Assume Leff chooses strategy 2. Evaluate how to implement this strategy effectively.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [K] Strategic implementation: Putting a strategy into effect in a planned way with the purpose of reaching a desired objective.
2. [K] Detailed corporate planning will be needed
3. [K] Sourcing finance
4. [K] HR planning
5. [K] Operational planning
6. [K] Allocation of resources
7. [K] Contingency planning.
8. [K] This is a major strategic decision involving significant change and substantial resources.
9. [APP] $2m cost and current low gearing
10. [APP] Use of information in Appendix 1
11. [APP] Using brand image
12. [APP] Need to maintain quality meals
13. [APP] Dealing with new entrants to market
14. [APP] Dealing with change to legal environment
15. [APP] Issue of rationalisation leading to redundancies
16. [APP] Reference to refurbishment and rebranding
17. [APP] Management of communication with the extra 10 restaurants
18. [AN] Analysis of the benefits of business planning e.g. reducing risk, supporting application for finance
19. [AN] Analysis of role of communication with employees given that redundancies required as part of change management
20. [AN] Consideration of possible culture clash and ways of overcoming problems
21. [AN] Resources must be prepared especially finance and people – will these take away vital resources from GR's existing operations?
22. [AN] Is there sufficient finance available from retained earnings? GR is profitable as shown by information on restaurant 13. However, likely that other financing will have to be put in place.
23. [AN] Analysis of effects on GR of different ways of financing
24. [EVAL] Successful implementation of the strategy will be vital to success of GR as failure could put at risk the entire business.
25. [EVAL] Identification of most important elements of the implementation e.g. ensuring finance is in place, possible culture clash, possible employee resistance and how best to deal with these issues
26. [EVAL] Does Leff have the expertise to make all the decisions regarding this expansion?