Abstract The paper discusses the automotive industry in North America with an emphasis on the General Motors Corporation, which is the largest automotive manufacturer in the world. Particular attention is paid to market events that affect price elasticity, external factors produced by the industry, certain wage inequalities attributable to the unionized work force, and any economic and fiscal policies that can have a broad impact on the overall industry.
From the Paper "The automotive industry in North America is led by the big three of General Motors, Ford, and Daimler-Chrysler. While the import manufacturers play a significant role in the overall automotive industry the big three domestic manufacturers essentially define the industry. Yet, of the big three, General Motors, as the largest automotive manufacturer in the world and one of the largest companies in the world, acts as a bell-weather for the automotive industry. No matter how successful an automotive manufacturer is, the decline of the North American domestic automotive manufacturers is a significant industry and economic event and one not to be considered lightly even from a competitive perspective. Increasingly, General Motors is defining the automotive industry not by its success but by its poor performance and conceivable pending failure. General Motors Corporation (GM) is the world's largest automobile manufacturer with manufacturing operations in 32 countries.."
Abstract This research examines the overall viability of a strategic market expansion by General Motors Corporation into the Chinese market. The Chinese automotive market, as is the overall economy, is strong and considered a long-term growth market. The paper discusses how the Chinese automotive industry has been extant for some decades giving it the depth to manage and integrate further automotive products. The paper concludes, after it examines the broader political, economic, social, and technological environment, that GM would be well-served to continue with this strategy in the China automotive market.
From the Paper "This research examines the viability of further expansion in the Chinese market by General Motors Corporation (GM) spearheaded by a new and unique product designed specifically for the needs of that market. GM is the world's largest automobile manufacturer with manufacturing operations in 32 countries, operational presence in more than 190 countries, and a global market share in the automobile industry of approximately 14.7% (General). "
This paper analyzes the automotive industry in North America, led by the big three domestic manufacturers of General Motors, Ford and Daimler-Chrysler.
Abstract This paper explains that, if the big three domestic automotive manufacturers---General Motors, Ford and Daimler-Chrysler---wish to continue to be considered the dominant automotive brands in North America, they need to significantly reduce operating expenses related to employee benefits, costs, legacy expenses and related cost premiums. The author points out that they must re-brand themselves as environmentally conscious automotive manufacturers with fuel efficient products, such as hybrid powered vehicles similar to those developed by the Japanese manufacturers. The paper states that, unless the domestic automotive manufacturers undertake these actions, they will face bankruptcy, shattered union and supplier relationships and loss of domestic market share. The paper includes quotations.
Table of Content:
Industry Overview
Industry Competitors
Economic Dimensions
Technical Factors
Global Factors
Conclusion
From the Paper "Beyond various successes relating to individual vehicles, the big three automotive companies in North America are basically attempting to respond to the strategic success of their foreign competitors; primarily the Japanese big three: Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. While the German luxury brands, Mercedes and BMW are important competitors, they compete largely in the luxury car segment of the overall automotive industry and are not the volume threat that the Japanese companies are."
Abstract This paper looks at the influence societal needs and, in particular, environmental concerns have on the technology of the automotive industry. The paper divides the environmental concerns into two types, energy conservation and waste reduction, and then looks at some of the technology being applied to address these needs. Another societal need being met by the automotive industry is the need for sufficient safety mechanisms. The paper looks at how the different automotive companies are trying to address this need, as well.
From the Paper "While society and technology usually work in both directions, with technology influencing society and vice versa, it appears that in the case of the automotive industry, the needs of society are influencing technology far more than the other way around. In fact, until cars sprout wings and fly, it is likely that the greatest impact of automated land speed occurred more than a century ago, when the automobile first replaced the horse and buggy. The ability to go long distances in a short time in relative comfort certainly had a greater impact than do, for example, automobiles that can easily attain 150 mph; roads have not kept pace, nor has human ability to control 4,000 pounds of metal at those speeds, so it is generally illegal to drive those speeds, minimizing the impact of that particular technological advancement."
Abstract This paper examines how, worldwide, from the U.S. to China, automotive buyers are looking for luxury and ease in their automobiles and how those with high-end incomes, especially, prefer getting information and also shopping via the Internet. It attempts to determine if the Internet-user automotive market is sufficiently large and financially able to purchase additional automotive products/services over the Internet and also what sort of service or product might best fill a current market need or, alternatively, popularize a new technology area.
