by Herman Bailey | Feb 4, 2023 | Essays |
The year 2012 was a drastic and surprising one for Suzuki stakeholders. The company chose to move out of the American market completely, a surprising move even for a large and struggling company. By all accounts Suzuki faced a challenging task, remaining in a market where profits continued to be elusive. After decades of operating in the American market, it is surprising that things seemed quite dismal. Not enough investments and partnerships were in the pipeline, patents on top selling brands such as Kizashi were not drawing enough customers. Despite several partnerships in the tunnels, the company was continuing to post dismal results.
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There are critics that felt that the company threw in the towel quite early in one of the most fertile markets for automobiles. However, it should be noted that Suzuki made a great effort to transform, change its organizational structure. Suzuki formed autonomous, restructured entrepreneurial distribution centers (Blais 2012). This was a bold testimony to the belief that Suzuki executives had on the American market. Increase of sales in other markets was considered a flicker of hope for Suzuki. Other scholars and business analysts feel that the extended struggle to survive in the American market was far from worth it. In fact, to them Suzuki should have left the American market decades ago.
A common belief is that Suzuki was not prepared for the market changes which included a new competitive edge. Left behind by growing and changing technology, the company was and is still playing catch up to other major automobile producers. Diminishing investment in research and development and increased reliance on partnerships for successful products is still considered a formula that led to the quick downfall of Suzuki.
Executive and management
The executive management led by the former CEO, Koichi formed the first top layer involved in the decision to pull out of the market. At the time, the management was tasked with the responsibility of negotiating the declining sales, the closure of dealerships and even the dwindling customer base for Suzuki. Former CEO Koichi led the management team in 2004 for three years. He transferred to Japan after some exemplary performance in the American chapter. However, when trouble started looming and closure seemed imminent, the CEO was forced to return for another term to America. Despite several restructures, notable among them being the decision to actively pursue partnerships with General Motors and other fast selling brands; the company continued showing dismal results.
Faced with an uncertain future and unquantifiable risks, the Suzuki management realized that it was time to take some drastic steps in an attempt to save the company. In the year 2008 and 2009, research and development was stepped up. The idea was that with one singular winning product, Suzuki could keep afloat in the market. However Pol and Thomas (1997) show that, unfortunately, this did not work out and the company management faced an even bigger problem where many former partners resolved to dissolve their partnerships. This was perhaps the biggest blow to a company whose main selling products came from partnerships. The loss of partners forced the board to go back to the drawing board and come up with alternative plans.
The executive management went for a strategy known simply as satisficing to make the decision. Normally managers are forced by their employer and their own requirements or targets to make optimal decisions. These are decisions that will bring success and profit to the company. However, with satisficing they choose from a limited sample of stakeholders to identify ways to respond. In the case of Suzuki, the company chose a limited number of dealers. What was found turned out to be the basis on which the decision to file for bankruptcy was based. A large percentage of the dealerships were in the process of closing down and many more would not be operational in the following year. The most active dealers sold less than three cars in the past year that is 2010. Based on this and other issues such as an increase in the number of creditors and unreliable flow of income, the executives chose to file for chapter 11 and shut down operations in America.
Dealers
Automobile manufacturers rarely if ever sell to their customers directly. Instead they operate through a number of independent entrepreneurial structures known as dealerships. In the year 2004- 2007, Suzuki experienced an increase of dealerships perhaps brought on by the appointment of the new CEO. Over time however, the glimmer of hope proved false as more and more dealers began experiencing difficulties. Products that were expected to take the market by storm proved disappointing and were almost always floored by competitors. Dealerships were having a hard time staying afloat in the market. Of course some dealers opted to move from this market to friendlier companies offering support such as Mitsubishi, (Kline 2005).
Despite the several alternatives put in place including changes in the supply structure for dealerships, still more and more dealers opted out of Suzuki contracts. The simple truth according to many dealers is that there was no hope of ever generating profits under such contracts. The dealers entered into the business because they believed with proper supply and maintenance, Suzuki products would transform the auto mobile market. However, after years of trying every alternative the investments proved to be null and void. In 2010, many of the dealerships recorded dismal sales which average three cars in an entire year. With more and more dealerships opting out of the market, they played a major role in forcing the hand of Suzuki. With few active dealerships, most of which were on the verge of collapse, the company had no choice to but to consider leading the market.
Shareholders
Shareholders have a claim on every decision made in the company. This is simply because when they buy shares they become owners of the company not just by name but also by action. When Suzuki faced problems in the American market and continued to have declining performance despite several costly investments, shareholders demanded to know what the course of expected action was. Of course at the beginning, the demand was for change to drive up the competitive advantage while the companies that are rigid to changes are left behind. This eventually can lead to drastic losses in profit and market share and at least bring in some sort of profit from the American charter. According to Grasby (2000), the main interest of shareholders in this aspect was to generate some form of return from their investment. Shareholders pushed the management to work diligently to bring in even more profits. Some of the management teams were forced into early retirement and resignation as shareholders believed they were the reason behind dismal performances. For while especially in the five years between 2004 and 2009, the overhaul of management was constant.
Unfortunately majority of the stakeholders in Suzuki were operating under ambiguous information. Whereas they understood and knew that the American Suzuki was in trouble, many were not completely aware of how much and the nature of trouble that the company was in. the information available to them came from conflicting reports and could be interpreted in multiple ways. This is perhaps the main reason why the many decisions and changes lauded by shareholders failed miserably. In addition, many of the times shareholders only got information when situations had reached emergency. Decisions needed to be made rapidly and as such provided no time for studying the various alternatives in place to deal with the situation.
In the end, shareholders were called in to approve the final decision by management to shut down operations in the American market. Surprisingly, the decision was not really put in as one of the options but as the only option for the company. In essence for shareholders of Suzuki to get any form of return and dividends, the American charter needed to go. At least with the plan approved by court in March 2012 shareholders had the chance to recoup some of their losses (Aliber and Click 1993). With this plan in place, majority shareholders went ahead to approve the decision. Given the time available the shareholders could not consult each other on any other alternatives. Moreover even if the shareholders were granted enough time, the costs of obtaining the information could be deemed prohibitive. It is however to be acknowledge that the shareholders got information which had been thoroughly researched by experts hired by the company. Based on the confidence of the executives and advice of the experts, shareholders played a major role in ensuring that the decision to pull out of the American market was positively accepted by various stakeholders.
