Management of Information Technology. How can you improve Starbucks with the use of IT (you have to use Porter's 5 and Porter's - Essay Example... 5. Conclusion............................................................................................................... References EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Starbucks operates in a market environment where competitive rivalry is intensive and where differentiation of product offerings characterises market position. Starbucks is currently challenged by major competitors such as Costa and Pret-a-Manger that are each positioned differently depending on service conceptions and emphasis placed on satisfying customers. Starbucks currently utilises a premiumisation strategy, built on years of brand establishment and the ability of the business to express quality and human capital talent to make this business stand out from competition.