COVER PAGE

QUESTION 1: According to the case study, Tupperware, an iconic organisation is

struggling to remain afloat and relevant in 2023. Using the facts in the case study,
analyse the business environment issues at play

Introduction

Famous for its creative kitchen storage solutions, Tupperware was once an iconic American
company. However, it is facing several issues that might jeopardize its continued existence in
the modern market. This essay uses the case study as a starting point to explore the many
business environment problems that Tupperware is facing. It attempts to provide light on the
elements behind Tupperware's present problems and provide viable paths for improvement
through a thorough investigation.

Financial Instability and Mismanagement

Mismanagement of resources and Tupperware's unstable financial situation are two of the
company's major problems. The case study emphasizes Tupperware's dependence on debt
funding, as seen by the company's frequent loan agreement renegotiations and high
borrowing costs. In the company's regulatory filing, for example, it states that there is
"substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern," highlighting
its severe financial problems (Grant, 2021). Furthermore, investor concerns about
Tupperware's financial stability are reflected in the sharp drop in the company's stock price.
Tupperware's inability to invest in marketing, innovation, and other growth strategies that are
necessary to be competitive in the market is hampered by its financial instability (Sumantri,
2019). Tupperware's stock price plummeted by 45% following the disclosure of its financial
challenges, indicating investors' lack of confidence in the company's financial health.

Tupperware's financial instability is hindering its capacity to invest in marketing, innovation,

and other essential growth strategies needed to remain competitive in the market (Sumantri,
2019). Tupperware's share price dropped by 45% after its financial difficulties were
disclosed, showing that investors lack of confidence in the company's financial stability.

Failure to Adapt to Changing Consumer Preferences

Tupperware's inability to adjust to changing consumer demands and market dynamics is

another serious problem. The brand has had trouble connecting with younger consumers and
contemporary purchasing habits, despite its past success with the direct-sales approach and
"Tupperware parties." The case study explains how Tupperware's conventional strategy has
been rendered obsolete in the era of e-commerce and shifting consumer preferences, resulting
in dwindling sales and a loss of market share. The company's mismatch with modern
consumers is further exacerbated by its incapacity to innovate and meet the growing demand
for eco-friendly and sustainable products (Wheelen, Hunger, Hoffman & Bamford, 2018).
Tupperware's declining popularity among consumers looking for sustainable alternatives is
partly due to its unwillingness to adopt ecologically sensitive trends, such as the move
towards reusable containers (Maranesi, & De Giovanni, 2020).

Intensifying Competition and Market Saturation

With the rise of strong competitors and disruptive market factors, Tupperware's competitive
environment has grown more saturated. The case study draws attention to the entry of rivals
like Glad, Rubbermaid, and Pyrex, which provide similar storage options that satisfy a range
of customer preferences. Furthermore, the emergence of substitute products, such as reusable
food delivery containers, presents a significant obstacle to Tupperware's market supremacy.
Increased competition drives down prices and reduces Tupperware's market share; in order to
stay relevant, the company must strategically differentiate itself and innovate (Baumgartner
& Rauter, 2017). The competitive landscape of established brands and developing
alternatives has resulted in Tupperware's declining market share, highlighting the critical
need for strategic revitalization initiatives.

Legal Challenges and Governance Issues

As demonstrated by the class action lawsuit filed by investors alleging non-disclosure of

internal control flaws and financial misstatements, Tupperware's problems are further
exacerbated by legal hurdles and governance issues. Such legal entanglements damage the
company's brand and undermine investor confidence in addition to posing financial risks
(Barney & Hesterly, 2019). The case study emphasizes how crucial it is to follow legal
requirements and maintain open governance procedures in order to protect Tupperware's
reputation and win back stakeholder trust. The class action lawsuit brought against
Tupperware highlights the need for strong corporate governance frameworks by highlighting
the consequences of governance failures and regulatory noncompliance.

Conclusion
To summarize, Tupperware's problems stem from a combination of issues including unstable
finances, a lack of flexibility in responding to shifting consumer demands, heightened
competition, and governance issues. It will need coordinated measures involving financial
restructuring, innovation, realignment of strategy, and governance changes to address these
difficulties. Tupperware may steer clear of these obstacles and maintain its position as the
industry leader in kitchenware by taking a proactive approach to revival and tackling these
issues head-on.

QUESTION 2: “…president and CEO Miguel Fernandez said the company has
"embarked on a journey to turn around our operations" and "is doing everything in its
power to mitigate the impacts of recent events -- taking immediate action to seek additional
financing and address our financial position." Discuss in detail the role of Miguel
Fernandes in the effectiveness of Tupperware’s turnaround strategy.

