The Value Creating Strategy of Starbucks - Technology and Operations Management (2024)

The Value Creating Strategy of Starbucks - Technology and Operations Management (1)

How the company continued its rapid growth while maintaining its competitive advantage

Founded in Seattle, Washingtonin 1971, Starbucks has grown to become the largest coffeehouse company in the world, with the mission to “inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.” The company has grown to offer a variety of products, ranging from fresh foods and baked goods to brand merchandise and coffee equipment. It currently operates in 67 countries with a total of 22,519 stores. Revenue in 2014 reached $16.45B, with net income of $2.07B.

Business Model

Starbucks has managed to differentiate itself from competitors by creating the unique value proposition of becoming the “third place” for customers, after home and the workplace. Purchasing a cup of coffee became an “affordable luxury” and an experience in itself. Customers were able to order customized drinks and enjoy the beverage in a relaxed, upscale environment.

The Value Creating Strategy of Starbucks - Technology and Operations Management (3)

Starbucks primarily follows the standard retail business model, where it owns and operates most of its stores. Nonetheless, with emerging markets becoming an attractive landscape for investors, Starbucks has incorporated parts of the franchise business model into its strategy in order to capitalize on the expansion, yet maintain control of its business through its core strategy. In addition, the company doesn’t do any traditional advertising. Instead, Starbucks focuses on strengthening its value proposition by providing high-quality products and service. Since the average customer typically makes six visits per month (with the heaviest 20% of users visiting over 15 times per month), the company chooses to focus on delivering a consistent experience for its loyal customers, and by doing so, retain new visitors.

Operating Model

Starbucks serves 50 million customers per week worldwide. The company runs a complex operating model that begins all the way from procuring coffee beans and other products, to serving around 50 million customers per week.

However, in 2008 the company’s operational costs were growing even with steady sales, likely due to its high expansion rate. As a result, Starbucks chose to revamp its operating model to ensure efficiency, while remaining true to the organization’s mission and business strategy.

As part of the reassessment, management uncovered the underlying issue to be late deliveries due to excessive outsourcing agreements for transportation, which accounted for 65-70% of operating expenses.

To address these high costs, jobs were reorganized to fall into either of the following functions:

  • Plan – such as production planning or launching a new product
  • Source – divided into either coffee or non-coffee procurement
  • Make – includes all manufacturing processes
  • Deliver – includes all transportation, logistics and customer service activities

Each function performed a thorough analysis of its own processes to identify cost-savings and further efficiencies, with manufacturing and logistics having to address the company’s biggest operational challenge: supplying its 22,000 stores with over 70,000 deliveries per week. This led to the creation of one global logistics system, that allowed it to monitor its operations end-to-end. It begins with shipping ethically sourced coffee beans from Africa, Asia, and South America to coffee plants in the United States and Europe. The beans are roasted and packaged, then sent to regional distribution centers, located throughout the US, Europe and Asia, and finally to smaller distribution centers that also carry other materials such as baked goods, and paper items, who then combine them with the coffee beans to supply local stores. Most of these distribution centers are company owned; however, a number of them are run by third-party logistics companies. As a way to control the expenses associated with outsourcing, Starbucks implemented scorecards to measure third-party companies and to identify low performers.

As the company continues to expand and diversify its product offerings, it must keep in mind the potential tradeoff and performance implications between trying to control the majority of its operations internally and supplying its growing number of stores efficiently.At the moment, its operational model has proven effective in managing quality and compliments the competitive advantage of creating value by offering a consistent experience for its customers, regardless which Starbucks location they have chosen.

Sources:

http://marketrealist.com/2014/01/understanding-starbucks-cost-structure-operating-expenses/

http://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/starbucks-company-profile

http://www.supplychainquarterly.com/topics/Procurement/scq201004starbucks/

http://www.evancarmichael.com/Other/612/Starbucks-Commercials.html

  1. December 9, 2015Alejandra Rios says:

    May: I loved how you laid out Starbucks’ operating model. I absolutely agree that one of the most important strengths that Starbucks has is the procurement of its coffee beans. I believe that without this crucial process, the company would not be able to provide the consistent experience to its customers for which it is appreciated. I am very curious to see how Starbucks will manage further expansion. In Mexico, Chile, Argentina and Colombia for example, they have divested their shares in Starbucks local companies and have left those operations for other companies to manage.