Factors that led to the decision
It cannot be said that the pulling of Suzuki from the American market was completely unexpected. For many, it was the only alternative remaining for the large multi-national company. However to completely understand this major decision, it is important to understand the factors that led to it.
Product quality
Suzuki was a renowned manufacturer of small cars for families. Unfortunately with consumers, Suzuki never reached the expected quality of automobiles. It seems that the company was always one step behind when it came to innovative products. The cars did not appeal to the consumers and came with a variety of problems: one of which was excessive fuel consumption and lack of spare parts. In 2002 in an attempt to redeem its failing lines of automobiles, Suzuki bought Daewoo. Many consumers thought and imagined that this was the breath of fresh air they needed and had requested from the company. In the following year, automobile lines from the new company accounted for majority of the sales. Unfortunately, it took a short while for the quality of the new vehicles to come into question gain.
Along with the quality of the cars, reliability was also under par. Majority of the dealers felt that the vehicles were far from reliable. When new Suzuki brands were unveiled, they promised much but delivered very little. For example on the concept of fuel saving, the Suzuki Verona and Forenza were touted as the best. However, a few months into the market consumers discovered that this was not exactly the truth. Further majority of the lines of vehicles required constant maintenance and care, extra costs and efforts which the consumers were not willing to endure. With the economic times taking a downturn, Suzuki became one of the most unwanted brands in the market.
Poor strategizing
The fall of Suzuki America comprised of a set of poorly structured strategies, whose mistakes compounded until there was no solution possible. Business analysts indicated that it anything; Suzuki was plagued by over-confident managers who felt that they would definitely turn around the business. The 2004 Daewoo purchase proved that Suzuki was taking the related diversification seriously. The expected outcome was a synergy between the small cars manufacture and production of the large vehicles which were in high demand in the American market. The research and development skills of Daewoo were employed in an attempt to bring fresh blood to Suzuki. Though it was successful in the short term, the unfortunate did happen where the main problems of Suzuki followed the new company. Quality, unreliability and poor branding all led to the failure of this strategy.
In 2009 Suzuki Koichi returned to leadership and elected a much higher risk strategy that is a low cost strategy. Suzuki expected to outbid its competitors by simply undercutting the process of the vehicles in the market. Suzuki focused all the energy and all the functions on driving the cost of production down and therefore the price of the end product even lower. New products manufactured during this era such as the sports sedan, focused more on cutting the price. Taylor (2010) Organizations that adopt this strategy can sell a product for less than most of their rivals and still maintain a profit line. However when credit and financing collapsed for the company, Suzuki was left vulnerable. Restructuring of finance patterns became impossible, profits margins decreased and new investments could not be financed. In the end, this strategy considered to be a last dying breath for the company became its undoing. Analysts felt that this strategy would have been successful three years earlier. As is the case for Suzuki, change came a little too late.
Collapse of partnerships
Thirty years ago, Suzuki entered the American market in partnership with General motors. The Suzuki Company was branded as the ideal manufacturer of small vehicles. However, the company needed to tap into the American market hence the partnership with general motors. Partnerships were directed at ensuring growth and maintained income during the difficult years for Suzuki. Of course each company had something to gain from the partnerships. The success of partnerships with GM led to research and of course signing of further partnership deals. The strategy was simple, the company sought out companies with products that appealed to the American market, financed the research and entered into a delicate partnership. At first the results were positive, with majority at least 60% of the sales coming from such partnerships.
In the last decade of Suzuki America’s partnerships began collapsing. Constant reports by the media on the low quality Suzuki products in the market became the initiative for many partners to opt out. The fear that the poor publicity of Suzuki would rub off on other lines of products, caused many partners to withdraw partnerships. The final blow came from the dissolution of the GM partnership. With many partners pulling out and majority of the sales coming from such partnerships; it became obvious that Suzuki’s future was far from certain in America. Of course the company was flourishing in other markets such as India and Asia. The decision to focus on the flourishing markets and partnerships was easy.
Quantitative analysis
The global market environment is changing; more effort is being directed towards building stronger economies. With employment rates increasing and falling rates of interest, the American market is facing a revolution. Change is coming, and in a few years it is possible that the Suzuki Company will regain its footing and return to the fertile American grounds. For a large multi-national company it is perhaps quite difficult and in fact almost impossible to ignore the American market. Global multi-nationals facing imminent failure have been saved by the American market.
However, the company will have to restructure completely in order to regain the trust of the American population. Troubles of the past are likely to plague the re-entry. Consumers will of course be skeptical as to the quality of products currently re-entering the market. This is why it is completely vital for the company to provide evidence of changes in management and even production. Proof of reliability needs to be established to ensure success in the American market. The company cannot continue to rely on the success in Asian and Indian markets to convince American consumers. There is need for re-branding to appeal to the American market. Target research in what the American consumers need and require from their cars is the first step towards ensuring future Suzuki does not fall into the trap for the former.
In the next decade, global automobile trends will have changed drastically. Plans for Suzuki to take advantage of such change are already underway. The company needs to invest more in research and development of new products. The old products may be successful in other markets; however, the American market has proved to be different in tastes and buying trends, (Perelman 1999). For Suzuki to re-enter the market successfully, there is need to find the untapped American auto mobile needs. Targeted research is vital rather than the normal haphazard research that the company has seemed to carry out. Planning for the future re-entry begins now rather than later.
Alternative strategies
Suzuki had another alternative which simply included a complete cost re-structure. Much of the losses occurred from increased costs of production and distribution. The ideal alternative included a complete focus on cutting overhead costs which also included reducing the number of dealerships drastically. This may have meant closing off operations completely in some states but this would have been beneficial.
After the closure of Suzuki there were several alternatives offered, among them being sale of portions of the Suzuki American charter. Rather than complete closure, the company could easily have sold off some the parts of company and maintain the profitable sections.
Recommendations
When a company finds that it has fallen out of favor with the target market, it is time to consider re-branding. For Suzuki this would have been the most ideal strategy. It may have included spending more resources in publicity and also research. This would have further ensured that the consumer market slowly turns around and begins to accept the new products. Re-branding of Suzuki would have included the various marketing strategies. However, it is important to note that re-branding of the company needed to start small and targeted. That is, the company needed to do some bit more research on what the American consumers are demanding that it is not offering, (Colpan et al 2010). In this case, the American public continually demanded better quality and the company continually disappointed, Suzuki therefore became known as an unreliable brand. For purpose of re-structuring, Suzuki may have needed to unveil a product which though pricey could completely be proven reliable. Such a product would definitely draw back the interest of the consumers.
