The Business World Assessment Brief: Starbucks Malta Case Study Questions (Knights College Malta)

The Business World Assessment Brief: Starbucks Malta Case Study (Knights College Malta)

This Level 5 business assessment at Knights College Malta is built around Starbucks opening its first store in Malta. After reading the case, students answer six questions covering pre-industrial opportunities, market saturation, managerial decisions, advertising a new opening, the business environment and sustainability strategy.

The Business World Assessment Brief

• Qualification Title: Degree Pathway – Bachelor of Science in Business Management
• Unit Title: The Business World (10 ECTS)
• Unit Reference: KNIGHTS_L5_BM_DIP_Y1_IBW

Details

This module has provided insights into some of the key tools, concepts and debates into the basics of the business world. This assessment requires that you apply this knowledge and more to answer the questions related to the case scenario presented.

Instructions

Read the case study below and answer all the questions below. Your answer should show understandings of the topics discussed in class and in your notes, as well as your own research.

Starbucks Malta Case Study

Starbucks opens its doors in Malta

VALLETTA, Malta – June 1, 2019 – Today, Starbucks opens the doors at its first store in Malta, bringing local customers the iconic coffeehouse experience enjoyed by millions around the world each day. The opening also marks a special milestone for Starbucks internationally, as Malta becomes the company’s 80th global market.

“Everything we’ve done in bringing Starbucks to Malta has been done with our customers at the centre”, said Malcolm Saliba, general manager, Starbucks Malta. “While the experience will be consistent with the values and store atmosphere that Starbucks is known for globally, what customers in Malta will see is an environment created bespoke for them, reflecting the beauty of the island’s dynamic culture”.

At the core of all it does is Starbucks Mission Statement: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time. And while the third place is designed to do just that, the company recognises its responsibility to give back to the communities it serves and being a leader in sustainability.

The company takes a holistic approach to reducing the waste created by its stores. This includes in-store initiatives like offering a 25cent discount to all customers who bring in a reusable mug or tumbler and offering plastic cutlery on request.

Starbucks (2022) Starbucks welcomes first customers in Malta (Adapted for assignment purposes)

The Business World Assignment Questions

Question 1 (15 marks)

Imagine you lived in the Pre-Industrial Society era and Starbucks was introduced. In your opinion, what type of opportunities and difficulties of such a new concept might Starbucks have experienced?

Question 2 (15 marks)

‘In 1995, because of the saturation of the United States market, Starbucks, an international coffee house chain, started to expand its business overseas. Starbucks first tested the Japanese market by establishing joint ventures with local retailers.’

Based on literature review, define saturation. Also, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a company going international, both from the franchisor and the franchisee’s point of view.

Question 3 (20 marks)

You are a Manager at Starbucks, and you need to take various important decisions. Some of the decisions are straight-forward while other decisions are complex. Explain the different approaches you will take when dealing with straight forward and complex decision making. The use of examples is highly suggested.

Question 4 (20 marks)

When it first opened its doors in Malta, Starbucks required employees to work within the organisation.

1. What possible ways would you have chosen to advertise this?
2. Mention TWO job requirements that you would ask for the employees to have.
3. Apply Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as a tool for motivation for employees. Apply this to the context of Starbucks.

Question 5 (15 marks)

Companies such as Starbucks do not operate in isolation and, like other companies, they face hurdles. What type of hurdles do you think companies like Starbucks have faced or are facing? List the challenges you think such companies experience and how these can be approached.

Question 6 (15 marks)

Starbucks is a leader in sustainability. Apart from reducing waste, they introduced a 25c discount for those who bring their own mug.

Use other sources to research more strategies on how Starbucks shows that they are a sustainable company. Refer to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mention at least TWO SDGs that Starbucks is implementing.

Assignment Notes

• All questions must be answered. Marks allocated for each question are shown near each question.
• Word Count: 2,500 words (+/- 10%) excluding bibliography.
• Use Harvard referencing throughout.

Get Expert Help with The Business World Starbucks Malta Case

Each of the six questions carries 15 or 20 marks, so give each one its own clear answer rather than one long essay. Link your points back to the Starbucks Malta case, for example how a global brand adapted its menu, stores and hiring when it opened in Valletta, and support theory such as market saturation, decision making and motivation with academic sources. The sustainability question rewards extra research on what Starbucks does beyond reducing waste.

Our case study writing help can guide your answers to each question, and our business assignment experts can explain the theory behind them. If you are short on time, our do my assignment service can support planning and editing.