This week, we will analyze a full-length case study, which is about Starbucks Corporation

With more than 25,000 stores in 75 countries and $21 billion in annual revenues, Starbucks is the largest roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Howard Schultz's strategic leadership was critical in turning Starbucks around. He is now hoping that his second retirement from the company he built from the ground up will be his final one. In the meantime, Kevin Johnson,  the new CEO, faces several challenges. In particular, the question of maintaining core competencies and how to achieve future growth, both domestically and internationally is central to the case. The case also focuses on diversification, as Starbucks is branching out in new areas such as menu extensions including offering alcohol as well as rolling out coffee bars with high-end offerings such as a $12 cup of coffee.

 To-Do List - Week Six: All assignments are required.

1. Read Overview of this case
2. Reading Assignments:  Starbucks Corporation
3. Full-length Case assignment: Read ‘Starbucks Corporation’ case, and think about the discussion

Discussion questions

1. How did Starbucks create its uniqueness in the first place? Why was it so successful (until the mid-2000s)?
2. Why and how did Starbucks lose its uniqueness and struggle in the mid-2000s?
3. What strategic initiatives did Howard Schultz put in place to re-create Starbucks’ uniqueness after his return in 2008? Detail each strategic initiative. Explain why a specific strategic initiative was successful.
4. Is Howard Schultz an effective strategic leader? Why or why not? Buttress your arguments.
5. How is Starbucks trying to grow in the future? What are its biggest challenges?
6. What recommendations would you give the new Starbucks CEO, Kevin Johnson, to address the challenges identified in Question 5? Be specific.

After reading the case, you are expected to submit a written analysis of the case which ranges from 3-5, typewritten, double-spaced pages. For the analysis, you should conduct additional research on the cases beyond the information provided in the case

*Note add references behind sentences that are used from other sites.