CENTRE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
CENTRE FOR
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Empowering Students. Elevating Results.
EXAMINATION MODEL ANSWERS
MNG3701: Strategic Planning IIIA
Oct/Nov 2025 Examination
Case Study: Checkers | Shoprite Group
Total Marks: 70 | Duration: 4 Hours
CONTACT US FOR TUTORING & ACADEMIC SUPPORT
WhatsApp: +27 73 887 0986
Email:
Prepared by Academic Specialists | UNISA Aligned
, MNG3701 Strategic Planning IIIA | Oct/Nov 2025 Model Answers Centre for Academic Excellence |
WhatsApp: +27 73 887 0986
COMPREHENSIVE MODEL ANSWERS
MNG3701 Strategic Planning IIIA | Oct/Nov 2025
PART A: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS [50 MARKS]
QUESTION 1 [20 MARKS]
Question 1.1: Responsible vs Irresponsible Competitiveness [5
Marks]
Definitions
Responsible competitiveness refers to a strategic approach in which organisations
pursue competitive advantage in ways that simultaneously create value for
shareholders and broader stakeholders, including employees, communities, customers,
and the natural environment. It entails integrating environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) considerations into core business strategy rather than treating them
as peripheral concerns (Visser, 2008; Wheelen & Hunger, 2012).
Irresponsible competitiveness, in contrast, occurs when organisations pursue market
advantage through strategies that externalise costs onto society or the environment —
for example, exploiting labour, engaging in deceptive practices, polluting ecosystems, or
undermining competitors through unethical means. Such behaviour may yield short-
term gains but erodes sustainable value creation and poses long-term reputational,
regulatory, and operational risks.
Three Examples of Responsible Competitiveness from the Checkers Case Study
1. Environmental Sustainability Initiatives: Checkers and the broader Shoprite Group
invest in solar power installations, energy-efficient refrigeration systems, and the
reduction of single-use plastics. These measures reduce the organisation's
environmental footprint while simultaneously lowering operational costs, demonstrating
that environmental responsibility and profitability can coexist.
2. Financial Inclusion through Money Market Services: The Money Market counter
enables customers to pay bills, transfer money, receive social grants, and purchase
electricity and airtime in a single convenient location. This initiative promotes financial
inclusion for lower-income communities, reinforcing Checkers' social license to operate
and strengthening community loyalty.
Page 2 | Centre for Academic Excellence |
CENTRE FOR
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Empowering Students. Elevating Results.
EXAMINATION MODEL ANSWERS
MNG3701: Strategic Planning IIIA
Oct/Nov 2025 Examination
Case Study: Checkers | Shoprite Group
Total Marks: 70 | Duration: 4 Hours
CONTACT US FOR TUTORING & ACADEMIC SUPPORT
WhatsApp: +27 73 887 0986
Email:
Prepared by Academic Specialists | UNISA Aligned
, MNG3701 Strategic Planning IIIA | Oct/Nov 2025 Model Answers Centre for Academic Excellence |
WhatsApp: +27 73 887 0986
COMPREHENSIVE MODEL ANSWERS
MNG3701 Strategic Planning IIIA | Oct/Nov 2025
PART A: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS [50 MARKS]
QUESTION 1 [20 MARKS]
Question 1.1: Responsible vs Irresponsible Competitiveness [5
Marks]
Definitions
Responsible competitiveness refers to a strategic approach in which organisations
pursue competitive advantage in ways that simultaneously create value for
shareholders and broader stakeholders, including employees, communities, customers,
and the natural environment. It entails integrating environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) considerations into core business strategy rather than treating them
as peripheral concerns (Visser, 2008; Wheelen & Hunger, 2012).
Irresponsible competitiveness, in contrast, occurs when organisations pursue market
advantage through strategies that externalise costs onto society or the environment —
for example, exploiting labour, engaging in deceptive practices, polluting ecosystems, or
undermining competitors through unethical means. Such behaviour may yield short-
term gains but erodes sustainable value creation and poses long-term reputational,
regulatory, and operational risks.
Three Examples of Responsible Competitiveness from the Checkers Case Study
1. Environmental Sustainability Initiatives: Checkers and the broader Shoprite Group
invest in solar power installations, energy-efficient refrigeration systems, and the
reduction of single-use plastics. These measures reduce the organisation's
environmental footprint while simultaneously lowering operational costs, demonstrating
that environmental responsibility and profitability can coexist.
2. Financial Inclusion through Money Market Services: The Money Market counter
enables customers to pay bills, transfer money, receive social grants, and purchase
electricity and airtime in a single convenient location. This initiative promotes financial
inclusion for lower-income communities, reinforcing Checkers' social license to operate
and strengthening community loyalty.
Page 2 | Centre for Academic Excellence |
