Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan
School of Business Management
Graduate School
MBA 111B
S.Y. 2014- 2015

Case Analysis on
“Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc.”

Submitted by:

Cabrera, Kenneth Robert S.

Submitted to:

Dr. Alma Frances R. Hortelano

August 16, 2014

I. Viewpoint I am taking the viewpoint of the management of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc.

II. Statement of the Problem How should Ben & Jerry’s management improve its management control processes in order for it to be more competitive in the superpremium ice cream industry? III. Objectives

We will analyze the pertinent facts of the case and help the management of Ben & Jerry’s develop a strategy
V. Alternative Courses of Action

1. B & J’s management does nothing. Maintain the status quo.
2. The first thing that B & J’s management should do is hire the best CFO that is currently available in the labor market. To do this, they have to amend their salary cap policy and make an exception for critical top management positions in the company (e.g. CEO, COO, CFO, etc.). I think that some of their problems can be traced to improper management and planning of their finances. They also need to hire a good marketing team that can address their problems on their distribution, marketing strategies and product pricing. Secondly, the management has to minimize their expenses on their corporate & social responsibility (CSR) projects. It is good to use their money to promote social change and awareness but it may have a detrimental effect on the company’s resources (i.e. profits). Lastly, the management should continue with their good policies and best practices like commitment to the welfare of their employees, amended salary cap (with exceptions for critical positions), producing quality products, and their commitment to CSR projects (though at a lesser extent).

VI. Conclusions & Recommendation

I recommend that B & J’s management follow option no. 2 and hire top notch professionals with a passion for social change to run the company. I have no problems about their commitment to social