Use Calibri 12 point font, 1.5 line spacing

g) Reference carefully using the APA 7 referencing system. Students must use at least 5 academic references, then may use any number of other resources (e.g. industry/company reports).

h) Include an in-text citation when you refer to, summarize, paraphrase, or quote from another source.

i) Start a new paragraph when a new or different point/topic/issue is to be discussed.
Avoid using very large paragraphs.

j) Include relevant tables, graphs, and figures (whichever is applicable).

k) Demonstrate ability to present a well written and well-structured report

Text similarity:

You can submit your draft twice to check the Turnitin score but this has to be done 24 hours prior to the deadline. Please keep the Turnitin text similarity score at a minimum (recommend below 15%). Assignments with poor referencing, or 25% similarity score or higher may be penalized and referred to Academic Integrity team.

Solution

1.0 Introduction 

For Melbourne's Yo-Chi, a self-serve frozen yoghurt chain, the landscape of consumer trends is always shifting, with the advent of veganism and the need for sustainable packaging standing out in particular. To meet shifting customer preferences and rising environmental concerns, these trends need strategic adaptation. As per the MBA Assignment Expert, To preserve a competitive advantage in the frozen yoghurt sector, this report examines how Yo-Chi might adapt to these trends. Along with a stakeholder analysis and the company's sustainable packaging, it explores the potential and problems of veganism and sustainable packaging. It also offers strategies for promoting a learning organisation that places a high priority on sustainability.

2.0 Company background

Yo-Chi is a chain of self-serve frozen food stores in Melbourne, Australia. It has sites in Balaclava, Hawthorn, Carlton, and Malvern (Pitchbook.com, 2023). The business focuses on providing a variety of gourmet yoghurt, toppings, and smoothies to meet the diverse dietary requirements of its customers. Their menu features seasonal variations on vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free alternatives. Yo-Chi's central idea is to unite the pleasure of tasty frozen yoghurt with an upbeat and friendly ambience that exudes optimism. Their mission is to provide a place where individuals of all ages may gather to make unique, delicious frozen yoghurt creations (Yochi.com.au, 2022). Customers are encouraged to use their imaginations to create the ideal dessert thanks to the company's self-serve model.

The first Yo-Chi opened in Balaclava, Melbourne, in September 2012, and it immediately became a staple of the city's growing self-serve frozen yoghurt industry (Pitchbook.com, 2023). To emphasise their desire to make this enjoyable experience available to a wider audience, they want to extend their footprint and create outlets around the country. Yo-Chi is proud to be an Australian company run by a family committed to "chi," which stands for good energy and balance (Yochi.com.au, 2022). They hope that by giving back to the communities their businesses serve, they may have an effect that is felt well beyond the boundaries of their physical locations. Additionally, Yo-Chi is committed to embracing environmental responsibility and sustainability and has promised to make eco-friendly choices.

3.0 Two external trends

3.1 Veganism

Significant opportunities and threats are presented to the frozen yoghurt industry by the rising veganism trend. The worldwide vegan food market is expected to reach USD 37.5 billion by 2030, representing a significant opportunity for the frozen yoghurt industry (Globenewswire.com, 2023). Nevertheless, it will need significant adaptation to match the changing preferences of consumers. Concerns about animal cruelty, health advantages, and environmental sustainability are driving a shift in consumer preference towards plant-based meals, which in turn is altering the food industry. Due to this trend, dairy-free frozen yoghurt made with almond, coconut, or soy milk is now available. Frozen yoghurt stores must provide these plant-based products to appeal to a rising vegan customer base (Saari et al. 2021). The challenge for the frozen yoghurt industry is to develop vegan options that are just as creamy and tasty as their non-vegan counterparts. Since vegan foods might be more costly, they must also deal with pricing issues. 

3.2 Sustainable packaging 

The increased focus on sustainable packaging is one significant trend affecting the frozen yoghurt industry. Using single-use plastics such as cups, lids, and spoons in frozen yoghurt shops has become a major environmental concern as the public's desire for eco-friendly and socially responsible businesses increases (Internationalfrozenyogurt.com, 2021). The difficulty arises in selecting an appropriate packaging material while meeting the needs of the company in terms of sustainability. The options for packaging that can be recycled, biodegraded, or post-consumer are presented to owners. However, it might be difficult to make educated selections due to the ambiguity of these phrases and the inconsistency of labelling across packaging supply firms (Guillard et al. 2018). Both consumer expectations and regulatory regulations drive the trend towards sustainable packaging. Customers are increasingly interested in companies that try to lessen their environmental impact, and regulatory agencies are paying close attention to sustainable business practices (Internationalfrozenyogurt.com, 2021). Therefore, it is recommended that frozen yoghurt shops make investments in environmentally friendly packaging choices that not only satisfy customer expectations but also help the industry as a whole.