Re-branding also requires serious price cutting measures. During the difficult economic times that befell the entire globe, consumers including the American population opted more for cheaper products. A cheap vehicle would have drawn the interest of even the most skeptical consumers. Once such consumers prove reliability, the market comes rushing for the quality product. Suzuki therefore reliably transforms the poor brand and slowly becomes a to go to brand.
References
Aliber, R. Z., & Click, R. W. (1993). Readings in international business: A decision approach. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.
Blais, S. (2012). Business analysis: Best practices for success. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.
Grasby, E., & Richard Ivey School of Business. (2000). Business decision making: Text and cases. Australia: Nelson, Thomsom Learning.
Kline, J. M. (2005). Ethics for international business: Decision making in a global political economy. London: Routledge.
Perelman, M. (1999). The natural instability of markets: Expectations, increasing returns, and the collapse of capitalism. New York: St. Martin’s Press.
Pol, L. G., & Thomas, R. K. (1997). Demography for business decision making. Westport, Conn: Quorum.
Taylor, L. (2010). Maynard’s revenge: The collapse of free market macroeconomics. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 3, 2023 | Essays |
“The Ballot or the Bullet” and American Creed
In his speech, Malcolm X spoke more about the equality of African Americans from all religions and social backgrounds, he began by emphasizing that he would not speak of anything that differentiates and divides the African Americans, but rather he would speak of that which would bring them together. Malcolm, through his speech showed the African Americans that in order to be influential voting would be as a bloc rather than through individuals. It is only through this system that they would influence the government. This is similar to the emphasis by the American creed on the “government of the people”. This statement has often been misquoted and misinterpreted for individual interests especially during political campaigns. However, when taken in the context of Malcolm’s speech, it is all about the influence that the people in their entity have on the government. A government supported and voted in by a majority of the African Americans cannot therefore ignore the issues and problems of the African Americans. Such government is forced to address their matters hence exercising the influence of the voting system.
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Williams states that, whereas the creed emphasizes equality of all Americans, Malcolm X was skeptical of such equality being brought forth by the government (23). In his speech he states that the government has encouraged oppression and segregation. Therefore, a complete overhaul of the system is needed if equality is to be experienced. He continues to state that despite the Supreme Court ruling against segregation and classification, the African Americans are still experiencing this system of oppression as propagated by the local governments and leaders. The American creed is a domestic pledge but for Malcolm x, African American segregation was beyond domestic it was an international issue.
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
King’s letter can be summarized in a simple sentence that injustice to one individual is injustice to all. This is the prominent theme of the letter he wrote to clergy men who were against the civil protests. To the American creed, emphasizes that it is one and inseparable. Therefore, the suffering of one citizen and in essence a whole race of citizens culminates in the suffering of all people. Injustice to one person or are should be fought with all the resources that the nation has and I should be fought in unity. This is in compliance with Luther’s letter to the clergy. However unlike Malcolm X, king was more skeptical of the influence that African Americans would ever have when it comes to the government. He states clearly, that “this wait has always meant never”. The American creed supports the justice of all its citizens. Each individual is treated equally with all the justice they deserve despite being from a particular race, gender or social class. However, Luther sees the creed as beautiful words on a piece f paper whose reality will never be experienced by his people especially if they do not hold protests against segregation and other inequality issues.
However, according to Rieder, in the conclusion, he seems to re-affirm himself stating that freedom will be achieved through with great difficulty (71). He concurs with the creed in that freedom is the goal of America as a nation and all its citizenry are entitled to such freedom which should not be violate at any cost. However, it is still important to note that this is not the core of the letter.
Port Huron Statement
The manifesto written by student activities emphasizes on true democratic rule with the absence of political protests. In a true democracy each individual has a right to heard and to fully participate in whichever form they deem pleasing to themselves. The government therefore becomes a collection of the dreams, desires and ideas of all people (Flacks 25). Through proper and true participation, change can be experienced and protests which have led to loss of lives and violence can be done away with. This is similar to the call for democracy in the American creed. According to the creed America is a united nation under the democratic rule where all people are treated equally and given real opportunities through participation.
The manifesto clams that participatory democracy has often been treated as an abstract. Whereas, America has been built on principles of full democracy, the voting system is yet to be effective. In this case, the manifesto suggests that the society cannot just rely on voting as a system of righting wrongs. It is important for the citizenry and in the case of the manifesto labor unions and peace movements to put forward candidates who will take up the course in the higher echelons of power. The America creed on the other hand, speaks and emphasizes ion true democracy as a reality rather than an abstract. By exercising their democratic right to vote and participate in nation building, the creed expects the nation will grow and prosper as one unit. Protecting the nation can only come from participatory democracy encouraged in the manifesto.
References
Flacks, Richard. Port Huron Statement. University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc, 2015..
Rieder, Jonathan. Gospel of Freedom: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail and the Struggle That Changed a Nation. , 2013.
Williams, Jakobi. From the Bullet to the Ballot: The Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party and Racial Coalition Politics in Chicago. , 2013.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 3, 2023 | Essays |
Red Cross’s development of consumer relations and marketing successes has been achieved primarily through several public relations tactics such as online word of mouth, media sources, internet, publicity, integrated marketing communication, awards and online word of mouth (Lattimore et al, p.280, 2004). Online word of mouth has succeeded primarily through Facebook and twitter. The Red Cross has used social mass media to create and nurture relationships with the publics, volunteers, community, and the media (Suen, 2002). Social media have facilitated efficient service, provided more coverage, and enabled sufficient feedback. Its usage has also exhibited dialogic doctrines, control mutuality and communality (Lattimore et al, p.280, 2004).
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Publicity-wise, the Red Cross has used the tactic to encourage volunteers and donations (Suen, 2002). It has several times assembled an advertising initiative that attested to be exceptionally effective through Posters (represented persuasive and widespread components of the campaign), Newspapers (countless newspapers and enterprises generously provided public service advertising funding), and Public speaking (Lattimore et al, p.280, 2004).