Introduction

A CEO's job is crucial in the ever-changing world of corporate leadership, particularly during
organizational crises and periods of strategic change (Wheelen et al., 2018). The difficult job
of leading Tupperware through choppy seas and putting up a winning recovery plan falls to
Miguel Fernandez, the company's president and CEO. This article explores Miguel
Fernandez's complex role in spearheading Tupperware's comeback, highlighting the vital
components of his judgment, leadership, and strategic insight. Fernandez's leadership
effectiveness in guiding Tupperware towards sustainable development and rejuvenation may
be understood by analysing his actions and how they affected the trajectory of the business.

Visionary Leadership and Strategic Direction

At the heart of Fernandez's role lies the formulation of a compelling vision and strategic
roadmap to guide Tupperware's resurgence. As a visionary leader, Fernandez has to identify
new consumer preferences, competitive dynamics, and market trends in order to steer the
business in the right direction (Baumgartner & Rauter, 2017). Fernandez can clearly define
Tupperware's path and emphasize its strategic imperatives by utilizing his vast industry
knowledge and market insights. As the centerpieces of Tupperware's turnaround plan,
Fernandez may, for example, place special emphasis on product innovation, market
diversification, or operational efficiency, coordinating these efforts with the company's
overall goals and long-term vision. Seeing that customer tastes were evolving in favour of
environmentally friendly products (Sumantri, 2019), Fernandez needs to see Tupperware's
strategy pivot towards sustainable and eco-friendly product offerings throughout his tenure.
Fernandez needs to make Tupperware a leader in the sustainable kitchenware industry by
producing biodegradable containers and encouraging eco-friendly activities. This will allow
the firm to capitalize on new trends and strengthen its competitive advantage (Johnson,
Whittington, Regnér, Angwin, Johnson & Scholes, 2020).

Financial Stewardship and Resource Allocation

Fernandez plays a crucial role in assuring responsible financial management and resource
allocation as Tupperware struggles with financial difficulties and liquidity restrictions. Using
his strategic vision and financial savvy, Fernandez has to come up with plans that maximize
Tupperware's cash flow, reduce risks, and boost earnings. To strengthen Tupperware's
financial resilience and solvency, this calls for prudent budgeting, cash flow management,
and capital allocation (Wheelen et al., 2018). Fernandez should therefore drive Tupperware's
attempts to reduce operating costs and restructure loan agreements, to help the firm become
less indebted and improve its cash position. Fernandez can strengthen Tupperware's financial
position through the sale of non-core assets, reorganizing debt, and putting cost-cutting
measures in place, and restore trust with creditors and investors (Maranesi & De Giovanni,
2020).

Organizational Leadership and Cultural Transformation

Barney and Hesterly (2019) articulates that effective leadership transcends strategic vision
and financial management, encompassing the cultivation of a cohesive organizational culture
and fostering employee engagement and empowerment. Fernandez should stand as a
transformative leader, to encourage the Tupperware staff to welcome change, flexibility, and
creativity. Fernandez may inspire Tupperware staff members toward a shared goal and the
group's quest of excellence through excellent communication, mentoring, and organizational
development programs (Grant, 2021).. Fernandez ought to establish a collaborative and
innovative culture at Tupperware, encouraging cross-functional teamwork and idea
development (Baumgartner & Rauter, 2017). Fernandez can enable Tupperware's staff to
drive product innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-centricity by rewarding
creativity, encouraging entrepreneurial endeavors, and cultivating a culture of lifelong
learning. This will accelerate the company's turnaround efforts and improve its competitive
positioning.

Promoter for stakeholder engagement and communication

The success of Tupperware's turnaround approach depends on open and proactive

communication with stakeholders, which calls on Fernandez's skill in relationship building
and stakeholder engagement. Fernandez needs to establish transparent lines of
communication with regulators, staff, consumers, and investors in order to build confidence
and guarantee that expectations are met. It is recommended that Fernandez hold periodic
town hall meetings, investor briefings, and consumer feedback sessions in order to gather
feedback, resolve issues, and promote openness and responsibility at Tupperware. Fernandez
may foster a feeling of ownership and commitment towards Tupperware's resurrection efforts
by involving stakeholders in the decision-making process and requesting their buy-in. This
will increase stakeholder trust and support (Sumantri, 2019).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Miguel Fernandez's role as the president and CEO of Tupperware

encompasses a myriad of responsibilities ranging from visionary leadership and strategic
direction to financial stewardship, organizational transformation, and promoter of stakeholder
engagement. By leveraging his leadership prowess, strategic acumen, and interpersonal skills,
Fernandez can orchestrate a successful turnaround for Tupperware, steering the company
towards sustainable growth, profitability, and market leadership. Through a comprehensive
understanding of Fernandez's role and its impact on Tupperware's trajectory, stakeholders can
glean valuable insights into the efficacy of his leadership in navigating the company through
adversity and driving its resurgence in the competitive marketplace.
QUESTION 3: Given the industry life cycle that Tupperware is in, suggest the
strategies that they can employ as part of their turnaround to remain afloat

