Running Head MODULE 6 COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES1MODULE 6 COMPETIT.docx

Running Head: MODULE 6 COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES 1
MODULE 6 COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES 2
Week 6 Written Assignment-
Competitive Strategies
Author Note
This assignment for Week 6 Written Assignment-Competitive
Strategies is being submitted on November 11, 2017, for
Christopher Zombas’ B460/MAN4720 Section 01 Strategic
Management Fall 2017 course.
In the fast food industry, competitive strategies must be looked
at for a business to remain viable. With so many options to
choose from how is a company going to get consumers to
choose them? Conducting a competitive strategy analysis can
help guide a fast food business down the right path for them.
1. Select a different product or service from last week.
The product or service that I have chosen for this assignment is
fast foods.

2. Conduct a competitive strategy analysis on the product or
service selected using Porter’s General Competitive Strategies
(Cost Leadership Strategy, Differentiation, and Focus).
Cost Leadership Strategy-how can a company be able to
consistently reduce their costs of doing business?
Differentiation (sometimes easier for companies who are not
able to get their costs lower)-how can a company set themselves
apart from the competition?
Cost Focus-how can the company use the principles of a low-
cost operation to market affordability to a specific market?
Differentiation Focus-a company would want to market a bigger
and better solution to a smaller market.
3. Select one of Porter’s Generic Competitive Strategies to
develop a competitive edge for your product or service selected,
and describe and explain the implementation of that strategy for
the product or service selected.
Cost Leadership Strategy-a company would want to maintain
low overhead costs and negotiate favorable acquisition costs of
supplies. A fast-food company would want to be strategically
placed where they can get the most consumers in and also pay
the lowest price possible for their materials. They would need
to negotiate contracts with their suppliers for the most favorable
outcome.
Differentiation-a company would want to research customer
needs, design, and develop quality products or services to match
those needs and wants. The company would want to effectively
market and sell themselves by stressing those differences from
their competition.
Cost Focus-a company would want to maintain a low-cost
operation which could be done a number of ways, such as
possibly only being open during the busiest or peak hours,
finding the best suppliers for the cheapest price, buying in large
quantities to lower costs, hire well trained or educated staff in
order to minimize waste, and not purchasing more than
necessary to avoid spoilage.
Differentiation Focus-a company would want to focus on doing

one particular thing very well. A fast-food company could
focus on having a particular kind of burger such as a healthier
option like a vegan burger to stand out from their competition
and target their market to the health-conscious consumer base.
Although a competitive strategy analysis can help guide a
business by focusing management, the results are still not black
and white answers. A lot of time and effort have to be put in to
find the best solution for each specific company. Even then, it
is a continuing cycle because what is working today may not
work in the next year or two. The consumer wants and needs
change frequently and therefore; businesses must be willing and
able to change with them to stay competitive.
References
Coulter, M. (07/2012). Strategic Management in Action, 6th
Edition. [Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved
from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781323123874/
Top of Form
Running Head: MODULE 4-HORMEL SWOT ANALYSIS 1
MODULE 4-HORMEL SWOT ANALYSIS 7
Week 4 Written Assignment-
Hormel SWOT Analysis

Author Note
This assignment for Week 4 Written Assignment-Hormel SWOT
Analysis is being submitted on October 29, 2017, for
The Business
Hormel Foods Corporation (Hormel Foods) is one of the leading
American food processing companies that is based in Austin,
Minnesota (in the United States). The company was founded in
1891 by George Hormel which later changed its name to Hormel
Foods in 1993 and ever since, the company has recorded various
successes in the food processing industry up to now. It has over
forty stores located in different parts of the United States and
across North America. They manufacture and market branded
value-added meat and food products. Their main products
include Deli Meat, pantry, ethnic foods and spam among others.
Its average revenues as posted in its 2016 financial reports were
$9.52 million making the company one of the biggest players in
the food processing industry in the United States.
Strengths
Hormel Foods’ main strengths include their strong Research and
Development capabilities, the company’s strong focus on the
quality of ingredients, and their steady financial performance.
Hormel puts significant resources towards its R&D activities.
The company is committed to developing new innovative
products and redeveloping or improving existing products. An
example of Hormel’s R&D innovative advancements is in April
of 2014 the company launched its Hormel Compleats breakfast
line of products. This new product line was the first shelf-
stable microwavable breakfast meals category to include real
eggs. The company kept in mind the time-constrained

