Tag: Europe

Overall Business Strategy

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Porters five forces of competition

Under this model, porter mentioned threats of new entrants who may be interested in the same

business. New entrants affect market share, thus reduce profitability and increase costs of

marketing (Porter, 2008). New entrants also pose a threat since they may introduce a different

entry strategy that is inconsistent with existing firms. New entrants also may redesign, marketing

routs parallel to existing ones, and thus creating market related conflicts. Porters also looked

at the power of suppliers in the model as key drivers of business profitability, because they

influence supplies like raw materials and other services needed by firms, in order to produce.

Pricing of raw materials and other services is vital in determining the price of the finished

product. Suppliers determine the level of input thus affect production related overhead. Another

aspect of competition in the porters framework is the bargaining power of customers. Porter

insists that, customers can mount pressure on the firm to adjust its prices downward, particularly

in a price sensitive environment. This also involves buyers choice and preferences as well as the

purchasing power of such buyers. Threats of substitutes are also another factor that determines

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firms’ competitiveness according to porters theory. Under this, Porter was concerned with

possible product substitutes that can provide alternatives to customers in the event of price

variations. This reduces market attractiveness thus reduces firm’s profitability. At the center of

all these, Porters model also dwelt on competitive rivalry as one of the key aspects of the five

forces of competition. The number and capability of the competitors, determine the level of

market attractiveness that may affect market penetration and profitability of firms (Porter, 2008).

Application of Porter’s five forces of competition

This model applies to our company in many ways. We have to consider that as our company

seeks market expansion, there is likelihood of new entrants in the industry coming on board. In

the event they produce similar products at a lower cost, customers are likely to switch to these

alternatives, which is likely to affect our market share. We have also to consider that using

external website may reduce our direct physical contacts to our renowned customers as much as

it provides an avenue for new customers. On the other hand the bargaining power of these new

buyers may also affect our prices in the new market much as our production costs may reduced

through online marketing. The company also needs to consider the existence of rival firms that

may target our best customers by providing lower prices for similar products. This is because

our rivals will be able to monitor our strategies on our website are likely to employ counter

tactics to our strategies. The power of suppliers should come into the picture when developing

these strategies because expansion of the market may increase demand for raw materials thus

mounting pressure on suppliers to supply more. The power of these suppliers to bargain for

supplies also determines the pricing aspect in the both existing and new markets. Suppliers may

also be forced to seek alternative sources of raw as demand increases. These may come with

extra costs of obtaining these raw materials, which is likely to be passed to our firm. Expansion

may also come with the introduction of new suppliers. These suppliers may have different

strength and bargaining power. Our company will also require some time to build mutual trust

and good working relationships in the event of new suppliers. The cost of switching from one

supplier to another may adversely affect our firms profitability. This should therefore be put into

consideration, thus strategies should

Generic strategies applicable to Adventure Works

As our company embarks on the development of this strategic plan, in relation to its operational

changes, there is a need for new strategies. This can include adopting relevant generic strategies

developed by porter, in our scenario, adopting a focus strategy is key in our new direction. The

company needs to focus on our existing customers and other potential customers in Europe and

develop contacts with them. Focus strategy will enable us to concentrate on a narrow customer

segment with an attempt to achieve cost advantage. However, we need to employ a focus

strategy with an element of cost leadership given that the firm indents to utilize online

marketing; for this reason, there is need to monitor the implication of this online system on our

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distribution costs. Online business provides two important advantages that include reaching a

wide number of potential customers and reduces barriers that affect business (Rainer, Kelly, and

Cegielski. 2012). This strategy best fits our specialized business that revolves around bikes and

metals. This company needs to capitalize on existing customers needs with whom it has already

built good relationship and mutual. There is need to strength our regional sales teams as we

embark on our new plan. This can be done through mapping of customers in every region and

customization our website based on regions to suit the already existing systems. The focus

strategy will enable our company to concentrate on a market niche that we understand most. This

strategy is possible because of already specialized venture in bicycle and metals. Our company

will be able to capitalize on the existing customers based on our brand loyalty. In this case, as we

broaden our market scope, we have to consider our market niche that we are quite familiar with

before penetrating any new market. We also need to bring something new in the mix that will

enhance the attractiveness of our product to customers. When applying the focus strategy, the

aspect of cost leadership will not pose a major challenge because our company will rely on our

