, MNG3701-ASSINGMENT 1 SEMESETER 1
Case Study: Vodacom Group Limited
Source of information: Vodacom FY2025 Integrated Report
Focus:
Vision statement
Strategy and managerial decisions
SMART goal evaluation
Responsible management, sustainability, and ethics
INTRODUCTION
Vodacom Group Limited is one of Africa’s leading telecommunications and technology companies,
providing mobile voice, data, financial, and digital services to millions of customers across multiple
countries. Established in 1994, Vodacom has grown to become a market leader in the
telecommunications sector, offering innovative products and services that meet the diverse needs
of individuals, businesses, and communities. In an era where connectivity is central to economic
and social development, Vodacom’s operations extend beyond profit generation, encompassing
digital inclusion, customer empowerment, and the promotion of sustainable business practices.
The company operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving technological environment,
which requires careful strategic management, continuous innovation, and ethical decision-making
to remain relevant and maintain its market leadership.
The purpose of this essay is to analyse Vodacom’s strategic management practices and assess
the company’s approach to responsible business operations using its FY2025 integrated report as
the primary source of information. The discussion begins with an evaluation of Vodacom’s vision
statement, examining whether it meets the characteristics of an effective vision, such as clarity,
future-orientation, inspiration, and strategic focus. A clear vision is vital because it provides
direction to managers, motivates employees, and communicates the organisation’s long-term
goals to stakeholders. Following this, the essay explores the four levels of strategy in business
organisations — corporate, business, functional, and operational — and links these to the
decision-making roles of managers within Vodacom. Understanding how strategic decisions are
made at each level provides insight into how Vodacom aligns its operations with its overarching
goals.
Next, the essay evaluates one of Vodacom’s short- to medium-term targets using the SMART
(Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) principle. Evaluating goals using
SMART ensures that targets are clearly defined, actionable, and aligned with both the company’s
vision and its operational capabilities. Finally, the essay critically examines whether Vodacom can
be regarded as a responsible organisation. This section draws on theoretical concepts of
responsible management, sustainability, and business ethics, and applies them to Vodacom’s
initiatives, including community engagement, environmental responsibility, governance, and ethical
conduct.
Through this analysis, the essay highlights the ways in which Vodacom balances strategic
objectives with ethical and sustainable practices, ultimately demonstrating its role as a responsible
corporate entity in Africa. The discussion also identifies areas where the company can improve,
offering a balanced assessment that recognises both achievements and opportunities for
enhancement. This case study provides a comprehensive view of how a leading
Case Study: Vodacom Group Limited
Source of information: Vodacom FY2025 Integrated Report
Focus:
Vision statement
Strategy and managerial decisions
SMART goal evaluation
Responsible management, sustainability, and ethics
INTRODUCTION
Vodacom Group Limited is one of Africa’s leading telecommunications and technology companies,
providing mobile voice, data, financial, and digital services to millions of customers across multiple
countries. Established in 1994, Vodacom has grown to become a market leader in the
telecommunications sector, offering innovative products and services that meet the diverse needs
of individuals, businesses, and communities. In an era where connectivity is central to economic
and social development, Vodacom’s operations extend beyond profit generation, encompassing
digital inclusion, customer empowerment, and the promotion of sustainable business practices.
The company operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving technological environment,
which requires careful strategic management, continuous innovation, and ethical decision-making
to remain relevant and maintain its market leadership.
The purpose of this essay is to analyse Vodacom’s strategic management practices and assess
the company’s approach to responsible business operations using its FY2025 integrated report as
the primary source of information. The discussion begins with an evaluation of Vodacom’s vision
statement, examining whether it meets the characteristics of an effective vision, such as clarity,
future-orientation, inspiration, and strategic focus. A clear vision is vital because it provides
direction to managers, motivates employees, and communicates the organisation’s long-term
goals to stakeholders. Following this, the essay explores the four levels of strategy in business
organisations — corporate, business, functional, and operational — and links these to the
decision-making roles of managers within Vodacom. Understanding how strategic decisions are
made at each level provides insight into how Vodacom aligns its operations with its overarching
goals.
Next, the essay evaluates one of Vodacom’s short- to medium-term targets using the SMART
(Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) principle. Evaluating goals using
SMART ensures that targets are clearly defined, actionable, and aligned with both the company’s
vision and its operational capabilities. Finally, the essay critically examines whether Vodacom can
be regarded as a responsible organisation. This section draws on theoretical concepts of
responsible management, sustainability, and business ethics, and applies them to Vodacom’s
initiatives, including community engagement, environmental responsibility, governance, and ethical
conduct.
Through this analysis, the essay highlights the ways in which Vodacom balances strategic
objectives with ethical and sustainable practices, ultimately demonstrating its role as a responsible
corporate entity in Africa. The discussion also identifies areas where the company can improve,
offering a balanced assessment that recognises both achievements and opportunities for
enhancement. This case study provides a comprehensive view of how a leading
