McDonald’s new chief executive Don Thompson, who has taken over Mr. Jim Skinner, continues to emphasize on diversification despite the reduction in the compound annual growth rate of the firm’s overseas assets.

Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-news/global-exchange/financial-times/mcdonalds-growth-supersize-me/article2379161/)

Questions:

1. Do you think having an earlier CEO like Mr. Skinner has raised the bar for Mr. Thompson? How would we have thought differently if the company not had such an exceptional growth under Mr. Skinner?
2. Do you think focus on diversification is the key to growth for McDonalds?
3. Suggest some ways for McDonalds to grow. Use the SWOT analysis to support your suggestions.

Source: Associated Press, “McDonald’s growth: supersize me”, The Globe and Mail.