3.3 Trends constraining decisions made by managers

For the managers of Yo-Chi, the self-serve frozen yoghurt chain in Melbourne, the trends of veganism and sustainable frozen packaging may provide both difficulties and possibilities. Managers may need to include dairy-free frozen yoghurt and vegan toppings to their menus to accommodate the increasing customer base that is vegan (Kilian & Hamm, 2021). This diversification needs investment in recipe creation and ingredient sourcing. It is crucial to keep the same degree of flavour and texture in vegan alternatives to match customer expectations. Managers are liable for ensuring the new products and services are of the same high standard as the old ones (Saari et al. 2021). Managers must teach the personnel to serve vegan choices and prevent cross-contamination properly. This requires more effort and materials.

It may be more expensive in the short run to switch to sustainable packaging materials like biodegradable cups and utensils. The financial repercussions must be considered by managers (Coelho et al. 2020). A hurdle might be finding a reliable source of sustainable packaging materials. Managers are responsible for finding trustworthy suppliers and keeping the supply chain running smoothly. The advantages of sustainable packaging must be communicated to clients by Yo-Chi's managers, who must also inform them of their commitment. The result is more marketing time and money (Guillard et al. 2018).

4.0 Stakeholders Analysis

Customers are Yo-Chi's primary shareholder. They're thinking about buying anything from the firm or getting some kind of service from it. Customers desire tasty frozen yoghurt, a choice of toppings, and an inviting environment (Chipulu et al. 2019). The quality and flavour of the frozen yoghurt and toppings are what customers care about most. They anticipate a consistent and pleasurable experience throughout their trips.  Vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free alternatives are just a few of the dietary preferences that many clients have. They want a menu that can be customised to their preferences. The pricing of Yo-Chi's items has customers' attention. They want market-based pricing that is commensurate with the quality of service provided (Shnayder et al. 2016). Customers may be interested in a company's environmental efforts and commitment to lowering its ecological impact if it uses sustainable packaging.

Yo-Chi places a big focus on being a family-owned Australian company and on giving back to local neighbourhoods. As a result, local communities are essential stakeholders (Mialon et al. 2017). Yo-Chi's shops are expected to participate in and improve the neighbourhoods where they are situated. Because they mirror local values and concerns, communities may be interested in the company's sustainable packaging and other environmental projects (Chipulu et al. 2019). Local communities may gain financially from Yo-Chi's businesses' success and sustainability, such as via employment creation and the influx of new consumers.

5.0 Competitive advantage

5.1 Engaging Social Media Presence

Yo-Chi has a large and active following on social media, especially on Facebook. Recent corporate postings, like one promoting their Yuzu flavour, show how often they update and promote their products (Facebook.com, 2023). Informing consumers that Yuzu is only available for a short time and urging them to visit their local Yo-Chi shop as soon as possible, this post successfully creates a feeling of urgency (Facebook.com, 2023). A potent marketing tactic in the modern digital era, this strategy plays on the notion of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) (Ebrahim, 2020). Yo-Chi promotes customer engagement and fast action by establishing a feeling of exclusivity and urgency (Facebook.com, 2023).

Figure 1: Facebook Post 1 of Yo-Chi
(Source: Facebook.com, 2023)

Moreover, the post asks for feedback and views from customers by wondering whether they would want to see Yuzu return in 2024 (Facebook.com, 2023). Insights about customer preferences and prospective future products are provided by this interactive aspect, which also keeps the audience interested. The post's engagement metrics, such as the number of replies and comments, show that consumers actively engage with the brand on social media (Felix et al. 2017). Yo-Chi's ability to sustain customer interest, loyalty, and involvement via social media platforms is clear (Facebook.com, 2023).

5.2 Embracing Sustainability and Social Responsibility

The company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is another notable feature of its digital presence. Social media posts, such as one announcing the release of Ooray Plum Coulis made with plums from a local Indigenous supplier called Rainforest Foods, show how the firm has integrated these principles into its overall approach (Facebook.com, 2023). The post draws attention to the distinct taste while also informing shoppers about the product's cultural value, all within the context of a larger story about honouring Australia's Indigenous past (Sajid, 2016).