Introduction

Tupperware finds itself entrenched within the mature stage of the industry life cycle, a phase
characterized by slow growth, intense competition, and market saturation. In this stage,
companies within the industry typically experience stable or declining sales growth, as
market demand reaches a plateau and competitive pressures intensify. As Tupperware
grapples with the challenges inherent in the mature industry life cycle, it becomes imperative
for the company to devise strategic initiatives to rejuvenate its operations and sustain its
competitiveness in the marketplace. This essay explores a range of strategies tailored to
Tupperware's position within the mature industry life cycle, aiming to facilitate its turnaround
and secure its long-term viability.

Product Innovation and Differentiation

Amidst a landscape of commoditized offerings and price competition, product innovation

emerges as a potent driver of differentiation and value creation for Tupperware. By investing
in research and development (R&D) and harnessing cutting-edge technologies, Tupperware
can introduce innovative product lines that resonate with evolving consumer preferences and
address unmet needs in the market (Grant, 2021). For instance, Tupperware can develop eco-
friendly and sustainable storage solutions, leveraging biodegradable materials and innovative
designs to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Rubbermaid, a competitor of
Tupperware, successfully differentiated itself in the mature industry life cycle by launching
innovative products such as modular food storage containers with customizable
compartments, catering to consumers' desire for versatility and convenience.

Market Diversification and Expansion

To counteract the limitations of a mature market characterized by slow growth and

saturation, Tupperware can explore opportunities for market diversification and expansion
into adjacent or untapped segments. This may involve targeting new demographic segments,
geographic markets, or distribution channels to broaden Tupperware's customer base and
revenue streams (Wheelen et al., 2018). For instance, Tupperware can explore opportunities
in emerging markets with burgeoning middle-class populations, such as India and China,
where demand for kitchenware products is on the rise. Pyrex, a competitor of Tupperware,
diversified its product portfolio by expanding into cookware and bake ware segments,
tapping into new market segments and enhancing its revenue diversification strategy
(Sumantri, 2019).

Operational Efficiency and Cost Optimization

Maranesi and De Giovanni (2020) asserts that in the mature stage of the industry life cycle,
cost leadership becomes increasingly critical for maintaining competitiveness and
profitability. Tupperware can enhance operational efficiency and streamline its cost structure
through initiatives such as lean manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and overhead cost
reduction. Eliminating waste, optimizing production processes, and negotiating favorable
terms with suppliers, can help Tupperware can lower its cost of goods sold (COGS) and
improve its profit margins (Barney & Hesterly, 2019). IKEA, a global leader in home
furnishings, leverages efficient supply chain management and flat-packaging design to
minimize costs and offer competitive prices to consumers, thereby sustaining its profitability
in the mature retail industry.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Collaborations and strategic partnerships can serve as catalysts for Tupperware's turnaround
efforts, facilitating access to new markets, technologies, and capabilities (Baumgartner &
Rauter, 2017). Tupperware can forge alliances with complementary brands, retailers, or
distribution partners to amplify its market reach and enhance its value proposition. For
instance, Tupperware can collaborate with gourmet food retailers or celebrity chefs to co-
create exclusive product lines and capitalize on cross-promotional opportunities. For
example, Wheelen et al. (2018) posit that Coca-Cola partnered with McDonald's to
exclusively supply its beverages, enabling both companies to leverage each other's brand
equity and distribution networks to drive sales and market penetration in the mature fast-food
industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tupperware's successful turnaround in the mature stage of the industry life
cycle hinges upon its ability to embrace innovation, diversify its market presence, optimize
operational efficiency, and forge strategic partnerships. By adopting a holistic approach to
strategic planning and execution, Tupperware can overcome the challenges posed by the
mature industry landscape and position itself for sustained growth and profitability. Through
proactive adaptation and strategic agility, Tupperware can not only navigate through the
mature stage but also emerge as a resilient and innovative leader in the kitchenware market.

