management question and need support to help me learn.
Avoid plagiarism
case study attached
Requirements: As requires
College of Administrative and Financial Sciences
Assignment 3
Decision Making and Problem Solving (MGT 312)
Due Date: End of week 13, 02/12/2023 @ 23:59
For Instructor’s Use only
General Instructions – PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY
This assignment is a group assignment. Each group will consist of 4-5 Students only.
The Assignment must be submitted only in WORD format via allocated folder.
Assignments submitted through email will not be accepted.
Students are advised to make their work clear and well presented, marks may be reduced for poor presentation.
Students must mention question number clearly in their answer.
Late submission will NOT be accepted.
Avoid plagiarism, the work should be in your own words, copying from students or other resources without proper referencing will result in ZERO marks. No exceptions.
All answered must be typed using Times New Roman (size 12, double-spaced) font. No pictures containing text will be accepted and will be considered plagiarism).
Submissions without this cover page will NOT be accepted.
Learning Outcomes:
Describe decision making process for complex issues pertaining to business environment both internally and externally. (C.L.O :1.1)
Demonstrate decision tools and employ appropriate analytical business models to break down complex issues. (C.L.O :2.2)
Demonstrate effective leadership skills and teamwork capacity for efficient decision making with the problem owners and other stakeholders as either a team member or a team leader. (C.L.O :3.1)
Assignment Instructions for Part-I:
Log in to Saudi Digital Library (SDL) via University’s website
On first page of SDL, choose “English Databases”
From the list find and click on EBSCO database.
In the search bar of EBSCO find the following article:
Title: “Case Study: Should a Dollar Store Raise Prices to Keep Up with Inflation?”
Author: by Jill Avery and Marco Bertini
Date of Publication: March 1, 2023
Published: Harvard Business Review
Assignment Question(s): (Marks 10)
Read the case study titled as “Case Study: Should a Dollar Store Raise Prices to Keep Up with Inflation?” by Jill Avery and Marco Bertini published in Harvard Business Review, and answer the following Questions:
Identify the main problem and subproblems of the case? [Mark 1]
Write all the information present in the case that would be helpful for decision. What other information should you gather, that would be helpful to know before making decision? [Mark 1]
Brainstorm with your team and generate all the ideas that your team suggests. The team cull the ideas and selected some relevant alternative choices for decision. [Mark 2]
Weighing the alternatives [Marks 2]
When weighing the various alternatives, how well each alternative fulfils the variables to consider can be expressed as scores. A different rating scale will be used to assess each alternative:
Note: Positive numbers (+2 or +1) indicate that the alternative is able to fulfil the variables, whereas negative numbers (-2 or -1) denote the opposite.
Draw a decision tree based for decision making, [2 Marks]
As CEO of the Dollar store, what will be your decision to keep up with inflation and why? [Mark 1]
Write the conclusion and overall assessment. [Marks 1]
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WILLIAM FISHER JR. opened the door to his office and pointed to the metal folding table in the corner. It was the one his father had bought in 1957, the year he founded Dollar Bill’s, and staffers now jokingly—but lovingly—referred to it as “the executive conference table.” Today it was covered with packs of candy, stationery items, bottles of water, tiny action figures, and countless other knickknacks.“What’s all this, William?” whispered Dollar Bill’s chief mar-keting officer, Robin Mitchell. She had an earbud in her left ear and was listening in on a conference call with a limited partner from China.“Looks like a yard sale,” said Bobby Cabrera, the company’s chief product officer.“It’s more of a sorting exer-cise,” William said. “I’d like you to guess how much each of these items cost me and make two piles: one for things I bought for a dollar, and the other for things I bought for more than five dollars.”Robin and Bobby gamely began to divide the items. In five minutes there were 10 in the dollar pile and roughly 30 in the five- dollar pile.HBR’s fictionalized case studies present problems faced by leaders in real companies and offer solutions from experts. This one is based on the HBS Case Study “Dollar Tree: Breaking the Buck” (case no. 522091-PDF-ENG), by Jill Avery and Marco Bertini, which is available at HBR.org.Case StudyShould a Dollar Store Raise Prices to Keep Up with Inflation?by Jill Avery and Marco BertiniIllustrations by ANUJ SHRESTHA140Harvard Business ReviewMarch–April 2023