  2. December 14, 2015User deleted this comment on March 11, 2020

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The Value Creating Strategy of Starbucks - Technology and Operations Management (2024)

FAQs

What are the management strategies that Starbucks has used? ›

Starbucks business strategy is based on the following four pillars:
  • Offering 'third-place' experience. ...
  • Selling coffee of the highest quality. ...
  • International market expansion with the focus on emerging economies is one of the key elements of Starbucks business strategy on long-term perspective.
Oct 4, 2022

How does Starbucks create value for its customers? ›

Starbucks aims at building customer loyalty through its in-store customer service. A signature retail objective of Starbucks has always been to provide customers with a unique Starbucks Experience. Service training is a key component of the value chain that helps to make its offerings unique.

What is the value proposition for Starbucks? ›

To inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. With our partners, our coffee and our customers at our core, we live these values: Creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome.

How has Starbucks used technology to improve its products? ›

Starbucks has been using reinforcement learning technology — a type of machine learning in which a system learns to make decisions in complex, unpredictable environments based upon external feedback — to provide a more personalized experience for customers who use the Starbucks® mobile app.

What are the strategies that lead to Starbuck success? ›

  • 6 Ways Starbucks Executes Its Significant Marketing Strategy: Starbucks takes a unique and forward-thinking approach to its brand and marketing strategy. ...
  • Usage of Social Media. ...
  • Loyalty Programs. ...
  • Strategic Alliances. ...
  • In-store Marketing. ...
  • Mobile App. ...
  • Social Responsibility.
7 days ago

What are the strategic factors facing Starbucks? ›

Their main competitors are Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, and Nestle in the US and brands like Costa Coffee and Caffè Nero in the UK, the two major markets for Starbucks.
...
PORTER 5 FORCES ANALYSIS
  • COMPETITIVE RIVALRY. ...
  • THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS. ...
  • BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS. ...
  • BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS. ...
  • THE THREAT OF SUBSTITUTION.
Jul 26, 2021

What technology does Starbucks use? ›

Starbucks' internal AI platform, Deep Brew, allows it to innovate and experiment by leveraging machine learning technologies to customize the drive-thru experience for customers and automate inventory management and preventive maintenance through its IoT-connected machines.

What is the main benefit that customers can get from the value creation process? ›

Creating customer value increases customer satisfaction and the customer experience. (The reverse is also true. A good customer experience will create value for a customer.) Creating customer value (better benefits versus price) increases loyalty, market share, price, reduces errors and increases efficiency.

How do we create value for our customers? ›

You can do that through:
  1. Identifying what you're good at and owning it.
  2. Make your value proposition clear in all your communications.
  3. Ask customers why they buy from you, use feedback to boost your value proposition.
  4. Quantify your value with real data.
  5. Communicate the benefits of your service so customers can see the value.

What is strategic value proposition? ›

While the value chain focuses internally on operations, the value proposition is the element of strategy that looks outward at customers, at the demand side of the business. Strategy is fundamentally integrative, bringing the demand and supply sides together.

What are the 3 three categories of value proposition? ›

A “value proposition” can be classified into three types: All Benefits, Favorable Points of Difference, and Resonating Focus.

How does Starbucks utilize this using value based pricing? ›

Value Based Pricing Can Boost Margins

For the most part, Starbucks is a master of employing value based pricing to maximize profits, and they use research and customer analysis to formulate targeted price increases that capture the greatest amount consumers are willing to pay without driving them off.

What technology is Starbucks using with their data to improve their services and increase their bottom line? ›

They utilize the power of data intelligence through Atlas, a mapping tool and business intelligence platform developed by Esri. The data assists in identifying a potential new store location.

What are 3 major innovations that have been implemented by Starbucks? ›

In the last decade especially, the chain has shown time and again its prescience in adopting new technologies and its savviness in creating a seamless digital experience.
  • Mobile Wallet-Integrated Loyalty Rewards. ...
  • In-App Order-Ahead. ...
  • Closed-Loop Commerce. ...
  • The Third Place. ...
  • Pickup-Only Storefronts.
Mar 30, 2021

How did Starbucks implement innovative strategies? ›

This includes: Introducing new, industry-leading and more efficient coffee brewing equipment such as the new Mastrena II espresso machines and the new Starbucks Cold Brewer. Installing innovative and efficient MerryChef ovens across thousands of stores. Deploying new, efficient handheld ordering devices to stores.