consumers looking for quick and healthy breakfast options.
Hormel Foods Corporation has strong Research and
Development capabilities that enable the company to introduce
new and improved products frequently.
Hormel’s intense focus on the quality of ingredients is another
of the company’s strengths. Hormel’s multifaceted supply
chain containing suppliers for hogs, turkeys, ingredients,
packaging materials, and transportation allows the company to
buy the majority of its raw materials, equipment, and services
located locally within the regions where they manufacture their
products.
The company also maintains a Supplier Quality Management
program which measures its suppliers based on quality,
delivery, service, technology, and price. Hormel’s ingredient
suppliers are subjected to additional measurements in order to
ensure the quality and food safety of their supply chain. If any
of their suppliers do not comply with the company’s standards,
appropriate action is taken and/or may result in the termination
of the partnership. With their strong focus on quality, Hormel
can compete with others in their market and industry
effectively.
Hormel’s steady financial performance is a strength for the
company. They have recorded a consistent growth in its
financial results in the last few years. Hormel recorded
consistent growth in its profitability over the last few years as
well. Steady financial performance provides financial stability
to them. Having a steady financial performance allows the
company to seek more growth avenues in the future.
Weaknesses
Dependence on few customers as well as their dependence on
protein are Hormel’s biggest weaknesses.
Hormel’s five largest customers in each segment contribute a
significant percentage of the company’s sales. The loss of one
or more of these top customers in any segment could have
drastic effects on the company’s total sales. As well, if Hormel

is not able to sell its products to these select groups, then it may
not be able to find suitable alternatives for selling their
products in time to avoid spoilage, etc. Dependence on few
customers could, therefore, affect the company’s sales and
thereby its revenues.
Hormel’s dependence of protein items such as pork and turkey
could be one of the company’s weaknesses. If there was a study
that found that pork or turkey themselves were unhealthy or
causing illness or disease, the company could face a potentially
significant setback. Also, customer preference or tastes may
change or deteriorate for these proteins. Weather, natural
disasters, or disease may affect these livestock markets which
could drive the price for hogs and turkeys way up. This would
have a negative effect on Hormel’s profits and revenues.
Opportunities
Hormel’s opportunities include a growing foodservice industry,
increasing popularity of natural and organic food, and
increasing online retail spending.
The U.S. foodservice industry is expected to continue a steady
growth over the next few years. The restaurant industry has
witnessed consistent sales growth in the past few years as well.
Hormel offers a wide range of products to retail, foodservice
and fresh food customers. The improved outlook for the
foodservice sector, one of their key customers, would lead to
increased revenues for the company.
The demand for natural and organic foods has increased over
the years due to increased awareness about the importance of
natural foods in the diets. This growth trend is expected to
continue. Parents are focusing on providing healthier food
options to their children which has helped push the purchasing
of organic foods. Consumers are showing their trust loyalty to
organic products. Hormel’s Natural Choice brand offers
products such as deli meats, dinners, chicken breasts, etc. that
do not contain any preservatives or artificial colors. Increases
for consumer preferences of natural foods will have a positive
impact on the company.