Case Study Classroom Notes1. In 2021 more than 34,000 dollar stores were operating in the United States—more than all Walmart, Starbucks, and McDonald’s locations combined.2. What should be considered a “healthy” margin in the discount retail sector?3. Twenty-one percent of shoppers at dollar stores have household incomes of $100,000 or more.4. How impor-tant is the dollar price point as a differentiator in 2023?“This is the problem,” William said. “I bought them all for a dollar!”“That’s good, isn’t it?” asked Robin. “That means we can do what the board wants and charge more for everything in the second pile, and customers won’t think twice about it.”“No,” William said. “Our customers expect us to give them good deals. If we want to sell things at higher prices, the quality or quantity needs to be higher too. I’m not going to start selling merchandise for five bucks, or even two, if it’s not any better than what we’re already offering for one. That goes against everything Dollar Bill’s has ever stood for.”THE PRICING DEBATEThroughout its 66-year history, Dollar Bill’s, a discount retailer of general merchandise includ-ing books, gifts, toys, house-hold staples, consumables, and clothing, had priced everything in its inventory at one dollar. One of several “dollar store”1 chains that emerged in the U.S. retail landscape starting in the 1950s, it was the only one that still stuck to the promise rooted in its name. In 2010, after seeing his company through the Great Recession, William changed the tagline to “One Dollar: Yesterday, Today, and Always.”By 2023 Dollar Bill’s had more than 15,000 stores in the United States and Canada and was gen-erating $25.5 billion in net sales. Although customer traffic was down 13% year over year, the average customer expenditure had increased by 18%, to approx-imately $10 a visit. But Dollar Bill’s was still underperforming against competitors: Margins were shrinking, and shareholders had begun pushing for changes in strategy. William fought them at almost every meeting.“For nearly 70 years, Dollar Bill’s has succeeded at some-thing the retail industry thought impossible—selling goods of surprising quality for a dollar and still earning a decent profit in the process,” he typically argued. “The magic of our business model is leaving customers with no doubt that they are getting a bar-gain. When everything is a dollar, nothing seems overpriced, even if we’re keeping healthy—not obscene, but healthy—gross margins.”2Unfortunately, inflationary pressures had caused those mar-gins to drop from 35% to 25% over the past two years, mainly owing to cost increases and delays on products imported from China. The board had asked William to research price increases, arguing that they would allow the company to mitigate further inflation risk and return to its historical gross margin rate. He said he would investigate, but he never did.After a rough fourth quarter the board’s chair, Elizabeth McGee, asked William to come to her office. “We’ve got to start appealing to new consumer seg-ments,” she said. “A quarter of our customers are from households earning less than $25,000, and close to 60% are from households earning less than $50,000. They shop at Dollar Bill’s to stretch their budgets. One dollar isn’t an impulse-buy price point to them; it’s a get-through-the-month price point. We need a new group of shoppers.”“Well, I’d argue that a reces-sion is just going to expand the segment you’re talking about,” William countered. “And even wealthier households3 are going to be more price-conscious. Why would we move away from our dollar promise4 at a time when everyone is trimming budgets and looking for bargains? Isn’t it better to be the one store that ExperienceHarvard Business ReviewMarch–April 2023 141
5. What other ways might Dollar Bill’s regain some of the margins lost to inflation?6. How would you commu-nicate a price increase to customers?“I don’t like the idea of reduc-ing quantity—or even quality for that matter—to maintain the ‘Dollar’ brand name,” Mark said. “Your customers will know that the four-pack of soda they bought for a buck today was a six-pack yesterday.”“That’s my concern,” William said. “We need them to trust us, and shrinking our packages feels like a bait and switch. What do you think, Robin?”“What if we were transparent about the process?” Robin asked. “We could run a campaign, send out a press release, put signage up in the stores.”6“We’ll do all that no matter what we decide,” William said, “but the single dad who works two jobs isn’t reading our press releases. He’s shopping at our stores with his toddlers in tow, in a rush, and he’s praying that his debit card doesn’t get declined. Having one price just makes Elizabeth crossed her arms. “But why not just sell the five-packs for two dollars instead?”“Because we’re Dollar Bill’s,” William said.“I understand where you’re coming from,” Elizabeth said. “But our brand promise is that customers will get great value for what they spend, whether it’s one dollar for an item or 10. We need to start capturing more value than pennies.”She paused and then spoke with finality. “The board has asked me to relay a message to you. It’s time to raise prices. Please have a proposal on our desks as soon as possible.”THE PLANNING MEETINGThe next day Mark Alvarez, Wil-liam’s best friend and a longtime consultant, walked the aisles of the local Dollar Bill’s store. Bobby and Robin were trailing him.fights for customers, the one that wants to beat inflation rather than the one indiscriminately jacking up prices?