Insights and Learning: Business-Level Strategy Contribution
1. Role and Scope
The assigned responsibility in the final term project was to develop the Business-Level
Strategy for Hewitt’s Dairy’s market entry into British Columbia through its goat milk
yogurt product line. This section aimed to translate internal strengths into competitive
advantages by aligning them with regional consumer demand, distribution realities, and
broader market dynamics.
2. Multi-Framework Analytical Approach
Several strategic tools were applied to generate a robust business-level strategy. The VRIO
framework was used to identify and evaluate internal resources such as halal/kosher
certifications, production infrastructure, and multicultural brand positioning. A SWOT
analysis captured external opportunities like BC’s multicultural growth and internal risks
such as limited regional visibility. Porter’s Five Forces helped in understanding the
competitive landscape, especially the high bargaining power of buyers and product
substitution threats. A PESTLE analysis was also incorporated to assess the regulatory and
cultural context within BC. These tools collectively informed a focused differentiation
strategy that recommended leveraging heritage, quality, and cultural relevance as market
entry points.
3. Strategic Insights
The analysis revealed that differentiation could be enhanced through flavour innovation,
ethical sourcing, and culturally compliant product certifications. Market gaps in goat yogurt
options that cater to specific health and dietary needs presented a clear entry opportunity.
It also became evident that success would require not just unique product features but also
alignment with evolving consumer values such as transparency, sustainability, and
inclusivity.
4. Research Process and Team Collaboration
Market data was synthesized from sources including IBISWorld and Statista to validate
trends in health-conscious consumption and multicultural preferences. Strategic
recommendations were refined through collaborative reviews with team members
responsible for marketing and distribution. This ensured that product positioning remained
feasible across all functional areas. Each strategy component was cross-referenced for
coherence, enabling the development of a multi-layered and executable plan.
5. Learning Outcomes
Developing the Business-Level Strategy enhanced the ability to connect academic models
with real-world market scenarios. It deepened the understanding of how unique internal
capabilities can be leveraged in external markets. The experience also improved skills in
cross-functional collaboration and professional communication. Maintaining objectivity
while representing individual contributions helped refine writing style for both academic
and strategic business documents. The process demonstrated that effective strategy
formulation requires both analytical rigor and interdisciplinary coordination.