E-commerce sales in the U.S. have been growing significantly
over the past few years. Hormel products can be purchased
online via food delivery services such as Amazon, Walmart
grocery, Cub Foods, or Hyvee food delivery options. The
positive trend in online retail spending can be leveraged to
strengthen the company's sales further and improve its revenues
by getting more of its products to those that previously may
have been unaware of their large selection.
Threats
Stringent regulations, rising labor costs in the U.S., and a shift
towards vegetarianism in the U.S. are all threats to Hormel.
The manufacturing food products industry is highly regulated in
the U.S. Be it new or increased regulations from the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, the U.S.D.A., the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA), or others, Hormel may see
increased costs of doing business. The company also has to
follow directions from other agencies such as the federal and
state taxing authorities, and other state and local authorities that
oversee workforce immigration laws, tax regulations, animal
welfare, food safety standards as well as processing, packaging,
storage, distribution, advertising, and labeling of their products.
Hormel’s operations are subject to stringent federal, state, and
local environmental laws and regulations pertaining to the
discharge of materials into the environment, and the handling
and disposition of wastes. Any changes in these regulations
may impact the company’s compliance cost structure.
Labor costs have been rising significantly in the U.S. The
federal minimum wage increases affect the company. Many
states and municipalities have minimum wage rates that are
even higher than the federal minimum wage rate due to the
higher cost of living in those areas. Hormel’s cost structure
will be negatively affected by rising labor costs, which could
impact the margin expansion adversely and affect the
company’s profitability.
In the U.S. the vegetarian food segment has been
increasing. Vegetarians replace meat, beef, and eggs in their

diet. Consumers in the U.S. are making changes to their diets
from non-vegetarian to vegetarian (at a rapid pace) due to the
growth of hypertension and obesity in our country. With
Hormel offering an abundance of meat products such as pork,
beef, deli meats, sausages, and pepperoni, this growing
vegetarian customer base could negatively affect their sales and
revenues.
References
Ciura, B. (2016, November 18). Dividend aristocrats in focus
Part 45: Hormel. Retrieved from
http://www.suredividend.com/dividend-aristocrats-hrl/
Hormel Foods Corporation. (n.d.). Inspired people. Inspired
food. Retrieved October 29, 2017, from
http://eproxymaterials.com/interactive/hrl2016/
Yahoo Finance. (n.d.). Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL).
Retrieved October 29, 2017, from
https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/HRL/financials?ltr=1
Top of Form
Running Head: MODULE 2 COMPANY SELECTION 1
MODULE 2 COMPANY SELECTION 2
Module 2 Strategic Management Plan-
Company Selection

Author Note
This assignment for Module 2 Strategic Management Plan-
Company Selection is being submitted on October 15, 2017, for
The company that I have chosen to do my Course Project on is
Hormel Foods Corporation (Hormel). Hormel is based in
Austin, Minnesota which is where the company’s headquarters
and Research and Development are located (this is my biggest
reason for choosing it being from MN). However, they have
various plants and sales offices all over the United States,
Canada, as well as in Japan. George A Hormel founded Hormel
Foods Corp in 1891. Mr. Hormel had a famous saying
“originate, don’t imitate” (George A. Hormel) that the company
still stands by today.
Hormel Foods employs approximately 20,000 employees
worldwide. Hormel is currently number 304 on the list of the
Fortune 500 companies. This is the 22nd year in a row that
Hormel Foods has made this prestigious list. Hormel is also on
Barron’s 500 list as “ranking of the largest publicly traded
companies in the United States and Canada as measured by sales
in the latest fiscal year.” (Hormel Foods Website). These are
only a few of the many awards that Hormel Foods has received
over the years. Some other awards that they have received
include Standard & Poor’s 500 list and S&P 500 Dividend
Aristocrats Index, as well as M&A Mid-Market Award for Deal
of the Year. The company also received the World’s Best CEO
and Best Companies to sell for awards.

Hormel Foods is a member of the Food and Consumer
Products industry. They are a top manufacturer and marketer of
high quality, brand name foods including meat products.
Hormel has a number of trademark brands and product lines
(30+ to be exact). Some of the company’s most well-known
products include Hormel Always Tender meats, Hormel Black
Label bacon products, CHI-CHI’s products, and Hormel Cure 81
products. Dinty Moore Stew, Farmer John Meats products, La
Victoria Mexican products, Skippy Peanut Butter products,
Hormel REV Wraps, and Hormel Fire Braised meats are all
some of their top selling products (Hormel Foods Website).
There are many more products that Hormel Foods produces and
sells. I have no doubt that you have tried at least one of their
products before.
References
Fortune 500 (2016). Retrieved from
http://fortune.com/fortune500/hormel-foods-304
Hormel Foods Corporation (2016). Retrieved from
https://www.hormelfoods.com/About/MissionValues/Company-
Profile.aspx
Top of Form
Running Head: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN-FINAL 1
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN-FINAL 2
Week 10 Strategic Management Plan-Final
Dawnelle Schmidt
Rasmussen College

