4 cases analysis about strategic managmnent Essay

4 cases analysis about strategic managmnent - Essay Example h at this point, it is more correct to say he started assembling his own PCs) and soon targeted large corporate accounts with his low-cost computers. He also started to be more aggressive in his marketing campaigns, putting out ads in computer trade publications in time with the first-ever sales and product catalog of his company. About a decade later, sales reached nearly US$3.5 billion annually and by 2001, reached the top rank in global market share in computer sales (also number one in the U.S.). However, this rapid growth soon reached a plateau due to a disorganized corporate structure from having a very rapid growth. It abandoned its retail outlet distribution system and went back to direct distribution which was its original business model responsible for its success. Its business model is anchored on an efficient supply-chain management and logistics system that delivers made-to-order PCs direct to consumers. It also deliberately waits for few months for any new computer technology (whether hardware or software) to become standardized for it to be able to leverage its core competence in fast assembly of PCs. This minimizes its risks to technological obsolescence in an industry that is characterized by very rapid changes. Main Strategic Issues – Dell, Inc. is faced with a changed business and economic environment in which its competitors were able to catch up or match its low-cost pricing. This put pressure on the companys finances as profit margins were squeezed. The reductions of its overhead expenses plus manufacturing efficiencies gave it virtual monopoly of low-cost PCs but not anymore. Further, its leverage in terms of purchasing power from its supplies had been somewhat dented with the slowdown in PC sales worldwide to just 5% annually compared to torrid growth rates in prior years. Lastly, the biggest challenge facing the company is the vast change in consumer behaviors. The trend is now for a potential buyer to go to a retail store to

American History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 5

American History - Essay Example Fernlund states that one of the conditions for becoming a world power was to have a large, standing army (161). The expansion and might of the United States’ sea power was exemplified in 1899, when the U.S was able to conquer the Spanish in the Philippines. The war with Spain was orchestrated by the fact that Spain was drawing closer to the United States frontier at California. The United States was, thus forced to fight off the Spaniards and in the process ended up acquiring the Philippines. The assertion of U.S rule on the Filipino led to American imperialism, a factor that further established the position of the U.S as a growing world power. The U.S became openly involved in world affairs. The most significant of this and which probably led to the United States becoming a world power was World War 1. Fernlund states that as a matter of foreign policy, the U.S had opted to remain neutral in the war (178). Nonetheless, when the Germans started a submarine warfare, sinking enemy and neutral vessels, the U.S joined the war on the Allied side. The victory of the Allies over the central powers and the role played by the U.S cemented the position of the latter as a world power. 1. 21-2. In his work, Mahan’s was concerned over the lack of sea power by the United States to defend herself in case of danger. Fernlund states that Mahan argued that incase of danger, the U.S could be forced to establish a blockade on her extensive sea-coast, a deed which needs a standing naval army (162). More sea power would, thus ensure that the United States stayed clear of harm’s way and that trade and commerce would not be affected by an external war. The work of Mahan led to increased military buildup in the U.S by the close of the century that saw the U.S defeat Spain in the Philippine war. It is the same sea power that enabled the U.S to participate in the First World War. 2. 21-4. Twain was a critic of the American annexation of the Philippines and his article led to the