The Red Cross has also used special event fundraising to raise essential financial support for their endeavors (Suen, 2002). Public consciousness and involvement in their causes increased public visibility for the sponsoring of charity (Lattimore et al, p.280, 2004). Through that they got to provide active roles for volunteers, leadership development and training, cultivated new prospects and improved donor relations.
They have also used Integrity marketing communication through creating yearly integrated marketing campaigns (Suen, 2002).
The Red Cross has also used awards as a public tactic (Lattimore et al, p.280, 2004); it yearly recognizes volunteers at the Annual meeting and volunteer appreciation event. The ICRC which stands for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement alongside the (IFRC) International Federation of Red Cross ,has been the most honored society within the movement and one of the most commonly renowned organizations in the globally, having been awarded several Nobel Peace Prizes in 1963,1944 and 1917 respectively (Suen, 2002).
The hurricane Isaac and super storm Sandy hurt the Red Cross in terms of public relation tactics. As it is norm. The Americans sent millions of dollars to the Red Cross society, assured their money would assist in providing aid through the Red Cross. They were mistaken. The Red Cross absconded major elements of its mission after Isaac and sandy, leaving behind acrimony and a trail of unmet needs, according to an enquiry by ProPublica.
The charity’s faults were evident in private reports and personal emails, as well as first hand narrations from recent and past disaster relief experts. To add insult, Red Cross officers at state headquarters in Washington, D.C. added the charity’s incompetence to provide relief by averting assets for public relations usage, as one internal report relays. Distribution of relief provisions were politically driven, supervisors instructed lots of trucks to be driven around and emergency vehicles were taken away from assisting the people affected and allotted to serve as settings for media conferences, annoying disaster responders at the scene.
After the disaster, the red cross issues problems left victims in serious circumstances and vulnerable to harm. Handicapped victims been given proper cots and sex offenders were around the children all because the organization did not follow the right procedures.
According to relevant sources, the Red Cross lacked basic supplies issue to the affected in the days just after the disasters. In other instances when supplies were abundant, they wasted since it could not find the individuals who needed them (Suen, 2002).
News streaming through the social media, internet, media houses and word of mouth (Lattimore et al, p.280, 2004),showed that the topmost Red Cross officials were only concerned about the look of aid, not actually delivering it which is in every sense demoralizing.
References
Anastasia Suen (2002) The Red Cross. New York: Power Kids Press.
Dan Lattimore; Otis W Baskin; et al (2004) Public relations: the Profession and the Practice. Fourth edition page. 280. New York: McGraw-Hill,
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 1, 2023 | Essays |
The play, Antigone, is about the choices we make and their consequences. The play attempts to explain the suffering of the few who against the law for the benefit of the society. The play’s setting is an ancient Greek society but is still relevant in our society today. For instance, sometimes we are faced with conflicting situations and the consequence of either choice is severe thus we end up torn between what is morality right and what the law demands of us. The play encourages people to abide by rules that are realist and enhance their living condition, and fight oppressive rules just like Antigone did in the play.
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The major theme discussed in the play, Antigone, is the disobedience of state law for moral beliefs. The main characters, Antigone who is depicted as a brave, strong woman who stands up for what she believes in and is ready to do anything to fight undesirable laws put in place by those in power to oppress the disadvantaged and Creon who uses his power as the king to oppress and control his subjects by punishing those who break the law and does not consider the relevance of a particular rule to his subjects. Antigone and Creon find themselves always in conflict with each other as they both have strong but disputing beliefs and are ready to stick to them to the latter. Sophocle & Florence (14) confirms that the two disagree over the state laws in most part of the play. The theme is consistent with the plot of the play that is about the fight for justified rules that Antigone does throughout this play and the reaction she gets from authority for her brave move.
Sophocle & Florence (20), Antigone disobeys the laws put in place by King Creon. Creon beliefs the laws of the state ought to be obeyed to the latter and those who goes against it should be punished without any consideration whatsoever. Often, some laws are unreasonable, unrealistic and at times conflicts with moral values making it difficult for people to willingly abide by them just as Creon’s rules that were mainly of his benefit with no interest and respect for the people’s religious beliefs and customs. Disobedience of civil laws is seen when Antigone goes ahead to bury her brother against the King’s command who says that his body should be left for wild animals. However, Antigone feels that her brother deserves a decent honor which is a proper burial. Her action makes the king sentence her to death.
Antigone’s bravery motivates others like Creon’s son who disobeyed the rule by siding with Antigone and tries to kill his father after fruitlessly persuading him to change the rules and spare Antigone and just like Antigone committed suicide, dying for what they believed in. This persistent fight against the oppressive rule eventually made the King reverse the law revealing that those who died did not die for nothing as explicated by Kennedy & Diana (10).
Disobedience for civil laws in favor of what is morally right is a bold move that often results to severe consequences as in most cases the law is always more powerful than an individual and often manage to crack a person as explained by Kennedy & Diana (18). Just as Antigone’s choice led to her being sentenced to death which did not discourage her from the fight since she encourages the members of community to stand for what they believe in, in her speech before taking her own life. This theme is in line with the whole play that encourages people to make the right choices and be ready to face the consequences of their actions especially when against authority.
In conclusion, the play Antigone, talks about need to go against civil laws with the notion that most of the time those in authority may be carried away by their power and influence in the society making them come up with unrealistic, selfish and insensitive rules and need to be reminded of w. The lesson from this theme is that one should always be ready to defend their rights and believes because power can always take them away. Those who dedicate themselves to fighting for what is morally right ought to be ready to face the consequences of their action without fear even if it means dying for it just like Antigone and Creon’s son since their sacrifice do pay off just like in the play when the king eventually reverses his rule freeing the rest of the community.
Works Cited
Kennedy and Dana, Goia. Literature: An introduction to fiction, poetry drama and writing. (12th ed.). New York: Pearson, 2013. Print.
Sophocle, and Florence Dupont. Antigone. Paris: L’Arche, 2007. Print.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Jan 28, 2023 | Essays |
“After Parkland, MC Students Engage In National Gun Debate – @Montgomerycollege.” *Mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu *. N.p., 2018. Web. 20 June 2018.
This article is about the gun control debate that has been ongoing in the US for quite a long period. Various views are aired in the article and most of the discussion is for tight policies to be implemented on gun policies.
Assessment: this article will be used to illustrate how far the debate about gun control has gone. It will be used to a smaller extent to air different views of the student on the issue of gun control and their opinion about how it is linked to school shootings that have recently occurred.