Outline
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Appendices
Introduction
Methodology
Results
Market Research
Literature Review
Discussion
Summary
References
Appendices
From the Paper "Chatterjee, Jauchius, Kaas, and Satpathy looked at branding, especially in automotive. They noted that Mercedes, in 2000, had the best conversion rate in the industry. That is, of those buyers who had narrowed brands down to two or three, 93 percent bought the Mercedes. In other words, Mercedes must attract only 107,000 prospects for every 100,000 cars sold. In contrast, of those who bought an Oldsmobile or a Mercury, more than 500,000 had to be persuaded to look at the car in order for 100,000 to buy it. Isuzu performed worst; it needed 1,300,000 prospects to sell 100,000 cars. The authors concluded that these inefficiencies reside in the marketing budget with up to 90 percent devoted to mass advertising, or the first stage in a purchase process."
Abstract This report analyzes and recommends which knowledge management processes those auto manufacturers who are attaining best practices levels of performance are relying on. Critical to this analysis is examining how Japanese auto manufacturers specifically are structuring their production systems to encompass suppliers much earlier in the sourcing, quality, and procurement process than American or European auto manufacturers. The extension of knowledge management frameworks, both highly structured with taxonomies specifically aligned to quality management strategies, and loosely coupled to promote high levels of collaboration, trust and reciprocity in the sharing of knowledge are also profiled in this paper. As Toyota Motor Corporation and their Toyota Production System exemplify best practices in the area of knowledge management within automotive manufacturing, their approach to using knowledge management as both a foundation for inter organizational learning and the development of learning systems globally serve as the foundation for this paper.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Automotive Industry Analysis
Current Use of Knowledge Management in Automotive Potential Future
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "For automotive manufacturers knowledge management has progressed to enabling a series of interorganizational processes that enable knowledge management to serve as the impetus of lasting competitive advantage and differentiation. Automotive manufacturers attaining best practices in both interorganizational collaboration and the creation of their own learning ecosystems, knowledge management plays a much more foundational and less of an archival or referenceable, role in their strategies. There admittedly needs to be a balance, yet top performing auto manufacturers including Toyota for example are able to use interorganizational knowledge management as the foundation for the growth and strengthening of key strategic initiatives. "
Abstract This paper explores how the economy affects the automotive industry. Specifically, the paper discusses the effects of shifts and price elasticity of supply and demand and wage inequality on the automotive industry. Additionally, the positive and negative externalities and monetary and fiscal policy aspects are addressed. The writer concludes that overall, understanding the impacts of wage inequality, monetary and fiscal policies, and the price elasticity of supply and demand can help determine the outcome of the automotive industry.
From the Paper "There are many characteristics of supply and demand that impact the automotive industry. The automotive industry is a competitive market which consists of a market where there are several buyers and several sellers and both have a minor impact on the market price. Consumers within the automotive industry determine the shifts in supply and demand. There are several variables that can shift the demand curve. The main variables are income, prices of related goods, and substitutes. The automotive industry is affected by buyers' incomes. For example, if an individual loses their job they would have less money to spend on a new vehicle. In the automotive market there are numerous amounts of substitutes. When the price of one vehicle increases the demand for a substitute will increase. The supply shifts are an additional factor which can impact the automotive industry. As new auto companies open there will be a change in the equilibrium and the shift in supply. The number of sellers would increase the number of vehicles available and the price would decrease."
Abstract This paper identifies how the automotive industry is affected by the economy, especially in light of the ever-increasing cost of oil. The paper reviews the relevant literature to determine the automotive industry price elasticity of supply and demand, the negative and positive externalities produced by the industry, how wage inequality is measured and its current presence in the industry and monetary and/or fiscal policies that serve to affect the automotive industry. The paper relates that during periods of economic downturns, American consumers will increasingly demand more fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles and will buy fewer new vehicles.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "As the average price of gasoline tops $4.00 a gallon across the country, it is little wonder that an increasing amount of attention has been paid to the automotive industry recently. Today, an increasing number of consumers are demanding that the industry become more responsive to the growing energy crisis facing the country and develop vehicles that are more fuel efficient and less costly to maintain. While the pundits continue to debate the respective efficacies of various alternative fuel approaches and the need for more domestic production, it is clear that these trends are going to continue for the foreseeable future and the cost of oil will just keep rising for the next decade or so - at least. In this environment, identifying how the automotive industry is affected by the economy assumes new relevance and importance and this topic forms the thesis of this study."