Author Note
This assignment for Week 10 Strategic Management Plan-Final
is being submitted on December 10, 2017, for Christopher
Zombas’ B460/MAN4720 Section 01 Strategic Management Fall
2017 course.
Hormel’s strategic objectives should be aligned with the
organization’s mission and vision. How can Hormel become
successful in implementing its strategic objectives (once those
are determined)? Implementing a business’ strategic objectives
requires knowing where the company currently stands and
where it wants to be (projecting a specific purpose and desired
results).
Strategic objectives and successful implementation of Hormel
Foods:
For Hormel Foods to be successful in and accomplish financial
growth (to exceed a certain monetary amount in the next 5 or 10
years or to increase revenues by a certain percentage annually),
the company needs to do market research and find what part of
the market that they are not currently selling to. They must
also, research what consumers are looking to purchase, is there
a void that the company can fill to gain a new consumer base?
Can the company lower prices and have more repeat purchases,
more frequently?
To decrease expenses by a certain percentage, Hormel Foods
can maintain strong partnerships and collaborate with local
farmers to get the best prices on pork and other essential
ingredients needed to produce their product lines. Helping the

farmers to prevent wide-spread disease throughout their
livestock can, in turn, help Hormel in the long run. Hormel’s
R&D department is always looking into ways to help prevention
of diseases in their livestock pool; this will help to keep supply
and demand on an even keel.
To increase net profit by a certain percentage annually Hormel
wants to formulate a constant and consistent focus on the
consumer. The company would want to maintain their strong
purpose and be able to portray that to their consumers. Creating
long-term value for their consumers will be important because
any company could come in and challenge Hormel for a portion
of the market. The company would want to create strong
emotional engagement within the company and its customers
and partners. To gain new consumers, Hormel would want to
introduce existing products into new markets that they do not
currently serve. They would also want to introduce new
products to new and existing markets and to expand sales in the
global marketplace.
To expand sales to existing customers by a certain amount or
percentage Hormel Foods would want to maintain a high focus
on quality products at a reasonable price. Consumers are
willing to pay a premium for premium quality products. Hormel
would want to avoid any adverse publicity such as food recalls
which would cause consumer confidence to deteriorate. The
company would want to continue to expand their product lines
to include more products that are quick and easy to prepare for
the time-crunched consumers; which is now more the norm than
ever before.
To increase customer retention, Hormel Foods wants to pay
particular attention to their current customer base. Those
customers have gotten the company where they are today. The
company still has to look out for the little guys (the company’s
roots). The company would also want to hire enthusiastic sales
and marketing employees to “pitch” new products to the
consumers. Keeping those employees engaged and compensated
for their hard work and efforts will pay off and reward the

company in the long run.
To achieve and maintain outstanding customer service Hormel
would want to hire employees who share the company’s vision
and exhibit flexible and adaptive leadership skills. Having
employees who use and love the products that they are selling
really shines through in their jobs. Hormel should focus on
their sales staff and provide them with the training and tools
necessary to make each employee successful and feel that they
are adding value to the Hormel team. The employees should be
made to feel useful and appreciated; they will always try harder
to better themselves and help the company. The focus should be
on improving their service approach for new and existing
customers.
To develop and use a customer database Hormel would want to
create a database of their existing customers and create a way to
market to the specific customer. If a customer orders a specific
product frequently, then the company could email or send them
coupons or offer them discounts for that specific product and
possibly get the consumer to purchase other products to
complement their frequently order merchandise.
For a business to prosper, they must determine how to
accomplish the financial goals set in front of them. Hormel
must create long-term value for their consumers to stay at the
top of their industry. Strategic management focuses on how the
business can cope with changes in their external environment
and still survive and continue to grow.
References
Coulter, M. (07/2012). Strategic Management in Action, 6th
Edition. [Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved
from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781323123874/
Top of Form

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