Analysis: The article though brief but gives the actual view of the debate and also shows the degree at which majority of the people are for the amendment of the gun control act.
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Bidgood, Jess, et al. “The Names and Faces of the Florida School Shooting Victims.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 15 Feb. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/us/florida-school-victims.html.
This New York Times article provides an example of one of the recent school shootings that occurred in Florida in February 2018. The article has got photos and different stories that were reported about the victims. The article has been termed as emotional as it triggers emotions of the readers and one of the downfalls of the report is that it lacks rationale debate.
Assessment: This article is credible for my research as it provides an accurate information of the incidence and also tries to explain the background of the shooter and also try to get to the motive.
Analysis: I will rely on this article as part of the example in shooting examples and also to explain why the issue of school shooting continue even after necessary security measure have been put in place. This will also be important in analyzing what could be the motive of the shooters and try to establish a pattern that is common among them.
Bonanno, Caitlin M., and Richard L. Levenson. “School Shooters.” *SAGE Open* 4.1 (2014): 215824401452542. Web.
This article provides the after the fact findings on the investigation of the previous shooters as well as the supporting theories, for instance, the five-stage sequential model by Madfis.
Assessment: The article is significant for the research as it provides theories and many pieces of literature that would support the main research.
Analysis: The theory in the article would highlight the prevention strategies that should be employed together with the threat assessment of the shooting incidences. This article is essential as it does not only provide background information and theories but it also expounds on the other articles that touch on the school security procedures.
Campbell, Marilyn. “Fairfax Connection.” *Discussing School Shootings and Other Violence with Children*, 6 Mar. 2018, www.fairfaxconnection.com/news/2018/mar/06/discussing-school-shootings-and-other-violence-chi/ .
This article is about a discussion illustrate the impact of gun-related violence in school to the children.
Assessment: I will use this article to highlight the impact that the school shooting in school children and how the parents can overcome their post-traumatic period of their children, this will also be key to showing how an open dialogue would be important as parents would get to understand the real fear that their children are going through during the shooting.
Analysis: The article tries to go out of the way and not only focus on the impact that the school shooting has had to the children but also it goes further to speculate on the motive of the gunners which till to date there is no fact about it.
Eichenwald, Kurt. “The Bullet Initiative. (Cover Story).” *Newsweek Global*, vol. 165, no. 4, 24 July 2015, pp. 36-45. EBSCO*host*, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=108354471&site=ehost-live .
The article brings about a strong view against the current gun policy. Eichenwald elaborates the need of looking further past gun alone and start considering all the accessories like bullets that are used together with the gun. In this article, Eichenwald offers seven steps on the gun control policies that would reduce the shooting incidences in schools and other public places in the US. He goes further to use Supreme Court Cases as references to his points, therefore, this gives the article the credibility to be used in the research.
“Ban accessories that serve no purpose other than to transform guns into weapons of mass slaughter, as such attachable drums that carry 100 rounds. Adopt rules that make it harder for criminals and the mentally ill to obtain firearms. Outlaw the public display of weapons. Allow the concealed cry of guns using they shall issue standard. Stop trying to ban scary-looking adds-on that primarily protect the shooter, but don’t make the gun more dangerous to others. Forget attacks on the armour-piercing bullets.’ Abandon efforts to outlaw assault weapon’ a politically loaded phrase with a mishmash of meanings that pretty much amount to nothing.”
Analysis: This article reflects illustrate how the author has been through in his research. This is elaborated by the Supreme Court cases that Eichenwald refers to. In addition to this, the lots of statistics given in the article to support the anti-gun policy also proves it.
Assessment: This source proved to be extremely significant, it provides the viewpoint where responsibility is usually placed on a specific entity. The fact that the article gave out a stun position and also goes further and provide a solution to the problems. After having gone through several articles that majorly refer to Colorado shootings quite often, each of the articles have got a different perspective of the preventive measure that could have been employed to prevent the shooting incidence.
Fitzgerald, Jill. “Are We Safe?” *Achieving the Dream*, 7 Dec. 2016, mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu/insights/2016/12/07/are-we-safe/.
This link is about the safety measures that Montgomery college has taken to ensure it boosts its security which due to the increase in the school shooting within America causing deaths of over 150 both students and staff.
Analysis: This article will also be vital in highlighting the trends in the recent shootings, and also will be significant in airing out the significance of having collective responsibilities in fighting the school shooting vice amongst all the stakeholders with the aim of ensuring the safety in school and across all the satellites. The articles basically state the steps that the school has taken to ensure there is minimal causality in cases of a school shooting. This is through the guidance and training that the school has offered.
Assessment: The article is credible as it gives detail stats of the current mass shooting trends in America. The steps taken to beef up security is also another institution and it has been seconded by the security experts.
Greathouse, Tanya, and Joanne Belknap. “School Shooting | Crime.” *Encyclopedia Britannica*. N.p., 2018. Web. 21 June 2018.
This article focusses on the shooters, it tries to analyse them and try to identify the risk fa tors that faces the school shooters. The authors identify bullying and social rejection as the major causes of the vice and some even psychological problem.
Assessment: This article is important to the research as it provides more information on the risk factors, and it analyses the shooters based on gender, class and race hence gives more insights on the shooters.
Analysis: Besides other articles that try to speculate on the motive of the shooter. I will rely on this because it gives more fact and details on the shooter and therefore it’s the most credible source that supports the research in regards to finding out the motive of the shooter.
Newsom, Jennifer Siebel. “Kids Advocating for Gun Control, Florida School Shooting.” Time, Time, 22 Feb. 2018, time.com/5169473/gun-control-florida-school-shooting/.
The article reports on the initiative that the Florida children undertook in the wake of the most recent high school shooting. The author highlights the fact that the students demanded changes in the gun policies should act as a suggestion that those that oppose the amendments in the gun control policies are insensitive.
Assessment The credibility of this articles is based on the fact that it tries to bring the political solution in stopping the school shootings. It illustrates in the simplest way the reason why gun control act needs more legislation.
Analysis: the article majorly points towards the magnitude that mass shooting has to the victim family as it tries to elaborate on the feelings that the children had after the aftermath of the shooting.
