Responses

#1

Hello All,

Two implementation controls that organizations use to ensure they stay on the right path to long-term objectives are IT systems and culture. Advanced technology provides streamlined end-to-end supply chain operations, better communication throughout the organization, access to real-time data, and cost efficiency (Strategic Control, 2019). General Mills states that its mission to "serve the world by making food that people love is collaborative and connected" (Innovation, n.d.). The right technology effectively links its people to its innovative processes. General Mills employs highly qualified teams responsible for implementing superior IT solutions (News Releases, n.d.).

The culture of General Mills has a direct impact on the company’s success. Operating with integrity is the long-standing culture at the company where everyone performs under a strict code of conduct. The company’s numerous awards regarding its culture show that the team is united in implementing its strategic plans (Awards, n.d.). The awards also testify that General Mills genuinely believes in respecting and protecting human rights, that it thrives when its people and their communities prosper, and prove its commitment to “making food people love” (Awards, n.d.).

Cynthia

References:

Awards. General Mills. (n.d.). https://www.generalmills.com/en/News/Awards.

Innovation. General Mills. (n.d.). https://www.generalmills.com/Company/Innovation/.

News Releases. General Mills: One of the World's largest food Companies. (n.d.). https://www.generalmills.com/en/News/NewsReleases/Library/2020/February/General-Mills-adds-leadership-in-digital-and-data-capabilities.

Strategic control: Meaning, types, techniques, process and barriers. Your Article Library. (2019, November 20). https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/strategic-management/strategic-control/99745.

#2

Strategic control is a way for a company to manage and execute their plan. Most companies will have their own strategic plan because every company is unique, whether that involves their funding, size or marketability. This is used as a management process that is meant to help the business when they are dealing with the unknown. The four types of strategic control are premise control, implementation control, special alert control and strategic surveillance. Each on provides a different perspective and method of analysis to maximize the effectiveness of the business strategy (DuBois, 2018).

For this assignment, I am choosing two implementation controls that I believe General Mills employs. The two implementation controls that GM utilizes would be their budget control and employee retention. Budget control is a huge factor in General Mills success over the last 100+ years. GM has been able to stick around for a long time because they are always looking to expand their portfolio. The CEO, Jeff Harmening, outlined the company's three priorities for returning to consistent topline growth. These three priorities are to compete, accelerate and reshape. When GM is able to reshape their portfolio for growth, they are able to include new businesses that enhance the company's growth profile and divesting businesses that are growth dilutive (2018). Without maintaining budget control, GM would not be able to use funding to grow their business.

Employee retention was the other control that GM has consistently improved on. GM has been in business since 1928, and they are known for their impressive low turnover rate of 3 percent. Half of all GM employees have worked for the company for a decade, and 3,500 have been there for twenty years or more (Harkness, 2021). The reason why they are so successful with employee retention is because they offer many opportunities for growth within the company. Majority of their management roles are from internal hires and this gives the younger employees encouragement that if they work hard they can move up the ladder.

Derek

References

DuBois, J. (2018, April 5). What are the four types of STRATEGIC CONTROL? Your Business. https://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/four-types-strategic-control-24352.html.

General Mills OUTLINES keys to consistent growth AT CAGNY. General Mills, Inc. - General Mills Outlines Keys To Consistent Growth At CAGNY. (2018). https://investors.generalmills.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2018/General-Mills-Outlines-Keys-To-Consistent-Growth-At-CAGNY/default.aspx.

Harkness. (2021, July 8). 4 global food & beverage companies that have cracked the code on employee retention. ForceBrands Newsroom. https://forcebrands.com/blog/global-food-beverage-companies-employee-retention/.

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