What are three main marketing strategies used in Starbucks? ›

Starbucks price strategy

Three key factors making this possible is "specific product differentiation, communication, and understanding value". In addition to profits, value-based pricing helps Starbucks build a strong base of loyal, high-income customers and reinforce a premium brand image.

What types of growth strategies has Starbucks used be specific? ›

Unit # Written Homework Assignment P-3-2 Starbucks has used three types of growth strategies, which are concentration strategy, vertical and the diversification strategy. Starbucks used the concentration strategy by renovating coffee, tea, juice, and bakery experience by serving cold/hot any time, and day.

What is Starbucks doing to ensure its future growth and success? ›

Investing in purpose-built store concepts: Starbucks is reimagining the store environment by introducing purpose-built store concepts that meet customers wherever and whenever they want and improve the partner experience.

What is Starbucks new strategy? ›

In its fiscal 2023, Starbucks plans to invest roughly $450 million to upgrade its cafes with new equipment that will simplify operations and speed up operations.

What is Starbucks strategic vision? ›

To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.

What is Starbucks operational goal? ›

To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.” Starbucks' mission statement highlights how the company is operating to meet the demands of its customers, employees, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Is Starbucks a technology company? ›

Today, Starbucks is a tech company. Other businesses may boast better coffee, tastier food, or more modern ambiances, but none can currently compete with Starbucks' app, AI engine, or financial features.

How has Starbucks used technology to improve its products quizlet? ›

How has Starbucks used technology to improve its products? It emphasized online payments. How is Starbucks diversifying in India to fit into the local culture? Starbucks is opening small cafes half the size of existing cafes.

What are the 4 fundamentals of Starbucks? ›

Four Fundamentals for Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee

The recipe for a great cup of coffee includes four basic fundamentals: proportion, grind, water and freshness. Understanding and following the guidelines for each of them will ensure a great cup of coffee every time.

What is a value creation strategy? ›

Value Creation is the process of turning labor and resources into something that meets the needs of others. That includes, for example, farmers growing crops, workers building something in a factory, as well as other intangible goods like computer code and creative ideas.

What is an example of value creation? ›

Value creation refers to giving out something of worth to receive something of higher worth. For example, if you're baking cakes to sell, you might make them more valuable by adding chocolate chips, which helps you to make more sales.

Why is value creating strategies very important to the firm? ›

Value creation is an essential base to support a profitable and lasting business. Value creation for customers helps sell products and services, creating value for employees results in higher efficiency and creating value for shareholders translates into increase in stock price, future guarantee of investment capital.

What are the 4 ways to create value? ›

Here are 7 strategies for creating value that will allow you to maximize what you get out of life.
  1. 1 – Maximize each moment by staying engaged. ...
  2. 2 – Build more value by training yourself to start. ...
  3. 3 – Let yourself be moved. ...
  4. 4 – Get comfortable with uncertainty. ...
  5. 5 – Give yourself credit and be okay with judgment.

What are the 3 ways we can create value? ›

Three principal ways to create value within a company include organic revenue growth, growth through acquisition, and cost reduction.

What is the best value strategy? ›

Sometimes called “focused differentiation,” the best-value focus strategy aims to offer a niche group of customers the products or services that meet their tastes and requirements better than rivals' products do.

What are values in strategy? ›

Values put your business strategy into action by aligning employee efforts to business goals, and improving productivity and results. Values serve as a roadmap – guiding employees in making decisions in day-to-day tasks.

What is value in strategy management? ›

Values are the “proven, enduring guidelines for human conduct” called “Principles” by Covey. Values include both the Commitment Statement portion of the Mission Statement and Goals in the Simplified Strategic Planning (SSP) process.

What is the 4 basic elements of value proposition? ›

The value proposition spectrum: primary, prospects, products, and process.

What are the 4 types of values? ›

The four types of value include: functional value, monetary value, social value, and psychological value. The sources of value are not equally important to all consumers. How important a value is, depends on the consumer and the purchase.

What is an example of a value pricing strategy? ›

Value-based pricing is also often used when scarcity is involved. For example, at a concert, bottled water may be on sale for $6. However, you can buy the same bottle from a vending machine outside of the concert area for $1 only.

