Abstract This paper presents a case study that looks at various home appliances built in the United States during the year 2002. It looks for differences in efficiency and other resources and compares capabilities and competitions among other countries. The paper presents each factor and shows a possible solution for consumers as a guide to help save cost as well as follow federal guidelines.
Table of Contents:
Case Study
Appliance Resources
Appliance Capabilities
Appliance Competencies
Solutions
Discussion
From the Paper "It seems that appliances are used at enormous rates within homes in the United States. Yet, the energy needed to consume is higher when consumers use the appliances regularly. The appliances have changed drastically over the years to follow federal guidelines to save energy, be more efficient in terms of long lasting, comparison shopping at various stores as well as on-line, and consistent competition from manufacturers and retailers."
"For example, the manufacturer Philips, which may be considered as the leader in digital demonstrations and wireless connectivity, gave way to new visions: Connected Home. According to Philips new forefront, the Connected Home will address consumers to use more home appliances, broadband and future technological developments. In definition, "Connected Home is made up of a broadband connection to the outside world and two or more devices connected together and to the outside world via a wired or wireless home network" ("Philips")."
Tags: electrical, manufacturers, consumers, energy
Abstract The paper analyzes consumer behavior when buying major home appliances, focusing on the "Maytag" brand. The paper discusses how the decision-making process affects product pricing and product positioning in the market. The writer discusses how, because this is a need-driven rather than a purely want-driven product, and requires planning rather than impulse buying, demand will be less elastic in terms of price, and more dependant on other factors such as changes in life circumstances, such as home buying, marriage, or relocation from one area to another.
Table of Contents:
Customer Description at Industry Level
Describes which Variables are Relevant to Describe Segments
Explain why those Variables are the Relevant Ones
Segments are Defined
Needs and Wants are Identified
Is Decision High or Low Involvement?
Describe Decision Process
If Joint Decision, Describes Roles Consumers Play in the Decision
Demand Forecast
From the Paper "The fact that durable goods purchases are not yearly purchases, and are usually made by individuals who have made a commitment to saving for a home and who are older and more highly educated than the average consumer, means that customers are seeking a high level of quality, not simply just the cheapest good possible, which means that low pricing is not enough. Maytag's reputation is for quality of service as well as low pricing also confirms that a discount is not enough to create demand for an item."
Abstract This document discusses financial analysis techniques for managers. The two companies that this paper reviews are EMC Corporation and Network Appliance. This paper examines the working capital of each company, as are each company's internal functions and intermediaries used to control the auditing and oversight process. Finally, this paper discusses the importance of financial controls and the impact of Sarbanes-Oxley relative to each company.
From the Paper " EMC and Network Appliance: Working Capital EMC Working capital can be defined as current assets minus current liabilities and indicates whether a company maintains sufficient capital to fund growth and expansion or otherwise act on its strategies. In 2005 EMC was able to amass working capital in a way that the market had not allowed it to in years past. In the data storage industry, many companies, because of the increasing returns of the life of their products, the ability to amass working capital is characteristic of the industry. EMC, for 2005 exhibited the following working capital ratios: Current Ratio Current Ratio (in millions) 2004 Current assets 15422m / Current liabilities 2948 = Current ratio 5.2 (EMC, 2005) EMC lists its assets in the following manner: cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, inventories, deferred income taxes, and various amounts listed under other. "
Abstract This paper discusses the strategic options for the Home Appliance Corporation (HAC) which needs to reduce inventory and streamline its supply chain. The paper recommends that, in addition to its desire to implement a pull-type inventory system, it first needs to implement a just-in-time manufacturing environment that would remove all its excess inventories throughout its entire supply chain. The paper also recommends that HAC install an enterprise resource planning system that would integrate all its functional departments as well as its outside suppliers and contract manufacturers with it supply and inventory systems.
From the Paper "Home Appliances Corporation (HAC) is suffering from chronic growth pains that accompany every company as its transitions from a small to medium sized enterprise into a truly large multi-national corporation. While it could largely benefit from a series of improvements across all its functional departments, its two over-riding concerns regarding operation capital and excessive inventories could easily be handled through implementation of several different strategies. Its strategy to implement a pull system inventory is a good approach but it misses the underlying issue of excessive inventories."
Abstract The paper discusses an analysis of the consumer media relations strategy of the Whirlpool company. The paper relates that having strong media relations in our modern era is extremely important for the success of product based companies. The paper confirms that having good public relations ensures that the public consumer becomes well informed of Whirlpool appliances. The paper examines two strategies that could be used by Whirlpool appliances to generate publicity for their core products.
