6.9. Practical Questions

• Strategic Planning: 

• • What steps should the foodservice manager take to conduct a SWOT analysis for the cafeteria? 

• • How can the manager align the cafeteria’s mission with the hospital’s overall mission? 

• Marketing Strategy: 

• • What specific tactics could be used to attract health-conscious consumers to the cafeteria? 

• • How should the manager measure the success of the new menu options and dining area improvements? 

• Social Media Campaign: 

• • Which social media platforms would be most effective for this campaign and why? 

• • What type of content should be included in the social media posts to engage potential customers? 

Scenario 2: University Dining Services 

Situation: A university dining services department wants to increase student participation in its meal plans. The department has noticed that many students prefer off-campus dining options due to perceived lack of variety and quality on-campus. To address this, the department plans to rebrand its dining services, introduce a wider variety of cuisines and implement a loyalty program.

Questions: 

• Branding: 

• • How should the dining services department develop and communicate its new brand to the students? 

• • What elements should be included in the rebranding to reflect the variety and quality of food offered? 

• Marketing Mix: 

• • How can the department effectively use the four P’s of marketing (Product, Place, Price, Promotion) to attract students to the meal plans? 

• • What pricing strategy should be adopted to make the meal plans more attractive while maintaining profitability? 

• Loyalty Program: 

• • What features should be included in the loyalty program to encourage repeat patronage? 

• • How can the success of the loyalty program be evaluated? 

Scenario 3: Small Restaurant Chain Expansion 

Situation: A small restaurant chain specializing in organic and locally-sourced food is planning to expand to new locations. The chain is known for its unique dining experience and customer service. The management wants to ensure that the new locations maintain the same brand identity and customer satisfaction levels.

Questions: 

• Expansion Strategy: 

• • What factors should be considered when selecting new locations for the expansion? 

• • How can the restaurant chain ensure consistency in service and quality across all locations? 

• Brand Identity: 

• • How should the chain’s brand identity be communicated to new markets? 

• • What strategies can be used to build brand awareness and loyalty in the new locations? 

• Customer Feedback: 

• • What methods can the chain use to gather and analyze customer feedback in the new locations? 

• • How should the management respond to feedback to continuously improve the dining experience? 

Scenario 4: School Cafeteria Healthy Eating Initiative 

Situation: A school cafeteria is implementing a healthy eating initiative to combat childhood obesity. The initiative includes adding more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to the menu, providing nutrition education and engaging parents and the community. The cafeteria manager needs to market this initiative to ensure acceptance and participation from students and parents.

Questions: 

• Healthy Eating Promotion: 

• • How can the cafeteria manager use marketing principles to promote the healthy eating initiative to students and parents? 

• • What role can social media play in promoting the initiative? 

• Community Engagement: 

• • What strategies can be used to engage parents and the community in supporting the healthy eating initiative? 

• • How can partnerships with local businesses or health organizations enhance the initiative? 

• Program Evaluation: 

• • What metrics should be used to evaluate the success of the healthy eating initiative? 

• • How can the cafeteria manager use feedback from students and parents to improve the initiative?