What are the value-based pricing methods? ›

Value-based pricing is a strategy that involves basing your prices on how the customer perceives the value of your product or service. Rather than looking at competitors or the market or the cost of the product, you go directly to the source, the customer, and choose a price based on what they're willing to pay.

Does human resource play a strategic role in the value creation process of Starbucks *? ›

The Starbucks Corporation utilizes its human resources practices and policies as a strategy to gain competitive advantage and drive the overall success of the company and its globalization efforts.

What type of management is Starbucks? ›

Starbucks utilizes a matrix organizational structure that combines several functional and product-based divisions. This means there are multiple overlapping divisions and reporting structures within the overall organization, which makes sense considering its sheer size and global presence.

What are 5 management strategies? ›

Top management techniques
  • Dole out recognition when it's deserved. ...
  • Make company goals transparent and provide consistent feedback. ...
  • Provide training and career development. ...
  • Troubleshoot problem areas. ...
  • Know when to let someone go.
Oct 29, 2021

What are the 4 management strategies? ›

The four phases of strategic management are formulation, implementation, evaluation and modification.

What is Starbucks performance management system? ›

The training set up by performance management empowers staff to understand their strengths and weaknesses, know what job responsibilities they are fit for, and find a company-specific position such as a cleaner, cashier or referee who serves Starbucks in a different role.

What are the three levels of management of Starbucks? ›

We find that there exist three levels of management that include the operational level, middle level, and top level. These levels form a hierarchy or level of command within the Starbuck Company.

What is Starbucks operational structure? ›

Starbucks follows a matrix organizational structure with a combination of vertical and horizontal structures. It is characterized by multiple, overlapping chains of command and divisions.

What are the 3 types of strategies in strategic management? ›

These three different strategies are crucial for a business's success.
...
Three Essential Types of Business Strategy - How You Can Apply Them
  • Business strategy.
  • Operational strategy.
  • Transformational strategy.

What is the role of strategic operations management? ›

The role of operations strategy is to provide a plan for the operations function so that it can make the best use of its resources. Operations strategy specifies the policies and plans for using the organization's resources to support its long-term competitive strategy.

What are the benefits of strategic management? ›

The Advantages of Strategic Management
  • Discharges Board Responsibility. ...
  • Forces An Objective Assessment. ...
  • Provides a Framework For Decision-Making. ...
  • Supports Understanding & Buy-In. ...
  • Enables Measurement of Progress. ...
  • Provides an Organizational Perspective. ...
  • The Future Doesn't Unfold As Anticipated. ...
  • It Can Be Expensive.
Nov 21, 2005

What is the most important step in Operationalisation of strategy? ›

The first key in operationalizing your strategic plan is to take ownership of it. Don't just create a plan and then hope that it happens. Create the plan, then work the plan until you have accomplished all the projects laid out and reached the target year end condition.

What are the examples of strategic management? ›

Strategic management is the planned use of a company's resources to reach its goals and objectives.
...
Example of strategic management
  • Identification. A furniture company named Wood's Fine Furnishings is preparing to introduce a new line of kitchen tables. ...
  • Analysis. ...
  • Formation. ...
  • Execution. ...
  • Evaluation.
Feb 25, 2020

What are the important elements of strategic management process? ›

What are the 5 steps of the strategic management process?
  • Goal setting. The strategic management process is all about creating a roadmap to help you achieve your vision. ...
  • Environmental scanning and analysis. The next part of the process is analysis. ...
  • Strategy formulation. ...
  • Strategy implementation. ...
  • Strategy evaluation.
Jun 28, 2022

What are the five performance objectives of Starbucks? ›

There are five performance objectives. They include quality, flexibility, speed, dependability, and cost (Sachdeva et al. . 792). In the aspect of quality, Starbucks scores high by conforming to several standards.

Why is quality management important to Starbucks? ›

It needs to fulfill specifications such that customers get the taste they are looking for. Additionally, the coffee needs to be consistent across all Starbucks sores regardless of where they are in the world.

Does Starbucks have a management program? ›

The Shift Supervisor Training Program focuses on the basics of people management; training new partners, supervisory skills, floor supervision, cash controller responsibilities, ensuring the delivery of the Starbucks Experience and more.

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