“I know margins have thinned,” he continued. “But Bobby has suggested another solution: repackaging the merchandise so that we’re taking a bit more margin while giving customers almost as much as they had before.5 I’m not com-pletely sold on the idea, because I still worry that our customers will notice the change and view it as a betrayal. But it’s something to consider.”William explained the strategy: If chewing gum comes five packs to a bag, Dollar Bill’s could sell four packs for a dollar instead. Ditto party favors, thank-you cards, paper towels, and a host of other products. They could maintain the magical dollar price point while also recouping some of their profits.142Harvard Business ReviewMarch–April 2023
7. According to a 2019 Fortune article, the aver-age consumer spend per visit at dollar stores was $13, com-pared with $40 at Walmart and other national big-box retailers.8. Do you agree with this assertion? Or are people more likely to turn to affordable treats, as Leonard Lauder claimed when Estee Lauder saw lipstick sales rise despite a tough economy in 2001?Bill’s Max, a special section of goods with three tiers of prices: two dollars, five dollars, and 10 dollars. The new section, which would occupy the front 10% of each store, would be dedicated to nonessential seasonal products that Dollar Bill’s had always sold, such as graduation gifts and Fourth of July decorations. Those items would cost more than they had in the past but, as Mark wrote, “If you have to raise prices, raise them on things that people don’t absolutely need.”8 The more expensive items would include toys and household consumables such as candles.William forwarded Mark’s proposal to Bobby and Robin for their views.Bobby replied immediately: “Sticking to one price point no matter what’s going on in the economy has always been our hallmark. In my view, if we’re offering goods at a range of prices, “I trust you more than anyone,” William said. “But I’ve spoken to several other analysts, and they see bigger risks in that strategy.”He asked Robin to brief Mark, and she read from her notes: “One predicted significant consumer pushback. He estimated that about a third of Dollar Bill’s customers would shop at the chain less often if prices crept above one dollar, and that 5% would stop altogether.”Mark picked up a rubber basketball from a shelf and tossed it in the air. “Start slowly,” he said to William. “You’ve got big stores. Maybe dedicate a small area to higherpriced items—the ‘luxury section’ of the store. Then see what happens.”WEIGHING THE OPTIONSThe following week, Mark sent a proposal to William for Dollar things easier. He doesn’t have to worry about how much he’s spending—he can tell exactly how much by counting the items in his basket.”“There are a couple ways to approach it,” Mark said. “You can raise the price of everything, or you can raise the price of some things. In either case you run the risk of alienating customers who are lured to your stores by the dollar price point, or customers who simply can’t afford to pay more.“That said,” he continued, “new inventory attracts new customers and intrigues returning ones. Higherpriced goods will improve shopping cart totals.7 And let’s be honest: A dollar 40 or so years ago is certainly not worth one dollar today. Counting inflation, it’s probably closer to $2.50. So, if you keep everything under $2.50, you’re essentially keeping your dad’s original promise.”Harvard Business ReviewMarch–April 2023 143
Should William proceed with Bobby’s or Mark’s plan?The experts respond.then we’re no different from any other discount store.”Robin chimed in soon after: “Bobby’s suggestion to cut pack age sizes but maintain the dollar price point will be tricky to communicate, but the more I think about it, the more I worry it will be even harder to explain that Dollar Bill’s is no longer a true dollar store. I know other companies have done it, but I don’t think they’ve done it well. If we’re suddenly charging double or more for some of our existing merchandise, I think shoppers are going to be puzzled. And I know Dollar Mania has had some suc-cess with higher prices on newly introduced products, but frankly, I don’t think our customer base is going to be interested in five- dollar coloring books and 10-dollar candles in a recession.”William moved from the chair behind his desk to the one at the folding table and stared at the two proposals he’d printed out. He still didn’t know whether to go with Bobby’s initial plan or to raise prices on some nonessential items, as Mark had suggested. JILL AVERY is a senior lecturer of business administration at Harvard Business School and an expert on customer relationship management. MARCO BERTINI is a professor of marketing at Esade—Universitat Ramon Llull, in Barcelona, and