Abstract
Beginning with a history of the company, this piece goes on to discuss the various strategies the Caterpillar Corporation has taken in the United States and abroad. Presenting the information in case study format, it analyzes what they have done to succeed and various business mistakes which have occurred. The writer concludes that certain changes need to be made to maximize its dealer potential but that in the long term, it is a worthwhile investment as it continues to grow still.

Outline
1. Company History
2. Domestic Strategies
3. International Strategies
4. Nature of its Position
5. Caterpillar Divisions
6. Profitability
7. The Future
8. Investment in Caterpillar

From the Paper
"To succeed domestically, caterpillar has applied two business level strategies. One of these strategies is cost leadership strategy which refers to an amalgamated set of actions that are structured to deliver services and goods at the lowest cost possible in comparison to the rivals while maintaining value that appeals to the existing and the new customers. This means that the products must be standardized, with features that are acceptable to the consumers. This strategy has enabled the firm to cut costs as it maintains quality of service and satisfaction given to the customers. There are some costs saving actions that this strategy needs to be effective and Caterpillar has implemented these actions. These actions include the installation of effective scale facilities, tight control of the entire overhead cost, minimal sales costs, existence of efficient facilities for manufacturing, simplification of the process of production and the proper monitoring of outside costs (Potter, 1999). There are certain requirements that must suffice for the strategy to be used effectively. According to an acclaimed business author, Michael, E Potter, there must be the economies of purchasing meaning that the relative market share must be very high. Secondly, firm must have a favourable access to raw materials because if the access to raw materials is not that favourable, the cost leadership strategy my encounter some difficulties. Caterpillar has made structures and designs that can be easily manufactured and this has driven down the cost of operations."

Tags:caterpillar, management

Abstract
This paper is based on the Harvard Business School's assessment of the Caterpillar Tractor Company, and projects how the company will do in the future, provided it keeps up with the ever-changing EME market. The paper talks about the company's history, how the machinery market is changing, and how Caterpillar is suited to deal with these changes.

From the Paper
"The Caterpillar Tractor Company has a history of high sales and a focused market, and the future of the company depends on how it handles its changing market. The history of the Earth-Moving Equipment industry is filled with ups and downs; in 1979, the EME industry saw major downturn due to the end of the interstate highways program. In 1981, there were seven major contenders in the EME industry, along with lots of little companies. Caterpillar was one of the top-selling large companies in the EME market, and its success is due to, as the Harvard business review put it, "good luck, shrewd judgment and world history (7).""

Tags:caterpillar, eme, world market

Abstract
This case study considers to what extent the competitive position of Caterpillar against Komatsu is dependent on the dollar/yen exchange rate as well as how this affected the relatively competitive position of Caterpillar and Komatsu.

From the Paper
"To some extent, the competitive position of Caterpillar against Komatsu is dependent on the dollar-yen exchange rate. This was demonstrated when Caterpillar's sales and market share dropped dramatically in response to a rise in the value of the dollar relative to other world currencies. This had the effect of making U.S. exports of Caterpillar heavy equipment less attractive to potential buyers and made the sale of foreign made heavy equipment imported into the United States more attractive to U.S. buyers. However, other factors affect..."

Tags:Caterpillar case study, exchange rates, fluctation, government intervention, world bank, imf

Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of the competitive position of Caterpillar relative to Komatsu, which it cites as dependent upon the dollar/yen exchange rate. The paper further considers how the cost of purchasing a Komatsu product fell for American consumers. Obviously, a consumer's decision to buy either product is ultimately based on the yen - dollar exchange rate.

From the Paper
"The competitive position of Caterpillar relative to Komatsu is dependent upon the dollar/yen exchange rate insofar as a strong dollar in the 1980s drove up the cost of Caterpillar products in foreign markets; at the same time, the cost of purchasing a Komatsu product fell for American consumers ("caterpillar Inc." 359). Needless to say, when the dollar appreciated relative to the yen once more in the late 1990s, the inevitable result would have been that Komatsu products would have become very cheap..."

Tags:caterpillar, celestica, responses

Abstract
This short paper pertains to a case study on Caterpillar, Inc. and a series of 8 business questions asked about the company. The focus of the questions are on marketing, product line, corporate strengths and weaknesses, international opportunities, and U.S. labor problems. Heavy equipment is a mature industry in the U.S. but continues to grow in China and India.

