Mt 460-02 Management Policy and Strategy
Unit Seven Scotts Miracle-Gro Case Study Analysis
XXX
Kaplan University
MT 460-02 Management Policy and Strategy
Dr. Carrie A. O’Hare
April 22, 2013
Unit Seven Scotts Miracle-Gro Case Study Analysis
Introduction
The submitted report identifies Scotts Miracle-Gro’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 140). Key issues will be explored concerning Scotts Miracle-Gro’s external environment and solutions developed to maximize its opportunities or minimize its biggest threats. This comprehensive analysis will used to add value to the company and its consumers.
Synopsis (Background) of the Situation
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (Scotts), based in Marysville, Ohio, was formed by a 1995 merger of Miracle-Gro and the Scotts Company (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 26-1). The merger made Scotts the largest company in the North American lawn and garden industry as well as the world’s leading supplier and marketer of consumer products for do-it-yourself lawn and garden care (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 26-1). The Scotts Company was founded in 1868 by Orlando McLean Scott as a purveyor of weed-free seeds. By 1879, Scotts had diversified into distribution of horse-drawn farm equipment and also started a mail-order farm seed distribution channel.
Scotts began offering grass seeds for lawns in 1907, distributing through retail channels beginning in 1924 (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 26-1). In 1928, Scotts introduced Turf Builder, the first fertilizer specifically designed for grass and started its spreader business with the introduction of drop spreaders in 1930; broadcast spreaders were rolled out in 1983 (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 26-1). Scotts acquired Republic Tool & Manufacturing Company in 1992 and gained competencies in total quality control over spreader manufacturing (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 26-1). Ownership of the firm changed hands several times, beginning in 1971 when ITT
XXX
Kaplan University
MT 460-02 Management Policy and Strategy
Dr. Carrie A. O’Hare
April 22, 2013
Unit Seven Scotts Miracle-Gro Case Study Analysis
Introduction
The submitted report identifies Scotts Miracle-Gro’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 140). Key issues will be explored concerning Scotts Miracle-Gro’s external environment and solutions developed to maximize its opportunities or minimize its biggest threats. This comprehensive analysis will used to add value to the company and its consumers.
Synopsis (Background) of the Situation
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (Scotts), based in Marysville, Ohio, was formed by a 1995 merger of Miracle-Gro and the Scotts Company (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 26-1). The merger made Scotts the largest company in the North American lawn and garden industry as well as the world’s leading supplier and marketer of consumer products for do-it-yourself lawn and garden care (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 26-1). The Scotts Company was founded in 1868 by Orlando McLean Scott as a purveyor of weed-free seeds. By 1879, Scotts had diversified into distribution of horse-drawn farm equipment and also started a mail-order farm seed distribution channel.
Scotts began offering grass seeds for lawns in 1907, distributing through retail channels beginning in 1924 (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 26-1). In 1928, Scotts introduced Turf Builder, the first fertilizer specifically designed for grass and started its spreader business with the introduction of drop spreaders in 1930; broadcast spreaders were rolled out in 1983 (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 26-1). Scotts acquired Republic Tool & Manufacturing Company in 1992 and gained competencies in total quality control over spreader manufacturing (Pearce & Robinson, 2011, p. 26-1). Ownership of the firm changed hands several times, beginning in 1971 when ITT
References: Badenhausen, K. (2012, December 12). Utah tops Forbes 2012 list of the best states Ffor business. Forbes.com. Retrieved from forbes.com: http://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2012/12/12/utah-tops-list-of-the-best-states-for-business/ Mays, G Pearce, J. A., & Robinson, R. B. (2011). Strategic management: Formulation, implementation, and control (12th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.