Paradice, David. “An Analysis of Us School Shooting Data (1840-2015).” *Education*, vol. 138, no. 2, Winter2017, p. 135. EBSCO*host*, search.ebscohost.com.montgomerycollege.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=126936152&site=eds-live&scope=site .
This paper provides a descriptive analysis and construction of data that from the school shooting events in the United States. The analysis is from the shooting events of over three hundred and forty events in a span of 175 years of the United States education history. The data in the book clearly shows that the shooting incidence occurs mostly in the US high schools and the frequency at which the shooting incidence happens has been high in the last 50 years.
The fact author goes deeper and analyse credible data from the government and analyzing the data that is directly linked with the topic and with the fact that he uses evidence that can be easily verified makes the paper credible. I thought this source would be very essential in giving a statistical count of the incidences of a school shooting.
Riordan, Carol Ann. “Making School Safe.” *Techniques: Connecting Education & Careers*, vol. 89, no. 7, Oct. 2014, p. 26. EBSCO*host*, search.ebscohost.com.montgomerycollege.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=98641784&site=eds-live&scope=site .
This article deliberate on the increasing occurrence of the school shooting in the US. It shows the steps schools have to take to enhance security and ensure safety in school. It also focusses on the prevention measures and also highlights the violence program of the family as well as focusing on helping the student in cases of conflict by arming them with conflict resolution skills.
The article is credible because it gives facts about the statistics of the school shooting incidences in the US and the author reference experts on the issues of beefing up security and conflict resolution among school children.
The article discusses increasing incidences of the *school* *shooting* in the U.S. and the steps to be taken for ensuring safety at *schools*. Topics discussed include the STOP (Students’ Taking On Prevention) the Violence program of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), how to help students in mastering conflict resolution and intervention skills, and need of advocating for victims of violence and the projects like FCCLA’s “No Bullying at My *School*” and “Project Brave Heart.”
*School Safety*, edited by Noah Berlatsky, Greenhaven Press, 2016. Opposing Viewpoints.
*Opposing Viewpoints in Context*, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/EJ3010981212/OVIC?u=mass12242&xid=53daba8d.Accessed 12 Jan. 2017. Originally published as “The Newtown Tragedy: ComplexCauses Require Thoughtful Analysis and Responses,”
*www.heritage.org <www.heritage.org>*, 18 Jan. 2013.
Malcolm and Marshall acknowledge the fact that mass shooting has increased more so in school, as the one Sandy Hook Elementary. They, however, oppose the amendments of the gun control as they argue that they don’t see it as the best immediate solution.
Assessment: The article tries to give other views that the author considers more important than focusing on gun control amendments. They argue that there are other important things to consider instead of concentrating on the gun control amendment.
Analysis: The author, as much as they respect the proposed amendments on the gun control act. They offer a different path, unlike other authors. This article is extremely credible as it will provide more details without focusing on the gun control as the major issue to the school shooting.
Superville, Denisa R. and Evie Blad. “Another School in Anguish.” *Education Week*, vol. 37, no. 33, 30 May 2018, p. 10. EBSCO*host*, search.ebscohost.com.montgomerycollege.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=130092055&site=eds-live&scope=site .
This article touches on the aftermath of Santa Fe High school shooting incidence. The opinion of students on gun rights and parental supervision takes centre stage in the article. The author also evaluates the psychological impact that the shooting had on students. The article also touches on Florida shooting.
I find the article very resourceful, It will give me an overview of the relationship between the parents and the assailant and I will use the information to highlight why the assailants don’t vent on the family members when they have a problem.
The article is credible as it has information from the expert who tries to explain how poor parenting can be a trigger to violent incidence amongst the children and can lead to a school shooting.
Westfall, Sandra Sobieraj, et al. “Florida School Shooting HEARTBREAK and OUTRAGE.” *People*, vol. 89, no. 11, 05 Mar. 2018, p. 48. EBSCO*host*, search.ebscohost.com.montgomerycollege.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=128167210&site=eds-live&scope=site .
The article reports the high school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. It provides accounts of the shooting incidence in regards to the survivors, emergency personnel and parents while taking into considerations topics such as text communication during the shooting incidences, the reunion of parents with their children after the incidence and even the death of the family members.
The way my research is on the basis of discussing the reason why the shooters do not usually open up about their problems, This article is essential as it provides the background of the shooter which the school noticed way much earlier, the shooter was indiscipline and had earlier signs of violence when he was in school, the signs were shown through his homework, his drawings including one written in reference to the death of President Obama “Burned alive and eaten.”
I will use this source to elaborate how even with signs of violence the shooter did not open up or admit to having a problem and it was all overwritten in his face. This source is credible as it is backed up by the school data on records of the shooter.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Jan 27, 2023 | Essays |
*Introduction*
The strategy can be described as an action plan made by management specifically for running a business as well as conducting operations (Thompson et al 2014, p.6). According to Segal & Giacobbe (1994, p. 14), the current business environment is experiencing a circular leap of change, dynamic technology that rapidly keeps changing in addition to immense entries of new competitors. Due to this factors, firms are pushed to adapt to essential changes within the business environment which is more chaotic and radical in nature. For a business to survive today’s environment it has to continuously be able to renew its competitive advantage in the market (Mathews 2003, p. 9).
The UK grocery supermarket is dominated by a few firms which are Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury. The UK supermarket sector is oligopolistic and the strategy. According to a study by Katar world panel, it is the sales in the UK supermarket have been on the rise for the 25 consecutive periods and now its 2.1% high as compared to last year in 2017. The only decline that was recorded was in the year in June 2016 (Uk.kantar.com. 2018, p.1).
According to Economicsonline.co.uk. (2018, p.1) from 2011 to 2015 among the leading grocery retailers in the UK. Tesco had the largest share with 25% in 2011 which was a decrease of 6 percentage point to a 19% share of the grocery retail market by the year 2015. Economicsonline.co.uk. (2018, p.1) further states that previous to the reputation of the discounters, the retail market was dominated by the top four supermarkets which are Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury and Morrisons. It is, however, important to note that the consumer’s behaviour has shifted tremendously as a result of the economic recession as well as an increase in inflation.
