Reference no: EM133053710

Discussion - Strategy Execution at Costco Wholesale Corp. in 2018

This discussion is intended to give you the opportunity to apply some of the concepts covered in Chapter 10 and the related Instructor's Note. This Discussion is based on Case 04 - Costco Wholesale Corp in 2018: Mission, Business Model, and Strategy. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR INITIAL POST:

Post your response to the following Discussion Question.  

Thinking in terms of the three basic managerial tasks discussed in Chapter 10 and the related Instructor's Note, make an argument that Costco managers have been very effective in executing each of those tasks. Justify and support each response based on concepts covered in Chapter 10 and the related Instructor's Note, and facts in Case 04. 

Instructor's Note;

Chapter 10 - Building an Organization Capable of Good Strategy Execution

PLEASE NOTICE: This Instructor's Note is a Required Reading because it highlights, and in some instances, expand on concepts that are covered in the assigned textbook; however, it is NOT intended to serve as an alternative to you reading and studying the chapter in the textbook. In fact, at several points throughout this Note, you will be directed to a particular section in the textbook because it contains more-detailed explanations, examples, and illustrations that are not included in this Instructor's Note.  You are advised that Quizzes, Discussions, Written Case Assignments, and Exams will be based on the contents of both this Instructor's Note and the textbook. For that reason, except where indicated otherwise, this Instructor's Note draws directly from the TPGS textbook and related course material provided by the publisher. Additionally, in most instances, the sections and sub-sections in this Instructor's Note are structured so as to be consistent with those in the textbook.

Chapter Overview

This week, we shift our focus strategy-making to the managerial tasks required for successfully executing a major change in a company's current strategy, or a new and different strategy. TPGS Chapter 10 begins by identifying ten key managerial tasks that must be addressed in a company's efforts to execute strategy. Next, this chapter describes three of those key tasks: (1) staffing the organization with people capable of executing the strategy well, (2) building the organizational capabilities needed for successful strategy execution, and (3) creating an organizational structure supportive of the strategy execution process. The remaining seven key managerial tasks are covered in TPGS Chapters 11 and 12.

Learning Objectives

Studying TPGS Chapter 10 and this Instructor's Note will help you understand:

What managers must do to execute strategy successfully.

Why hiring, training, and retaining the right people constitute a key component of the strategy execution process.

That good strategy execution requires continuously building and upgrading the organization's resources and capabilities.

What issues to consider in establishing a strategy supportive organizational structure and organizing the work effort.