R7050 Strategic Development Report Brief

Assignment Task Outline

You have been approached by a major UK producer/supplier of Top Fruit. To secure their supply chains and ensure year-round availability they are looking at acquiring growing facilities within either Africa or South America.

You have been asked to provide an analysis of one country, from either Africa or South America and provide a report to your client which should address the following issues.

• The suitability of that country with regards to the production of Top Fruit.

• An overview of the economy of that country and any associated factors that may be relevant (these could include, political, economic, legal, trade agreements, labour issues, currency, corruption levels, etc.)

• A recommendation (and associated rationale) as to the best way to invest in that country (such as via direct investment, joint venture, etc)

• Any other relevant factors that you feel may influence a decision to invest

• A definitive recommendation, which should be supported by your earlier analysis, as to the suitability of that country for investment.

Module Outcomes Assessed: 

1) Appraise the underlying concepts and apply the principal analytical techniques of strategic management to the agri-food sector in an international setting;

2) Review the key issues of importance impacting international agri-business industries; assess complex international agri-business industry environments; for example, digital development and business innovation;

3) Evaluate and refine the strategies of agri-business organisations involved in international business;

4) Critically assess the impact of less tangible factors, including organisational culture, reputation and business ethics on strategic decision-making;

5) Determine appropriate strategic directions taken and develop a plan of implementation incorporating original but realistic tactics.