IFSM 300 Discsussion (Zeek the GEEK)

Daniel:

1. What is Panera Bread's strategy?

Panera Breads strategy is to provide wholesome food at the rate of a fast food restaurant. Have you ever been out and about and wanted a quick meal? How often did you wish your only options were not grease soaked foods? Panera Bread reaps the benefits every time a consumer feels this way. You can grab a delicious wholesome relatively healthy meal for a fair price even if you are on a time crunch.

2. Which of Porter's Three Generic Strategies, found in the Week 1 Learning Resources, most closely fit the competitive approach that Panera Bread is taking?

Of Porter’s Three Generic Strategies, Panera Bread’s competitive approach most closely fits the differentiation strategy. Panera is considered with the quality of the product they are associating with their name. Their main focus is not on low costs, but on happy consumers provided with a unique product. The food served at Panera is not like most fast foods.

3. What type of competitive advantage is Panera Bread trying to achieve?

Panera Bread is attempting to gain a competitive edge by providing consumers wholesome food, fast service, fair pricing, and outstanding customer service.

4. What does SWOT or Five Forces analysis of Panera Bread reveal about the overall attractiveness of its situation?

Throughout the year, Panera Bread conducts an analysis on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the company. The internal strengths and weaknesses allow management to know what is working for them and what is not. From the external view, the opportunities and threats must be recognized so that Panera can adjust when it is deemed necessary. Opportunities may be present that can help increase the strengths as well as threats that can make their weak points, weaker. This enables the company to move closer to their goals by strategically planning to improve their operations.

5. Does the company have any core competencies or distinctive competencies?

Panera Bread has many significant core competencies that are a major contribution to their success. They remain aware of what is going on in the organization and the industry, stay proactive, and use effective problem solving. Panera also is strong on their values that they believe in and require from their employees.

6. What strategic issues and problems does Panera Bread management need to address?

One strategic issue that I have recognized in this situation was their lack of desire to go international. In this generation, globalization is becoming a huge trend. It is important for organizations to recognize such significant trends and become open to incorporating them. This might require Panera to consult with outside help, but the outcome could be a significant increase to the business. If Panera ignores trends within the industry, it can put them at risk and reduce their competitive advantage.

7. What does Panera Bread need to do to strengthen its competitive position and business prospects vis-à-vis other restaurant chain rivals?

Advertising needs to be addressed. Whether through the mail, television, or internet Panera Bread needs to strengthen its advertising. Providing information about the food available through advertisements will attract more consumers that may have yet to try Panera Breads products.

Mezei:

What is Panera Bread's strategy?

Panera's strategy is to have quality healthy food served quickly like a fast food restaurant with an atmosphere of a sit down restaurant. 

Which of Porter's Three Generic Strategies, found in the Week 1 Learning Rsources, most closely fit the competitive approach that Panera Bread is taking?

Panera uses Porter's Generic Strategy of Differentiation by making their stores unlike what was currently in the market place of either traditional restaurants or fast food restaurants. 

What type of competitive advantage is Panera Bread trying to achieve?

I believe there are two competitive advantages they are trying to achieve. One is the business model of quick healthy choices for food in the restaurant. The other is their management style of empowering front line employees to make quick on the spot decisions about customer service and managers trained to lead and not dictate.

What does a SWOT or Five Forces analysis of Panera Bread reveal about the overall attractiveness of its situation?

A SWOT analysis will reveal that they are unique with their business model and management stye. Also that consumers want healthy options quickly. By always speaking to their customers and asking advice from employees, they can stay on top of their strengths and have quality customer service.

Does the company have any core competencies or distinctive competencies?

They follow the book they wrote with their vision of how they want to compete in the market place. This has become their core competencies and they adhere to it to further their growth in the marketplace.

What strategic issues and problems does Panera Bread management need to address?

They will need to address what the next steps and future will look like once they have reached their goals already set forth. If they are 80% to goal now, strategically, they must decide how to stay competitive and look for new ways of expansion of the business.

What does Panera Bread need to do to strengthen its competitive position and business prospects vis-à-vis other restaurant chain rivals?

Panera must expand the business with new locations and have new quality and healthy food options while keeping the prices competitive. I know recently they announced they would have all clean eating in their stores by the end of the year. This is something that will again differentiate them from other rival chains while still staying true to the core values of the business.