website as a key marketing tool when targeting bicycle buyers. Relatively, the company will be

able to reduce cost of distribution through the utilization of online marketing. Cost reduction will

also be realized across the value chain through engagement of specialized suppliers and market

agents across our company. Superfluous Activities in the value chain within the target segment

will also be eliminated through focus strategy. Cost leadership will also be necessary at this

point of time because broadening market entails penetrating other competitive environment,

however, we need to concentrate on existing customers as per contact our list, in this case our

company needs to understand market dynamics including the bargaining power of suppliers and

buyers before the aspect of cost leadership is prioritized. Much as other strategies like

differentiation may create brand loyalty in the market by reducing oversensitivity of customers

on prices, we have to consider that the company already has the best customers that it entails to

concentrate on during its expansion. The newly acquired Importadores Neptuno in Mexico,

provides a framework upon which networking and mapping of potential customers can easily

be achieved through our regional sales team. The focus strategy will be right for our company

to sustain and satisfy already existing customers, we shall also be able to clearly segment our

products in the new geographical regions in relation to renowned customer. Focus strategy is

built on the concept of serving a defined group of customer nitch exactly what our company

should look forward to achieve. Also to note is that focus strategy can help achieve

differentiation as well as the low cost advantage within a narrow market. The focus strategy will

also echo well with this company because of the understanding of customers unique needs and

market dynamics. This is because we have all along served our customers uniquely well,

according to the feedback we get from the hem.

Implementation Tactics

One of the most effective tactic we can use to achieve this is timing tactics. Douglas, John and

Essam (2012), p. 130 noted that moving earlier than competitors to introduce and sell new

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product or model makes an organization first mover while others will be early followers. While

we employ time tactics we must consider our resources, capabilities and competences. The

driving force in timing tactic is considering a market share as organization goal. OShaughnessy,

(1995), established that by using market share as a goal, a company either intends to protect its

market share or advance its market share. By use of a timing tactic, our firm will be able move

before competition, move with competition and move away from competition as provided by

OShaughnessy (1995) in his competitive timing direct matrix. Effectiveness of time strategy

will be determined by how we choose and prioritize our goals. Setting implementation goals

in terms of long term and short term will enable us to evaluate the progress and development

intervention approaches where necessary. This involves setting targets in relation to our current

position in the market and time of achieving these goals for evaluation purposes.

The competitive position tactic will also be key in the implementation of this strategic plan. We

need to position our initiative as market leader who will be followed by other competitors by

virtue of our customer base and their loyalty across our regional markets. More significant is

our level of technology that includes reaching our extensive markets through our website. The

competitive position tactic will make our competitors more of followers. Taking up competitive

approach will mean that, our company defends its position as market leaders within our

market scope through customer defensive tactics. It is good to understand that our expansion

majorly focuses on existing customers, thus losing even one of them will be detrimental to our

strategy. Douglas, et al.p. 134 noted that leaders are always vulnerable to attackers. In this

case, positioning ourselves as market leaders need the adoption of defensive tactics. Defensive

tactics entail to reduce the possibility of attack and reduce threat attacks to an acceptable

standard (Porter 1985b). One of the ways is protecting current market share through position

defense tactic by building fortification around our current position. By focusing our attention

on this strategic plan, our company will be able to position and maintain itself as leading firm in

manufacture and sole distributor of bicycles.

I will be glad to be part of the team that will oversee the smooth implementation of this strategic

plan when in place, and will always be available in case you need any of my input.

Great Investment Opportunities In Shipping Container Industry

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The present time is the recovery time for the shipping industry as the container manufacturers are slowly picking pace of manufacturing containers after the economic slump in the global market. The shipping container prices are still set to rise as the shortage of containers in the shipping industry is still not up to par with the supply of containers. There have been many reports where the ships have refused to ferry good because of absence of shipping containers or high price of the available shipping containers.

Singamas Container Holdings Ltd. is the worlds second largest manufacturer of shipping boxes and they have said that prices are set to increase by up to 9 percent by year-end. This rise in prices is a direct result of shipping service providers struggling to meet the demand of shipping containers in the global trade.

Teo Siong Seng, CEO, Singamas Container Holdings Ltd said that there might be a global shortage of as many as 4 million containers. This shortage of supply has led to a rise in the prices and the prices are on an upward slant which wont stabilize for some time to come. There is very high demand from Asian countries for the shipping containers and shipping operators often bring containers empty containers from Europe and USA which leads to additional costs.