From the Paper "The first strategy that they should pursue is an open house media event. Open house events serve the purpose of exhibiting the products that Whirlpool Appliances are currently selling, it allows consumers to experiment with Whirlpool appliances and see the full range of product offerings. There are several reasons that this strategy is effective, it lures in customers who are originally interested in purchasing such merchandise with a free demonstration. In this way, they are exposed to our product offering in a non-pressure environment so that they understand the overall capabilities of our products. From a media relations perspective, an open house allows Whirlpool to generate free publicity through newspaper, media, and television channels. It in effect gives Whirlpool the ability to reconnect with media relationships and gain publicity for their entire organization. In order to execute on this event several steps needs to be articulated. An open house needs to first and foremost allow the media and the public to experiment and see showcased products from Whirlpool. To generate the most effective PR for such an event, Whirlpool should perform open houses when they are launching new products or showcasing a new line of updated products. Their goal is to gain as much public interest as possible, thus targeting consumers through a myriad of promotions is the best way. Media PR will only be positive if there are extensive products to review as well as a large public audience. Therefore it is the job of PR department for Whirlpool to gain a large audience at their open house. This strategy is very effective because it targets two public relations outlets at once. It focuses on customers who are interested in the product line and showcases new products, while at the same time reaching media outlets who will be able to grant free publicity to the organization as a whole."
Abstract Discusses the issue of segmentation of major household appliances (white market). Defines the market segmentation process and various factors including population, demographics, preference segments, education attainment, income distribution, psychographic characteristics. Approaches to segmentation in the EU. Dividing customers into subsets. Provides comparative data for each European community member State. Four charts.
From the Paper "SEGMENTATION OF THE WHITE GOODS MARKET IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: CONSIDERATIONS AND ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS
Introduction
This research considers the issue of the segmentation of the white goods market in the European Union. The term "white goods", for purposes of this research, includes all major household appliances. The definition of the European Union includes the 15 member states as of June 2001, which are as follows: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom ("The ABC of the European Union," 2001).
Market Segmentation
Market segmentation is the procedure by which a marketing or ..."
Abstract This paper reviews the criteria a business should use in deciding to hire their employees. The author suggests that employers should allow the use of personal information appliances for employee use.
Abstract This paper focuses on the growth on PDA market in the United States. The personal digital appliance has been gaining steady popularity since it was first introduced a decade ago. But the PDA has experienced rapid growth in the last three years as more manufacturers entered the field and offered this product at comparatively low prices.
This paper proposes a direct marketing campaign for the Maytag Corporation, marketing home appliances under household the brand names Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Hoover, and Jade.
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 33.95
Abstract This paper explains that, although Maytag is one of America's "Most Admired Companies," the company has been weathering some rough times, largely due to a fiercely competitive, mature market, and is now undergoing major restructuring. The author points out that Maytag may be losing an opportunity to build an ongoing relationship with its existing and prospective customers because, instead of using an umbrella direct marketing campaign to communicate the benefits of all the Maytag-owned brands, each brand is conducting its own campaigns. The paper relates the benefits of umbrella direct marketing; it (1) helps establish the link between its brands, (2) leverages Maytag long standing equity for the reliability and dependability of its products, (3) supports, not contradicts, the individual brands' positioning in conventional media, (4) procures a higher share of the customer wallet or home by cross-selling its various product offerings, and (5) entices customers into wanting to purchase products that "make their lives easier" before existing appliances wear out.
From the Paper "The Maytag Direct Marketing effort would naturally have to start with building and profiling a data base of its existing and prospective customers. While the latter could be done through buying ready data bases that match Maytag's customer profiles, a good starting point for the former may be Maytag Stores and other retail outlets. The Maytag Stores especially would be an ideal source since they act as an innovation showcase for the company; are independently owned and operated; and offer a "try before you buy" approach. The incentive for customers to opt-in for Maytag's mailings could be a monthly newsletter on "Making Life Easier at Home." Not only will such a newsletter be in line with Maytag's overall business strategy, it is likely to be of high interest to all home owners and makers since they are constantly on the look out for tips on how to create an efficient and pleasant home environment."
Abstract The process of industrialization in the home monumentally changed the quality of life for most people living in First World countries. For many, this was a slow transition, each generation slightly more advanced than the preceding one. For others, a rapid industrialization took place in the home with the dawn of electricity which later brought numerous electrical appliances. This paper shows that these new domestic technologies transformed the quality of life, as it was then known and greatly affected the efficiency of the work performed by a housewife. However, these technologies also brought with them many social implications. The paper shows that instead of reducing household labor, the new domestic technologies actually increase the complexity and time women spend on housework.
