Strategic Management: JCP and Comfort Zone

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the strategic management of two stores - The Comfort Zone, a small second hand furniture store, and JC Penney, one of the largest retailers in the United States. The paper discusses restructuring of the organizations and the use of information technology in their growth. The effect of leadership on strategy and how to maintain momentum of the growth of the companies is also examined.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Restructuring
Information Technology
Maintaining Momentum
The Effect of Leadership on Strategy
Management Information Systems in Retail
Branding

From the Paper:

"An effective strategy on paper may sound like the perfect way to make it to the top and gain competitive advantage over all other retailers for either company- JCPenney or The Comfort Zone. However, it is not a quick process. The strategy relies almost entirely on the implementation processes that go along with it. If implementation is conducted properly, managers will feel as though they are working toward a greater good; as cliche as that sounds. They will no longer feel the need to promote self-servicing behaviour and will ultimately work for the company. Strategies are virtually ineffective without a team that believes in them and feels that the methods being suggested, with follow-through will succeed. Managers do not want to fight a losing battle and in JCPenney's situation, it is defined 'walking on eggshells' process to get back to the top. The media and investors are going to continue to have a cautious eye and report any slip-ups that may take place, but after knowing such, they will respect the positive outcome even more."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brauer, M., and Schmidt, S. L. (2006), Exploring strategy implementation consistency over time: The moderating effects of industry velocity and firm performance, Journal of Management & Governance. vol. 10, no. 2, 205-226.
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