The lack of containers in the market and their constant demand brings a golden opportunity for investors to invest in the shipping containers and fulfill the demand created in the industry. Pacific Tycoon is one company that can help investors by providing them with 12% return on investment through shipping container investments. Investors can earn 12% return on shipping investments in the containers through the company and the company will make all arrangements to lease the containers to the interested parties. Find out more by browsing through www.pacifictycoon.com

Male Fitness Modeling Working Out in the Industry

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Male Fitness Modeling Working Out in the Industry

Male modeling is becoming an increasingly competitive business as attitudes change and more and more men are looking to break into the industry. One of the most important niche fields of the male modeling industry that is gaining ground and that you can get into is the area of fitness models an area very different from male modeling in other areas.

When most people think about the male modeling industry, they think about high-end fashions, about clothing, and about women. In talking about male models, people usually think you mean skinny, slightly androgynous men who wear the latest fashions out of Europe, however for male fitness models, its an entirely different genre.

Male modeling agencies that specialize in fitness models are looking for an entirely different body type than the guys who walk the runway this slice of the modeling industry wants to see not just you, not just your handsome face, but your muscles.

Modeling jobs in the fitness modeling industry don’t always go to the guy who’s the buffest, or the one who has the best abs, but if you’re looking to get your start in the modeling industry, there are a few things that you need to understand. First, it’s important to realize that modeling gigs in this part of the industry are much more concerned about the body as a whole than their counterparts in the mainstream fashion modeling industry. This means that getting a tight, toned body with great abs and good muscle symmetry is key huge pecs and skinny arms won’t land you a job, and neither will a flat stomach that doesnt have defined abs. Your face is important too you can’t neglect it in favor of your body, but it isn’t the only thing that the photographer is going to care about. Male models in this industry are paid to show off their muscles often in shorts or underwear and they need to be a total body package.

If you’re looking to get a start in the fitness modeling industry, you need to think about what kind of company you want to work for, have what it takes and if you’re up for the challenge. Body building is a huge part of the fitness side of male modeling, and while you don’t need to be Mr. Universe, you will need to take the time to eat right and focus on your muscle development and definition.

If you’re up to the challenge, stop by BLEEP models and send us some shots of yourself and take the first step of your male modeling career.

Background Of Franchising Business

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Franchising is known to be among the available options that businessmen and entrepreneurs can use as business opportunities without having to go through the usual motions of having to brainstorm and hypothesize on studies that most business tycoons would initially make. Franchising can be seen today in local food chain stores like McDonald’s, Burger King and Subway. They are practically seen in all countries of the world.

Mixed Origins of Franchising
Franchising does not really have a clear trace of its background. There has been various information as to where the franchising business originated. These include countries like China, England, and Europe and of course the United States. It is even traced as far as the Middle Ages where the business opportunity issues back then was more on the lack of transportation for the goods to be transferred from one place to another. Other considered franchising as well as a means of establishing stands, vendors and a better means of being able to offer goods towards customers in other places within the coverage area.

Franchising at a Glance
Franchising is not a new term for defining business opportunities. It extends as far as home business opportunities for people who would want to be their own boss and hold their own business hours. Franchises would usually depend on the location to which franchisees would want them to be located, ideally in populated and commercialized areas for maximum exposure. Depending on the product or service to which the franchise caters, people can even do business from their own footsteps at home. This way the expenses to be incurred such as rent or warehouse allocation expense can be avoided, an expense that is certainly something tough on the budget allocation constraints of franchise owners.

Think Big but Start Small
A franchising business does not have to start big. Just like any ordinary business, it can start from the simplest and smallest business. Like most business endeavors, as long as they are managed properly, business can grow at an instant at any time. Franchises are not different from conceptualized businesses and the varying factor would be the people who would run it and how they would view such a business at a glance.

Placement and Scope of Target Market
Placement of franchise establishments, just like any other product that most people would be interested in today would have to analyze and survey the market class to which they would want to serve. It is not merely a place and operate venture. It requires gathering strategies and putting minds into action, the usual backbone towards success in business ventures.

There will always be issues concerning the target market and identifying what product or service to serve. This has always been the issue that makes businesses different from others and unless it is properly defined, a franchise or business will falter eventually if franchising business owners are not careful.