A Comparative Analysis of Strategic Management Practices in Michigan Agribusiness Firms: 1992 vs. 2012

Over the past 20 years the agribusiness industry has been subject to a number of transformations and shocks that have altered its business environment and management practices. This thesis sets out to try to understand how the Michigan industry has changed in this period, and to understand if strategic management practices and performance are correlated. Data for this study was collected from Michigan agribusinesses at two time periods, 1992 and 2012. A comparative analysis indicates that Michigan agribusinesses have become larger, more diverse, and have increased their adoption of strategic planning activities. Furthermore, these practices were found to be positively correlated with performance.