QUESTION 4: One of the main take-aways of the corporate strategy module has been
the importance of strategy evaluation at all times during the strategic management
process. Recommend how Tupperware can employ strategy evaluation to avoid strategy
failure going forward

Introduction

In the realm of strategic management, the process of strategy evaluation holds paramount
importance as it enables organizations to assess the efficacy of their strategic initiatives,
identify potential shortcomings, and make informed decisions to course-correct and adapt to
changing circumstances. According to Wheelen et al. (2018) strategy evaluation is the
process by which the management assesses how well a chosen strategy has been implemented
and how successful or otherwise the strategy is. To put it concisely, strategy evaluation
comprises assessing organizational performance and the process of implementing the plan.
For Tupperware, amidst its endeavor to navigate through turbulent market conditions and
revitalize its operations, leveraging robust strategy evaluation mechanisms becomes
imperative to avoid the pitfalls of strategy failure. This essay delineates a range of
recommendations on how Tupperware can employ strategy evaluation practices to
proactively mitigate risks, enhance strategic agility, and foster sustained success in the
competitive marketplace.

Comprehensive Performance Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

To gauge the effectiveness of its strategic initiatives, Tupperware should establish a

comprehensive set of performance metrics and KPIs aligned with its strategic objectives and
desired outcomes. These metrics should encompass both financial and non-financial
indicators, enabling Tupperware to assess various facets of its performance, including
revenue growth, market share, customer satisfaction, and product innovation (Barney &
Hesterly, 2019). By regularly monitoring and analyzing these KPIs, Tupperware can gain
insights into the efficacy of its strategies and identify areas for improvement or realignment.
A leading technology company, such as Apple Inc., utilizes a diverse set of KPIs, including
product sales, customer retention rates, and innovation metrics, to evaluate the success of its
strategic initiatives and ensure alignment with its overarching goals of innovation and
profitability (Sumantri, 2019).

SWOT Analysis and Environmental Scanning

Incorporating SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis and

environmental scanning into its strategy evaluation framework, Tupperware can
systematically assess its internal capabilities and external market dynamics (Wheelen et al.,
2018). By identifying its competitive strengths, weaknesses, market opportunities, and
potential threats, Tupperware can gain a comprehensive understanding of its strategic
position and make informed decisions about resource allocation, market positioning, and
competitive strategy. Amazon, a global e-commerce giant, conducts rigorous SWOT analysis
and environmental scanning to anticipate market trends, assess competitive threats, and
capitalize on emerging opportunities, thereby informing its strategic decision-making process
and driving sustained growth (Maranesi & De Giovanni, 2020).

Benchmarking and Competitive Analysis

Tupperware should leverage benchmarking and competitive analysis as part of its strategy
evaluation efforts to benchmark its performance against industry peers and identify best
practices. By analyzing competitors' strategies, market positioning, and performance metrics,
Tupperware can gain valuable insights into areas of competitive advantage and areas
requiring improvement (Baumgartner & Rauter, 2017). Additionally, benchmarking enables
Tupperware to set realistic performance targets and benchmarks, track progress over time,
and recalibrate its strategies as needed to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace. For
example Coca-Cola regularly benchmarks its marketing and advertising strategies against
industry rivals such as PepsiCo, analyzing factors such as brand visibility, consumer
engagement, and market share to inform its strategic decisions and enhance its competitive
positioning in the beverage industry.

Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation

Strategy evaluation should be an ongoing and iterative process for Tupperware, characterized
by continuous monitoring of key performance metrics, market dynamics, and competitive
trend Barney and Hesterly (2019). Tupperware should establish mechanisms for regular
performance reviews, strategy reviews, and scenario planning to proactively identify
emerging risks and opportunities and adapt its strategies accordingly. By fostering a culture
of agility and responsiveness, Tupperware can swiftly pivot in response to changing market
conditions and competitive pressures, thereby enhancing its resilience and ensuring long-term
success. Netflix, a leading streaming platform, continuously monitors viewer preferences,
content consumption patterns, and competitor strategies, enabling it to rapidly adapt its
content acquisition and distribution strategies to stay ahead of market trends and consumer
preferences, thereby maintaining its position as a market leader in the entertainment industry
(Cadez, Czerny & Letmathe, 2019)..

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of robust strategy evaluation practices is indispensable for

Tupperware to navigate through turbulent market conditions, mitigate risks, and foster
sustained success. By leveraging comprehensive performance metrics, SWOT analysis,
benchmarking, and continuous monitoring, Tupperware can proactively identify areas for
improvement, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and adapt its strategies to evolving
market dynamics. Through a systematic and iterative approach to strategy evaluation,
Tupperware can enhance its strategic agility, resilience, and competitiveness, thereby
mitigating the risks of strategy failure and positioning itself for long-term growth and
prosperity in the dynamic landscape of the kitchenware industry.
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