a senior adviser to the marketing, sales, and pricing practice at Boston Consulting Group.The only certainties in life are death, taxes, and inflation.One 1957 dollar is the equivalent of $10.61 today. (That’s 960% cumulative inflation compounding.) William will eventually trigger a crisis at Dollar Bill’s if he sticks to his dollar prices forever. So he needs to make a change.He should start by evaluating every product—or SKU in industry parlance—that Dollar Bill’s retails to see which can still be sold for one dollar while achieving a sustainable margin. He can keep those items on the shelves.Products that don’t meet that stan-dard must be repackaged or alterna-tively sourced in a way that allows the company to deliver value for a dollar. Of course, any reduction in quantity or quality must be made in a way that will feel acceptable to the consumer. For example: A 12-ounce bottle of juice can be sold at 11 ounces without upsetting people if it’s a brand they trust and enjoy. And they won’t think twice about a shirt made of the same cotton but GREG BESNER is a cofounder and the CEO of Sunflow and an adjunct assistant professor at NYU Stern School of Business.Experience144Harvard Business ReviewMarch–April 2023
BARRIE CARMEL is the vice president of pricing at Michaels Stores and a former senior vice president of commercial strategy for Bed Bath & Beyond.feel abandoned when they need the company the most.Elizabeth suggests that the board wants to raise prices and sell higher- priced inventory to attract new, higher-income customers. But pulling those people into dollar stores might be impossible. Even if they’re willing to try discount retail in a recession, they’re highly unlikely to continue shopping there when times improve. Most think, “It’s all junk.” They’re just not going.If William is backed into a corner, however, which he seems to be, I sug-gest putting a small “special buys” sec-tion of higher-priced items in selected stores where the demographics are the most favorable. That will demonstrate whether customers are willing to toler-ate more-expensive purchases. If Dollar Bill’s continues to deliver incredible value at reasonable price points ($2, $5, and $7), its customers may expand their share of wallet. I wouldn’t touch the price of items that are weekly purchases or necessities, but impulse-buy items or those bought less frequently might fit.“Shrinkflation,” or package down-sizing, can work, and some retailers do it. But customers aren’t stupid. I think William is right to think that, when a six-pack of razors is suddenly a four-pack for the same price, they will notice and resent it.William should challenge Elizabeth to consider whether the current board actually cares about Dollar Bill’s long-term health. As he fights passionately for his company’s values and core cus-tomers, the board is saying, “We don’t care. Make more money.” That’s a really good way to destroy a business.No matter what, William must main-tain his focus on providing value to lower-income customers. They are the shoppers he will always need to appeal to. He just needs them to spend a little more money. HBR Reprint R2302MReprint Case only R2302XReprint Commentary only R2302Zstore.hbr.org1-800-988-0886 OR +1-617-783-7500HBR Guide to Better Business WritingPRODUCT #10946 When you’re fumbling for words and pressed for time, you might be tempted to dismiss good business writing as a luxury. But it’s a skill you must cultivate in order to succeed. The HBR Guide to Better Business Writing gives you the tools you need to express your ideas clearly and persuasively so clients, colleagues, stakeholders, and partners will get behind them. Don’t let your writing hold you back.acquired from a less-expensive factory. However, this strategy is a short-term solution, because you can’t keep cutting back on quantity or quality forever. One ounce of juice won’t quench anyone’s thirst, and no one wants a scratchy, misshapen shirt.Eventually the cost of goods will well exceed the purchasing power of a dollar, leaving Dollar Bill’s without a sustain-able business model. This is a question not of if but when. So William must act now to test higher-priced merchandise.He might find that certain customers shop less often in revolt, but others will no doubt treat themselves to some of these products, and he might attract the new wave of bargain hunters that Elizabeth and the board anticipate.I understand William’s attachment to the name Dollar Bill’s. But if that needs to change to reflect the new brand proposition, it can. After all, if you drop the possessive apostrophe, you have Dollar Bills, plural.Dollar stores have found ubiquity and success in the United States by catering to the huge portion of the population that is low-income.This customer segment is meaningful and underserved. And Dollar Bill’s has a very clear value proposition for these consumers. Changing it is too much of a gamble.Dollar Bill’s needs to evolve, sure, but an abrupt revolution could be incredi-bly dangerous: Loyal customers might
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