Case Analysis - Trader Joe's and IKEA

  • Due No Due Date
  • Points 0

Please read the two cases listed in the syllabus on Trader Joe's and IKEA. You can purchase the cases from the Harvard Business Publishing website by looking up the case product number. Alternatively, I have left a folder with two hardcopies of each case in Rosemary Poppe's office.

  • David L. Ager; Michael A. Roberto, Trader Joe's, Harvard Business School case product number 714419, 2013.
  • Duke, Lisa, Huy, Quy Nguyen & Jarrett, Michael, How IKEA’s Strategy Was Formed, INSEAD case. Harvard Business School case product number IN1283, 2011.

Please come prepared to discuss your thoughts on how the two companies have created and maintained a successful competitive advantage. Refer to the 5 key elements of strategy that we discussed in class on Thursday:

  • Unique Value Proposition
  • Distinctive Value Chain
  • Making Clear Trade-offs
  • Fit
  • Continuity

Additionally, please also be prepared to discuss how the strategy and the various activities related to supporting the strategy evolved. Determine how the following statement is applicable to both companies:

  • Great strategy is sometimes the result of trial and error and adaptation rather than perfect foresight and execution
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