Frank's All American Barbeque: A Strategic Management Case Study

This case study analyzes Frank's All American Barbeque, focusing on the strategic management challenges faced by the owner, Frank, and his family. The assignment examines the roles of Robert, his sister, and her husband in potential business expansion, emphasizing communication, strategic approaches, and market research. It delves into Frank's problem-solving cycle, considering the implications of offering a managerial position to different family members, and the ethical dilemmas arising from these choices. The study highlights the importance of ethical codes of conduct in navigating family business complexities and making sound decisions. The provided solution explores the dynamics of family business, leadership, and the importance of strategic planning for business growth.

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Strategic management- A case study of Frank’s All American BarBeQue Review
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Table of contents
1. Roles of Robert, his sister and her husband, if the business expands....................................2
2. Frank’s approach towards solving the problem.....................................................................4
References..................................................................................................................................6

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1. Roles of Robert, his sister and her husband, if the business expands
Communication adds shape to the ideas, thoughts and plans for business expansion. In
this, acquiring the proper channels is helpful in terms of reaching out to large number of
customers. Therefore, at the initial stage, Robert needs to communicate with this father
regarding the plans, which he has thought for expanding the business. As per the opinions of
Burns (2016), this communication would maintain the stability in the relationship between
father and son. From the business perspective, it would reflect ethical approach towards
preserving the values and efforts, which his father took for adding firmness into the restaurant
business. Sketches regarding the expansion of the restaurants in Frankfield and nearby towns
along with statistical data would assure Robert’s father about the feasibility of the idea.
One of the concerns in this context is the expression of disinterest by Robert’s father
towards the idea of expansion. In such a case, Robert can approach his sister and her
husband. Adekola and Sergi (2016) is of the view that if the expansion needs to be achieved
in a proper form, Robert’s sister and her husband need to undertake active roles and
initiatives. Strategic approach from Robert’s sister and her husband is needed for reaching out
to more customers. The following roles can be undertaken-
 Communicating with the customers through social media, feedbacks and surveys
 Infusing flexible supply chain network for delivering quality products. Value chain
analysis can be a beneficial option in terms of achieving large scale customer
satisfaction
 Disseminating the expansion ideas to the clients and the customers would help
Robert, her sister and her husband to assess the feasibility of the expansion plans.
Affirming with the viewpoints of Jansen (2017), it can be said that conducting

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meetings with the clients would act assistance in gaining an insight into their
approaches towards the undertaken strategies and plans.
 Marketing mix would be an effective option in terms of assessing whether their food
items would lure the foreign customers. Within this, the element of promotion gains
an important position. This is in terms of involving the stakeholders and shareholders
in the attempt to expand the scope and arena of the barbeque business. Plans
regarding the adding more flavours in the preparation of Barbeque can be made for
luring more and more customers. Along with this, Neubauer and Lank (2016) points
out that concentrating on the use of the healthy and organic ingredients would act
assistance in segmenting the target customers.
 Market research would be one of the other duties of Robert, her sister and husband.
Within this, execution of offshore management would enhance their awareness about
the prospective sources, which would assist them with the expansion plans. As a
matter of specification, research and comparative study would assist them in assessing
the feasibility of expanding the Barbeque business in the markets of Frankfield and
nearby towns.
 Evaluating the benefits through the expansion is an essential activity for Robert, his
sister and her husband. This is in terms of mapping their careers before and after
expansion. On the other hand, Aronoff and Ward (2016) states that using
organizational behaviour theories in this context would be helpful in terms of the
measuring the effectiveness of the current skills, abilities and competencies.
Maintaining consistency in the execution of this evaluation would result in
upgradation of the standards and quality of their performance.

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2. Frank’s approach towards solving the problem
Frank needs to undertake problem solving cycle for solving the issue. At the initial
stage, he needs to delve deeper into the issue for achieving relevant solutions.
Communicating with the clients regarding the issue would help Frank to some extent, as it
would reduce half of the problem. Suggestions from the clients would broaden the thinking
skills of Frank. Evaluation of the suggestions would assist Frank in reaching to the relevant
solution. Apart from this, evaluation would enhance Frank’s awareness about the alternative
solutions, which he can apply for solving the issue. As per the propositions of Madison et al.
(2016), maintaining consistency in this evaluation drives Frank towards the required solution.
As a sequential step, Frank needs to implement the solution and evaluate the result. For
example, if Frank offers the post of Manager to Ed Tobor, it would be beneficial. This is in
terms of his experience and tenurity. This would result in discrepancies conflict among his
son and daughter, breaking the unity and close knit family bonding, needed for running a
family business.
On the other hand, if the managerial post is offered to his son, it would result in the
professional development. However, this would compel Frank to face complaints and
mistrust from Ed Tobor. He would feel that after working for 14 years in the restaurant, the
net result should have been promotion. According to the viewpoints of Revilla, Pérez-Luño
and Nieto (2016), if this approach is made, then it would destroy the stability in the
relationship between manager and his assistant.
Offering the managerial post to his daughter would be an ineffective option for Frank.
This is because of her part time job in the business, which adds her inadequate skills,
knowledge and expertise needed for running the business.

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In view of the plans produced by Frank’s son regarding opening a second restaurant
and use of social media, he can be provided the managerial post. However, improper skills,
knowledge and skills nullifies the option for Frank. Viewing it from the other perspective, the
plan of using social media is one of the key steps for expanding the business. Priem and
Alfano (2016) opines that on account of this perspective, son would be of some help to Frank
in terms of stabilizing the business. In all of these aspects, the question remains the same
regarding the approach of Frank towards detecting the right person for the managerial post.
Offering the managerial post to one would make the other feel that injustice has been
done. This situation entraps Frank within ethical dilemma regarding preserving the interest of
his assistant, son and daughter, obstructing his further actions. Herein lays the
appropriateness of the Ethical Code of Conduct, which would direct Frank the right decision,
which would be morally correct for the business. In terms of the experience, assistant Ed
Tobor is the best candidate for the managerial post.

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References
Adekola, A. and Sergi, B.S., 2016. Global business management: A cross-cultural
perspective. Routledge.
Aronoff, C. and Ward, J., 2016. Family business governance: Maximizing family and
business potential. Springer.
Burns, P., 2016. Entrepreneurship and small business. Palgrave Macmillan Limited.
Jansen, W., 2017. New business models for the knowledge economy. Routledge.
Madison, K., Holt, D.T., Kellermanns, F.W. and Ranft, A.L., 2016. Viewing family firm
behavior and governance through the lens of agency and stewardship theories. Family
Business Review, 29(1), pp.65-93.
Neubauer, F. and Lank, A.G., 2016. The family business: Its governance for sustainability.
Springer.
Priem, R.L. and Alfano, F., 2016. Setting new directions for the management discipline
through family business research. Journal of Family Business Strategy, 7(1), pp.58-62.
Revilla, A.J., Pérez-Luño, A. and Nieto, M.J., 2016. Does family involvement in
management reduce the risk of business failure? The moderating role of entrepreneurial
orientation. Family Business Review, 29(4), pp.365-379.