From the Paper "Many social implications arise when one questions the notion of female labor in the home. In a male-dominated society, most domestic technologies are invented by men. However, "technology itself does not determine outcomes; the impact is determined by society's use of it."1 For instance, labor saving devices such as a washing-machine are usually considered to reduce the time spent on laundry. Instead, standards of cleanliness have escalated which impacts the amount of labor to be spent doing laundry. In addition, women throughout history have realized their inequality with their male counterparts. An evaluation of eighteenth century literature exemplifies the dissatisfaction of women with their role in society."
Abstract This paper examines the future of software, including embedded processors with the power to network everything from cars to household appliances. The author of this paper examines immediate and projected developments for this type of software, looking in particular at ways to eliminate or reduce bugs. The paper focuses on smart source code analyzers for both sequential and distributed systems code.
From the Paper "Software will allow all sorts of devices, from cars to refrigerators, to exchange data and interact. We already have embedded processors in cars, linked by small "car-area" networks. But what if these processors begin to communicate over a broader network? The potential is very great, indeed. In remote areas, the embedded processors could warn the driver and suggest a route to the nearest gas station before the driver runs out of gas. We can also conceive of collision avoidance systems that are programmed to take control of a car when a collision appears to be imminent. The embedded processors in the cars that are about to collide can devise a strategy that avoids the collision, without risking a roll-over. If this prediction indeed comes true, the reliability of the car that you are driving in 2010 will depend on the dependability of the software in nearby cars. For example, your airbags might inflate if the software in a nearby car erroneously alerts your car that it is about to crash into it."
Abstract This paper looks at a case of an unconscionable purchase contract for an appliance in which the plaintiff is suing to be relieved of making further payments. Evidence is presented from two other cases in which contracts were found to be unconscionable because of unreasonable conditions in sales contracts which were deemed by the courts to be unconscionable and therefore unenforceable.
From the Paper "In the case of Homebody v Ace Appliance the plaintiffs are correct in claiming that their contract was unconscionable. In the case of William v Walker-Thomas Furniture Co the plaintiff purchased furniture from the defendant on credit .."
From the Paper "The Whirlpool Corporation was by 1995 the world's leading producer and marketer of major home appliances. The company boasts manufacturing plants in 12 countries and marketed products in over 120 companies under a variety of brand names, including Whirlpool, Kitchen-Aid, Roper, Estate, Bauknecht, Ignis, Laden, Inglis, Brastemp, Consul, and Semer. Whirlpool was the principal supplier to Sears. Whirlpool had started in 1988 on a strategy to globalize its home appliance business and to lead the transformation of the industry from a collection of national markets and national competitors to a global market with global competitors.
At the time, Whirlpool made an assessment of its own position and of the nature of the world market in order to see how and where it would fit into the overall mix. It was decided that..."
Abstract This report concerns Sun Microsystem's Jini technology and the strategy for its widespread adoption in the networking world. The report proposes a marketing plan and other necessary initiatives to make the technology a standard of networking. The report covers both the strategic initiatives taken thus far and the way forward and includes various diagrams and explanations.
Executive summary
Jini technology
Market Overview
Competition
Strategy for growth
Community Building
Industry Partnership for standardization
Branding Jini
Target Segment
From the Paper "Over the last quarter century, network technology has evolved immensely. Emerging network interaction has the capability to shatter existing performance ceilings. Participants in one network will directly access and use the services provided by participants in another network. Constructing networks that can adapt to the demands of dynamic computing environments requires an innovative architecture that can effectively and efficiently accommodate change and complexity. And at the same time, this technology must be easy to learn, use, and deploy. Remarkably elegant, yet unexpectedly simple, Jini network technology is designed to meet these requirements. "
Abstract This two-page paper presents a discussion about two companies and their products. The writer takes a look at EMC and Network Appliance, Inc and presents an overview of their product, their innovations and other information.
From the Paper Network Appliance, Inc. is a company that is engaged in the business of network attached data management and storage solutions. As the technological world continues to advance the ability to share and store data on a broad scale level becomes increasingly important and the Network Appliance Inc goal is to provide the means to handle the need.
?Network Appliance hardware, software, and service offerings are used to create, manage and scale seamless data fabrics, moving information to users globally. The Company's products consist of filer storage and caching appliances, data management and content delivery software, and support services. Network Appliance storage appliances, or filers, are systems that provide highly reliable data storage management (Network Appliance http://us.biz.yahoo.com/p/n/ntap.html).?