Consumers in the United Kingdom are now more attracted to cheaper goods and discounts in the supermarket, this has brought a pricing war-making supermarkets to lower the prices of the goods and also record the highest volumes of sales on food due to the promotion and discount set by the competitors to gain an edge over each other (Seth & Randall 2011, p.12). Khan & Korac (2014,p.17) reiterated that this environment has resulted into an increase in volatility in the grocery market retail and as the consequence of this Aldi in 2017 surpassed Co-operative and emerged as the fifth largest supermarket in the United Kingdom according to Kantar World Panel ( Uk.kantar.com. 2018, p.1).
On the other hand, the supermarket industry in China has been on an annual growth rate of 5.6% and has now reached $196.4 million over the last five years (Kunzmann & Schmid 2009, p.31). The growth has been credited to the government program that established a strong bond with the consumers as well as a national rural retail network in February 2005, this program covers about 70% of all the villages in China in a span of five years. In addition to establishing a rural retail network, the government of China has developed good infrastructure together with the support of local government has played a key part in allowing the supermarket to expand more in the rural areas (Parker 2006, p.51).
However, when the online market Alibaba made a mark in the China market, the entire market players shifted their focus more on internet marketing and this also included the supermarkets. According to Ezrachi & Bernitz (2009, p.48), the stiff competition on the online platform has ensured that only supermarket with adaptable business pattern can survive.
The current situation in China is that supermarket are experiencing hardship due to the increase in stores closure as well as the decrease in the total sales revenue (Economicsonline.co.uk. 2018, p.1). The total sales revenue in 2013 for both the hypermarkets and supermarkets amounted to 473.4 billion RMB and 288.9 RMB respectively. For instance, Wu mart recorded a 12% increase in revenue in half 2015 to 11.7 billion RMB, while there was a drop in the net profit by 19% to 0.25 million RMB. According to Collins et al (2016,p.27), this situation was created by various factors among them being the slow pace of the economic growth, aggressive competition from online platforms as well as a feeble consumer sentiment. On the other hand, many unprofitable stores were forced to be closed to reduce the operation cost (Collins et al (2016,p.28). It is estimated that a total of 178 supermarkets were closed in 2014 and the majority of them being as a result of slim profit, high lease expires as well as poor management.
It is important also to note that one of the major hindrances to the growth of supermarkets in China is high labour cost (Ezrachi & Bernitz 2009, p.54). According to a survey conducted on the same, the labour cost in China amount to more than half of the total operating cost. Considering that the employees in China according to the studies usually bring less profit due to inefficiency, the precise labour expenditure figure as of 2013 accounted for 55.9% of the total cost.
*Qualities of a good supermarket*
· *Navigable Aisles: *the supermarket with more navigable aisles are usually more interesting and pleasant for the customers (Kriel 2015,p. 37). The best view of this is whereby the market isle allows adequate room for the shoppers to buy goods at the stall at the same time there is sufficient room for others to pass without any distraction.
· *Broad Selection of Goods: *in the exclusion of markets that deals with specific dedicated or one item (for example fish) supermarkets offer an incredible variety of commodities as well as variation of goods.it offers a vast collection of vegetables and fruits displayed, other vendors selling clothes others school supplies and other sell furniture. According to Mathews (2003, p.39), this variety is vital as it makes the supermarket be a one-stop shop as it provides the consumer with various options in one roof making giving the supermarket a competitive stature.
· *Multi-Level Vending: *When the supermarket is placed alongside other vendors that engage in a varying level of formalization. The vendors are often grouped alongside each other and this creates an incredible shopping experience for the shoppers giving those more options in regards to the price of good and variety of the products (Ezrachi & Bernitz 2009, p.47).
· *High standard of food safety*: This factor is paramount mostly when it comes to retaining customers. High food standard builds consumer confidence, increases demand for food products both perishable and non-perishable and hence increases the revenue of the business. According to research conducted in Australia 0n 14 million groceries on which supermarket they shop at 58.8% chose the one with the highest standard of food safety (Roy 2018, p.1).
· *Accessibility*: according to Haedicke (2008, p.60). Many consumers prefer the stores that are close to their home, to avoid long drive when they want to short. The closer the supermarket the more convenient the consumer will be and the frequency of going shopping would also increase. The research conducted by Roy (2018, p.1) affirms this as 55.5% of the responded picked close to the home as one of the factors that mattered to them most when selecting a supermarket for shopping
· *Prices:* Due to the slow economic growth rate and the inflation that has been experienced in recent time. The supermarket with the lowest prices attracts more customers. This has resulted in pricing war amongst the competitors in the industry. 52.3 % of the grocery shoppers chose low prices as a factor that mattered to them when opting for a supermarket for shopping (Roy 2018, p.1).
· *Convenient trading hours*: according to Haedicke (2008, p.60) the working hours for supermarket should be customer driven. Most of the supermarket operate 24 hours to ensure all their customers are served regardless of the time they come to the store.
· *Good inventory management: *According to Hitt (2017, p.104), this is a key quality as it plays a core role in ensuring the shelves don’t run out of stocks as it would inconvenient the customers. Good inventory management also contributes to the quality of products and services that are offered to the consumers, it promotes efficiency, minimizes waste of resources and it’s also a key in retaining the customers as everything would be available regardless of the quantity that they wish to purchase (Mathews 2003, p. 67).
*Waitrose Strategy*
According to O’Keeffe & Fearne (2002, p.9), Waitrose Supermarket was established in 1904 and owned by the John Lewis partnership. It runs over137 stores with most of the stores located in the southeast of the United Kingdom with approximately 27,000 staff. The stores are conveniently located and they range from small to medium size. In the year 2002, the turnover rate amounted to £2.17bn (+9.7%) and registered a pretax profit that amounted to £60.1 million.
Segal, & Giacobbe (1994, p.48)stated that the supermarket has employed a differentiation strategy by targeting the high social class with a high quality and unique products of their own. The business has specialized in the sales of fresh food, high-quality wine and delicatessen which are often bought from the special counter and in return giving the company a high-profit margin. Their main agenda is to provide the convenience of a supermarket together with a combined service of the specialist food shop. The typical Waitrose customer has always a description of being wealthy, loves travelling, enjoy fine meals and wine, is more interested in culture and listens to BBC.