Figure 2: Facebook Post 2 of Yo-Chi
(Source: Facebook.com, 2023)

The post is further indicative of positive intent due to the inclusion of the hashtag #yes23. Yo-Chi's commitment to making positive social and environmental changes is fully displayed in this (Facebook.com, 2023). Yo-Chi not only promotes its goods but also aligns itself with principles that connect with a socially aware audience via its digital platforms to advocate for social concerns. This strategy can improve brand loyalty and customer engagement by appealing to consumers who place a high value on ethical and sustainable consumption (Alves et al. 2016).

Yo-Chi uses digital business space to interact with its audience in more proactive and innovative ways than Crave Australia. Crave Australia depends heavily on product qualities for marketing its lactose-free and health-conscious frozen yoghurt choices, which it promotes on Instagram (Instagram.com, 2023). Yo-Chi, on the other hand, emphasises the cultural and ethical components of its goods in a way that is more narrative-driven and engaging (Facebook.com, 2023). Yo-Chi can now express its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility to its audience in a more personal way (Chatterjee & Kar, 2020).

Additionally, Yo-Chi's commitment to comprehending and reacting to customer preferences and feedback is seen in the company's lively contact with its customers via polls, comments, and engagement metrics. While both Yo-Chi and Crave Australia's Instagram posts are instructive, Crave Australia's postings provide a new degree of engagement and narrative. Yo-Chi encourages community and feedback from its audience by using Facebook's polls and comments (Mason et al. 2021).

6.0 Organisational design to encourage learning 

6.1 Cross-Functional Teams and Collaboration

To collaborate on sustainability projects, Yo-Chi may form cross-functional teams of employees from different departments, such as operations, marketing, and sustainability (Oliveira et al. 2016). This method promotes an organisation-wide consensus on sustainability objectives and obstacles. Team members may benefit from one another's experiences and perspectives by removing silos. A cross-functional team, for instance, may concentrate on finding sustainable packaging alternatives to reduce single-use plastic waste (Stipp et al. 2018). Supply chain specialists can find eco-friendly vendors, packaging experts can develop campaigns that are friendly to the environment, and operational personnel can put new sustainability strategies into practice. 

Educating employees on all areas of sustainability, from the sourcing of sustainable materials to the customer-facing components of eco-friendly branding, is made possible via regular meetings and a knowledge-sharing culture (Dussart et al. 2021). Yo-Chi can also design a "reverse mentoring" programme in which younger, more technologically aware employees advise senior management on sustainability trends and practices. Information sharing is important for bridging generational gaps and keeping the organisation flexible to address sustainability concerns.

6.2 Feedback Loops and Continuous Improvement

The organisation may set up feedback loops and mechanisms to solicit information from internal and external parties. For instance, employees and consumers may provide feedback on sustainability efforts, like the effectiveness of biodegradable packaging or the acceptance of post-consumer practices (Singh et al. 2018). By actively soliciting and acting on feedback, Yo-Chi displays its commitment to learning and growth. Moreover, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and sustainability performance metrics may be included in the company's ongoing reporting and performance assessments. The seriousness of sustainability goals may be ensured if these metrics are related to employee incentives. 

The strengths and weaknesses of an organisation may be better understood via regular evaluations and feedback sessions (Dunne, 2019). External partnerships, collaborations, and industry networks centred on sustainability are also available to Yo-Chi. You may get access to best practices, insights, and learning opportunities by joining sustainability-focused associations and engaging in industry debates. The newest trends and innovations in sustainability may be incorporated into the company's organisational design at conferences and seminars (Singh et al. 2018).

7.0 Conclusion 

Yo-Chi's reaction to veganism and sustainable packaging trends is crucial in a quickly evolving industry. Yo-Chi can not only meet changing customer preferences but also show its commitment to environmental responsibility by providing new vegan choices and using sustainable packaging solutions. Building customer loyalty and promoting a good effect depends on the engagement of stakeholders, including consumers and local communities. Yo-Chi is successfully positioned as a progressive brand because of its use of digital platforms. To further cement its position in the frozen yoghurt industry, the company's organisational design may drive it towards being a learning organisation that lives on sustainability and continual progress. 

References 

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