MiniCase 8: Starbucks after Schultz: How to Sustain a Competitive Advantage 1. How did Starbucks create its uniqueness in the first place? Why was this uniqueness so successful? 2. To be a source of competitive advantage over time, core competencies need to be continuously honed and upgraded. Why and how did Starbucks lose its uniqueness and struggle in the mid-2000s? 3. What strategic initiatives did Howard Schultz put in place to re-create Starbucks' uniqueness after his return in 2008? Detail each strategic initiative, and explain why each initiative was successful, if so. 4. What is your assessment of Howard Schultz as a strategic leader? Where on the Level-5 pyramid of strategic leadership would you place Schultz? Why? Explain. 5. How can new Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson sustain the company's competitive advantage? What are some growth opportunities he could pursue? What recommendations would you give him? 6. What/which Scripture is relevant to this MiniCase? Why is it relevant to this case? How can you apply this Scripture to your own life