With the increasing demand of readymade food, Waitrose has a variety of ready-made meal to the extent coming up with an agreement with Indian meal service provider to supply meal which is ready made to the customers to save the client time and effort (Ebsco 1900, p.15). With the company working so hard to ensure they deliver quality food products to the customers this was a way of building the brand as well as their motive which is to provide food to product customers at a reasonable price. To remain competitively and ensure it sustains its growth in the dynamic UK market Waitrose employs the following strategy:
*Bargaining power of the suppliers:*
This force is a representation of how suppliers can be inclined by major stores because of their power in the market and also the fear of losing out to a larger business like Tesco, (Grant & Birtwistle 2006, p.83). The UK based suppliers are also in threat by the fact that large retailers have got a capability of sourcing for products abroad at cheaper deal therefore to survive the UK market and act at the same level as the key players Waitrose have ensured that they have a good relationship with the supplier and their muscle in the market share has enabled them to be in a position of negotiating with the suppliers ensuring that they get a better deal than their rivals which is vital when it comes to pricing of their products (Hackney et al, 2006, p.63).
*Bargaining power of customers*
The power of the consumer is one of the core factors that enable a business to design and implement new methods and process for the purposes of maximizing their sales. Waitrose has taken note of the fact that price regulation and quality check are among the core features that their customers are usually attracted to.
Waitrose strategy in regard to the consumer buying power is to ensure they stock quality food materials for their clients According to Porter theory the more the goods are standardized the lower the swapping cost and therefore more power is generated to the buyers (Ezrachi & Bernitz 2009, p.71).
*Bargaining power of the competitors*
The grocery environment has led to the significant growth in the market share of large players due to the fact that they have greater size for storage, a better retailer concentration and the application of a wide range of formats which are now part of the major features of the sector (Ezrachi & Bernitz 2009, p.72).
According to Hackney et al (2006, p.63), The retail sector in the UK is at the optimum level, and the market is flat which is difficult to register growth as many businesses are now diversifying into nonfood areas as well as consumers are progressively demanding superior large chain as Tesco. Waitrose has recognized the key to have an edge over competitors is by analyzing the client data and get to know their patterns as well as their needs after which they will strive to meet the client’s need.
*Cost leadership strategy*
This is part of the vital strategy employed by Waitrose. Waitrose usually keeps its prices lower in the market with the aim of attracting more customers and enhancing their buying prowess by making them buy more. According to (Hackney et al, 2006, p.63) the strong relationship that the company has also build with the suppliers enable them to buy in bulk at a lower price making their pricing be more flexible and thus maintaining a low price with a reasonable profit margin. In addition to this Waitrose a special niche (middle-class) they have identified and they put more attention to the quality of the products just as their specific target demands.
*Differentiation strategy*
Waitrose has employed a differentiation strategy by ensuring their customers are entitled to the highest qualities of the product which is usually a bit expensive even though their customers are usually prepared to pay for it. The company has “high quality” to be their major agenda and their clients are usually happy because they have a feeling of paying for the best and that’s why Waitrose target a specific class of customers.
*Focus strategy*
This is intended for a specific segment of the market for the services as well as the products rather than the whole market or many markets. As a result of focus strategy Waitrose has introduced many small outlets at different places throughout the UK (Grant & Birtwistle 2006, p.83).
*Chinese Supermarket Strategy*
The Chinese market is different from the United Kingdom, however the same strategies employed by Waitrose can be replicated by the Chinese supermarket .first strategy that a Chinese supermarket can use is to identify a special niche (Kriel 2015,p. 19). The supermarket should target a middle-class citizen to enable them to design a proper marketing strategy that is customized for the customers. This strategy would ensure the supermarket open small to medium size store in the area populated by the middle class to make their product be easily accessible by their target customers.
Secondly, the supermarket should guarantee their clients the best quality product. Their strife to offer quality product should override the price. The quality should also be cascaded down from the products to the employees who are professional and efficient together with (Kunzmann & Schmid 2009, p.22).
The supermarket should also have a good business relationship with the suppliers. This will enable the business to negotiate further with the suppliers and getting a quality product at a cheaper price and this will enable them to offer their customer’s incentives like discounts as well as lower prices of goods. A good relationship with the supplier will also ensure their profit margin does not grow thin (Kunzmann & Schmid 2009, p.22).
One of the reasons why Waitrose have been in the industry for long and still stand competition is the fact that they often have enough stock, and proactive approach that ensures the stores does not run out of stock. The Chinese company should study their customers, know there buying the pattern and come up with an effective way of managing stocks. This will be a key to the customer’s retention as they will prove to be reliable and a one-stop market that meets all their customers need (Grant & Birtwistle 2006, p.81).
*Competitors Strategies*
The grocery industry in the UK has its major dominating competitors; apart from Waitrose, there are ASDA, Tesco, M&S, chains of Somerfield, as well as Sainsbury’s. These competing stores present great barriers for the new and beginners companies attempting to make an entry into the grocery market; all as a result of the economies of scale together with the cost of leadership.
*Suppliers Bargaining Power *
This particular force refers to the supplier’s powers which could substantially face influenced by the key grocery chains; together with the fears of eventually losing a business to the larger businesses. Moreover, the UK based suppliers also face the threat of the growing capabilities of the large retailers eventually sources their firm’s products in from abroad rated at deals which are cheaper. The great stores have the advantage to make negotiations with the suppliers to benefit from better prices in comparison to the smaller food chains. The competitive rivalry creates a force which reduces the profit margin range of the specific supermarket chains suppliers as well as stores.
*Threats of Substitutes*
According to Hitt (2017, p.8) the higher the number of products which are standardized and undifferentiated, the switching cost is lower, and therefore, the higher amount of power is yielded towards the consumers. Nevertheless meeting the consumers’ needs, ensuring lower prices, customizing service, bettering choices, making constant flows within the in-store promotions grows the ability of the large brands such as Tesco to grasp substantial control as well as retain the customer base (Hitt 2017, p.9).
*Bargaining Power of the Competitors*
The environment of the grocery industry has experienced substantial growth in its size as well as market dominance level for the greater players; in terms of store size, rise in retailer concentration, as well as the use in the vast format range that are currently prominent features of the sector in question (Hitt 2017, p.9). Therefore having a significant amount of the customer’s information the key competitors use the information in communicating with their consumers.
*Conclusion *
In conclusion, the market is nowadays extremely dynamic, that internet marketing has been incorporated into strategies to ensure the supermarkets remain competitive and a preferred place to shop. The current market is extremely concentrated, the new entrants might find it hard to compete with the big players because besides having the financial power, they also have done research and understand the market needs, therefore, they employ a perfect strategy that suits their customers.
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With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