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at knowledge management, a relatively new business concept that is attracting the attention of informed and global-oriented companies because of its promise to introduce new elements of flexibility and efficiency in the entire business spectrum - from management, plant and production to front line activities. This paper attempts to answer many questions related to knowledge management, which a growing number of management scholars present as a newly discovered key to unlock the productive powers of all people in a company and to bind them in one neat package towards achieving organizational success.
This paper has chosen to focus on three examples of companies in the automotive industry, implementing knowledge management.
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
Acknowledgement
Chapter I - Introduction
Chapter II - Literature Review
I.1. Knowledge Management
II.1a. Knowledge as Business Asset
II.1b. Types of Knowledge
II.1c. Key Players in KM
II.1d. Transfer of Knowledge
II.1e. Holistic Approach
II.1f. Primacy of People
II.2. The Automotive Industry
II.2a. Technology and Innovation
II.2b. Control Systems
II.3. Product Development
II.3a. Development Stages
II.3b. New Imperatives
II.3c. KM Strategies
II.3d. KM Terms and Concepts
II.4. Conceptual Framework
II.5. Information and KM Concepts
Chapter III - Industry, Country & Company Review
III.1. Industry Trends
III.2. Country Perspectives
III.3. Company Reports
Chapter IV - Research Methodology
III.1. Observation and Direct Communication
III.2. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Chapter V - Results
Chapter VI - Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper "There are as many definitions of knowledge management as there are long-cherished ideas of how to run a business. If there is a common ground in the divergent perceptions of knowledge management, it is the generally accepted proposition that KM aims to transform knowledge into new levels of organizational capabilities and competences (Sanchez, R., 2006). The debate revolves around the question of how to implement it in the most effective manner. This study thus fixes its attention on the different KM strategies adopted by organizations, closing in on the international automotive industry because it is identified as among the sectors that especially needs and stand to derive enormous benefits from the new management technique. The focus shifts from there to the development process for new vehicles, where KM is said to be most helpful, and which calls for synthesizing all kinds of knowledge and specialization - the whole rationale for KM. As setting of the study, we pick out India for the simple reason that it now serves as manufacturing base for the internationalization efforts of many automotive companies."
Abstract This essay examines the concepts and theories of strategic management as they relate to the international automotive industry. Current literature suggests that case studies be applied to determine future goals for automotive marketing. On the financial side, a well-taken approach to strategic management would enable the company to evaluate the risks, costs and returns of any venture more effectively. The experts' advice is to search continuously for alternative methods and systems.
Introduction
The Global Car Industry
Strategic Management
Management Education
Case Analysis
Strategy Groups
Conclusion
From the Paper "The business environment is becoming harder to decipher and predict as market forces and customer buying patterns undergo dizzying changes and competition toughens in all industries. With this situation, the widely shared belief that a clever manager can improvise and take off-the-cuff actions as the problems and threats to profitability come along will no longer do. Planning ahead is now the name of the game. Even the so-called reality shows on TV made out as spontaneous events are in fact heavily scripted. Recent studies show that organizations that plan their operations perform better than those that do not (Joyce & Woods). Academic research seems to show enough evidence that strategic management is valuable in today's business context. Another unmistakable sign of its growing importance is the increasing use of strategic management courses in business schools. The question is: Does it work in actual practice?"
Abstract The paper explains that the automotive industry in Iran has grown in recent years to the extent that it is considered a serious auto manufacturer in the modern market. This paper details the complex aspects of the growth and development in this industry. The paper highlights how presently the authorities in Iran view the automotive industry as a primary strategic asset in the economy of the country. The paper illustrates, however, that quality, privatization and politics are factors which need to be explored as Iran attempts to become a major player on the international markets.