From the Paper
"Caterpillar ("Cat") is a U.S. based international company which was originally founded in 1925. The company is focused on manufacturing construction and mining equipment, engines, and turbines. Their dealer network encompasses 200 countries (Cat, 2008). Additional service lines available through Cat include financing and logistical support. Cat's strengths include its reputation for quality products, its large and prosperous dealer network, and its technological competitive edge in product design and logistical services. The primary weakness appears to be the friction between management and the labor unions. As recently as this..."

Tags:caterpillar, logistics, manufacturing

Abstract
The paper relates that Caterpillar (Cat) is based in Peoria, Illinois and is the world's largest manufacturer of earth moving equipment (EME). The paper then reveals that between 1980 and 1981, Cat sales jumped from $8.6 billion to $9.2 billion in only this time span of a year. The paper discusses how to maintain its competitive edge Cat has had to implement certain strategies to ensure it would be successful currently and in the future.

From the Paper
"Caterpillar (Cat) is based in Peoria, Illinois and is the world's largest manufacturer of earth moving equipment (EME). Between 1980 and 1981, Cat sales jumped from $8.6 billion to $9.2 billion in only this time span of a year. To maintain its competitive edge Cat has had to implement certain strategies to ensure it would be successful currently and in the future."

Tags:caterpillar, harvard, business

Abstract
This paper describes the current situation of Caterpillar Inc. It then explains its outstanding results, and attributes the strength of the corporate performance to its export position, the strong overall world economy, and its 6 sigma QC program.

From the Paper
Caterpillar Inc is the worlds leading producer of heavy construction equipment and diesel engines and a major producer of electrical power generation equipment ..."

Tags:Caterpillar, 6 sigma, diesel, construction, road building

Abstract
The paper outlines the markets Caterpillar operates in as well as the competition it faces in each of these sectors. The paper discusses Caterpillar's operating challenges and then examines the steps the company has taken to address them. The paper considers four alternatives to guide Caterpillar's future strategy but offers the recommendation that the company should continue with their current course of action. The paper explains that overall, the company has consistently provided revenues and profits, and so there is no indication that a strategic shift at this point would be of any benefit.

From the Paper
"Heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar operates in several sectors, mainly those to which its core technologies are transferable. The company's primary businesses are machines, engines and work tools. They sell to a wide range of industries, but have particular focus on mining, forestry, construction, oil and gas, and marine. Caterpillar also operates some ancillary businesses such as logistics, finance, insurance and after sales service. They also contract out the manufacture and marketing of an apparel and footwear line. Machinery comprises 63% of revenues, with engines contributing 30.2% and financial services 6.7%. Financial services, at 23%, has by far the best net margin of the three major lines."

Tags:competition, competitors, profits, threats, opportunities

Abstract
This paper examines how Caterpillar Inc. claims that it follows a strict code of ethics within the company. The writer looks at different sections of the international codes of ethics, which are followed by Caterpillar, and questions whether the company really does implement these codes to the fullest.

From the Paper
"Caterpillar Inc., founded 75 years ago, has its headquarters located in Peoria, IL, and financial facilities in Chicago, IL. This Fortune 500 company, with reported revenues of $4.82 billion for the first-quarter of 2003 and profit of $129 million, is the world's leading company manufacturing construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines. The company has 50 U.S. facilities and 65 other locations around the globe ("Company Information," Online). According to Glen Barton, Chairman of the company, Caterpillar's reputation for integrity is a fundamental part of their heritage and one of the most valuable assets. Integrity that Barton is referring to includes the values the company cherishes, the high ethical standard they have, honesty in dealing with others, their commitment to deliver the promises made to employees, customers, shareholders, and others."

Tags:barton, equality, asset, value, employee

From the Paper
"Introduction
Caterpillar is one of the world's leading manufacturers of construction and earth moving equipment, with total estimated sales in 1994 in excess of $13 billion, and sales in 1993 of more than $11 billion.. The company has built its success on international marketing, and has entered into joint ventures in the former Soviet Union as well as in China, with the result that it has an international presence that should successfully carry it through the long-term. This research examines a particular area of Caterpillar's international strategy, that of marketing to the European Community.


Caterpillar's International Presence
The following chart illustrates international sales and growth (both in nominal values and adjusted for inflation) for the past four years. "