Weaknesses
Weaknesses are factors that detract from the corporation ability to have a competitive edge. It captures the negative aspects internal to the business that detract from the value offer or a place a corporation at a competitive disadvantage. In this case study, we had found several weaknesses of Dunkin’ Donuts. Firstly we found out that the Dunkin’ Donut experienced organizational turbulence when they merge with Baskin-Robbins. The initial problems that they faced included simple logistics, resentment from the Baskin-Robbins organization over placement of Dunkin’ Donut people in high-level position and general fear among all parties about whether their jobs would continue to exist where this might affect the overall workforce of the organization. Besides that, Dunkin’ Donuts does not have its own manufacturing plant so they have to search for supply. It would be better if Dunkin’s has its own supplies rather then depending on other suppliers because they will have limitation in their productivity if the suppliers have problems supplying them. This would save time and cost as it will improves productivity.
Opportunity
Opportunities are external to a company. Opportunities assess the attractive factors that represent the reason for the business. It reflects the potential that a company can realize through implementing the company’s marketing strategies. In this case study, we found out that there are several opportunities exist in Dunkin’s Donut. Firstly, Dunkin’s Donut bagel had gained acceptance as an American breakfast and lunch item because the product fit the perfect nutrition profile – low fat and boiled bread product. Due to the recent conscious by consumer about their food intake most of them tend to choose healthier diet rather then unhealthy food such as greasy, salty, sweet and high in fat food which are commonly available in fast food outlets. Besides that, the popularity of bagels was predicted a long term trend as the bagel business still in the growth state in the product life cycle. This is because bagel is considered a traditional breakfast and lunch item which was eaten by many generations before us in America. Besides that, the main reason the bagels maintain its popularity is because of the never ending varieties of new flavors and combinations and the quality of the product. In addition, Market reports revealed that the bagel business was a US$2.5 billion industry by mid-1990s which is very profitable and attractive target market. Based on the factor it became the reason why many investors invested on the bagel production in the industry. More and more consumer tends to realize the bagel market. This caused the bagel became a mess production item where many outlets are selling it. Other than that, no dominant national market presence by any single company had been established at that time. This would be an opportunity to Dunkin’ to penetrate the market and also became the dominant company in the food industry. Last but not least, many suppliers included manufacturing giants such as Harold’s Bakery Products, Sara Lee, and Brooklyn Bagel wanted to get into the bagel business with Dunkin’ Donuts. This will give flexibility to Dunkin’s as they will have more options from the suppliers. Dunkin’s Donut could choose the best offer from their suppliers in terms of price, quality, quantity and time. Harold was the chosen supplier because they promised a nine-month delivery time on new bagel production lines with their ability to sign co packer relationship in the interim.
Threats
Threats are the challenges every company will face created by unfavorable trend or development that may lead to deteriorating revenues or profits. For Dunkin’ Donuts, There were over 700 bagel retail outlets and wholesale bakeries in the US by 1995. The major competitors in this primarily breakfast food segment were Bruegger’s Manhattan Bagel and Einstein Brothers. The rest of the market dominated by small chains and mom-and-pop operations is also a threat to Dunkin’ Donuts. Since there are many bagels retail outlets, this would create a highly competitive bagel market which could be a threat for Dunkin’s as they might lose their customer to other bagel outlets where people will have other substitutes to purchase bagels. In addition, The rumor that all US production facilities capable of making bagels were signing long term supplier contracts with different firms, leaving very few opportunities for additional capacity to be obtained. This is because the supplier has limited sources due to supplying many other bagels making company. This would limit Dunkin’s productivity by having low supply when it is needed. Last but not least, this profitable bagel business attracted many new entrants and low barriers for them as in the food industry. This would cause a problem for Dunkin’ Donut as more and more competitor entering the bagel industry which will affect the sales of Dunkin Donut as consumer will have more choices of bagels. A shift in buying behavior will also lead to the drop of sales for Dunkin’s Donut. All these factors may affect a company’s sales.