Contents:
Introduction
History and Overview
Manufacturers and Employment
Production
Markets
Conclusion
From the Paper "In summary it can be stated that the growth of the Iranian automotive industry began in earnest in the 1960's with the introduction into the country of foreign car manufacturers. The automotive industry in the county is growing rapidly each year and it has "...become one of Iran's key economic activities, after oil production." (Market overview : Iran) The importance of the industry is also evidenced by the fact that Iran invested an amount of US$ 1 billion in the countries automotive industry between 1998 and 2000. Today, the objective the general objective is to"... produce one million vehicle each year by 2005/2007 in order to promote the national automotive industry, to bring down the age of the national vehicle park and to develop exports" (Market overview : Iran) The Iranian automotive park is estimated at around 4.6 million vehicles, of which almost 40% are more than twenty years old. The car ownership rate is 55 vehicles for 1,000 people in a country with a population of 76 million. (Market overview: Iran)"
Abstract This paper begins by discussing the Canadian market with respect to its attractiveness for foreign multi-nationals. It particularly focuses on the reasons the major U.S. automotive manufacturers and specifically Ford Motor Company are attracted to the Canadian market. The paper is divided into two sections and the second part discusses the global automotive market with respect to industry trends and company specifics related to various competitors in the industry.
Table of Contents:
Ford and Its Global Initiatives
Overview
The Canadian Market
Conclusion
Conference Activity
Industry Overview
Industry Trends
Company Specifics
From the Paper "The Canadian economy and business environment, despite some complaints to the contrary, has been fairly robust over the last decade and a strong market for foreign competitors. Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) as a measure of purchasing power parity (PPP) is reported to be in excess of $1.1 trillion which is significant for a country with a population of only 33m individuals (Canada, 2007). These figures translate into a per capita income of more than $35k annually among a population that is educated, skilled, and open to foreign immigration. Thus, for U.S. automotive manufacturers like Ford, the Canadian market offers benefits in the form of comparative advantages regarding labor costs vis-a-vis its home market relative to the cost of labor as well as offering an expansive market in itself within which to sell and market its products."
Abstract This paper presents a comparative table of the key
indicators and goals that four automotive companies, Mazda, Honda, Chrysler and GM, have given themselves to communicate their sustainability performance. The paper discusses these companies' goals that include recognizing global climate change and energy sustainability, respecting human rights, giving back to the communities in which they have roots and bettering the world hunger pandemic. The paper also looks at the Ford company and shows how the automotive industry is headed in the right direction to make environmental and social changes around the globe. The paper concludes that it would be a good idea for these companies to come up with a strategy that allows them to work together globally for a better, cleaner environment.
From the Paper "Today the automotive industry is responsible for the great challenge of manufacturing and delivering automobiles to a growing number of people around the world. Because of our global concerns with the environment today, the automobile industry is faced with the daunting task of not only supplying automobiles to a growing population, but also manufacturing automobiles that will not have a negative environmental impact on our increasingly fragile world.
"Today, we need to pay attention to a company's environmental function, including the governance structure and design, and we need to test the effectiveness of the infrastructure. More needs to be done to strengthen environmental policies, which include waste-disposal auditing, documentation and reporting practices, emergency-response procedures and community-stewardship efforts."
Abstract This paper examines the way in which fierce competition in the automotive industry forces competitors to offer innovative and unique products and services if they want to survive. The writer examines the dilemma created for companies that want to take advantage of open competition, yet are apprehensive about the risks involved in such ventures during economic downturns. Suggested strategies for new competitors are also discussed in this paper.
From the Paper "It would be nearly impossible to deny that the automobile has become a necessity in modern society. Few Americans can imagine their lives without the convenience of automotive transportation, and even fewer would want to try. It is our great dependence on this form of transportation that makes the automotive market so competitive. It is the changing marketplace however, that fuels this competition, causing the opportunities available to fluctuate dramatically."
This research examines the global automotive industry and considers the policies which public decision makers in the United States might take with regard to the industry.
Abstract This paper presents an overview of the current automobile production market in the United States. It compares it to the situation at the beginning of last century and shows how production needs have changed in the global market. The paper discusses how the decision factors which American policy makers face, include the effects of the American monetary policy on the global automotive market, the effect of imports on the American economy, and the openness of foreign markets to American goods. In addition, it shows how public policy makers must also be concerned with the political ramifications of their actions and the political overtones of American participation in foreign trade.
From the Paper "It can be argued that the twentieth century witnessed the greatest expansion of international trade in history. Advances in telecommunications, transportation and finance have made it possible for American consumers to purchase Japanese cars manufactured in Mexico. This move toward globalization has taken place because companies are eager to explore markets beyond their borders. It has also taken place because of the infrastructure which has developed in financial markets which makes it possible to fund capital expansion in foreign countries."
