Abstract This paper considers the current situation at Gulf Distributors in terms of IS and IT and makes recommendations for improving the business processes. It includes an executive summary and SWOT analysis.
From the Paper "A successful family-run company "Gulf Distributors" is in a unique position to use technology to advance its already successful business strategy. The company deals with a variety of customers and ..."
Tags: Gulf Distributors, IS, IT, SWOT analysis, business strategies
Abstract MLM is a process of selling goods or services through distributors. MLM plans typically promise that a person who signs on as a distributor will receive commissions both for that person's own sales of the company's products and for the sales made by additional people recruited by that person to become distributors for the company. This paper proposes a research method to measure the job satifaction of the more than seven million persons in the United States who work as MLM distributors.
From the Paper "Simply surveying MLM distributors to ask them what they think of the MLM companies with which they are affiliated is not sufficient. What is required is an objective measurement of MLM distributor perceptions of MLM companies. The most effective approach to such a task is to frame the problem as a human resources management issue. As a human resources management issue, MLM distributor perceptions of the practices, procedures, and processes of MLM companies can be assessed objectively within the context of distributor job satisfaction. Low levels of job satisfaction have been established as the strongest indicator of a person's likelihood of terminating a relationship with an employing organization. With respect to MLM companies, distributors are not going to be dissatisfied and they are not going to terminate their relationships with the companies if they, indeed, are becoming a rich as Croesus or even if they are earning an annual income well above the national average. If distributors are dissatisfied by the MLM companies, however, this situation may be inferred to be an objective reflection of both the relative ineffectiveness of the MLM approach to product sales and distribution, as the ethical character of the practices, procedures, and processes of MLM companies. To confirm such a probability, it is first necessary to compare the perceptions of MLM distributors toward MLM companies with the perceptions of sales personnel in traditional marketing venues toward their marketing organizations. Further, it is necessary to examine in greater detail any underlying factors in the MLM environment that may offer additional insights into MLM distributor dissatisfaction."
Abstract This report and debate was written as an English project. It focuses on why, as consumers, we place the blame for cigarette smoking solely on the distributors. This paper is meant as a defense for the Tobacco Industry. If you feel it would be helpful to learn more statistical information on smoking as well as a comparison between the arguments, it is provided in this report. Links are also provided so that you may find additional information directly from the organizations.
Abstract This marketing plan relates to a fashion manufacturer and distributor. It identifies the over 50 market as a segment with great opportunity. It also outlines a marketing plan to reach this demographic cohort.
Tags: BUSINESS / MARKETING AND ADVERTISING, fashion marketing plan
Abstract The paper discusses the demand for sports marketing and how the educational system has introduced courses on sports management. The paper examines the products the companies are offering and looks at the competition within the sports marketing industry. The paper shows how sports marketing helps with the construction of sports facilities, the offering of sports scholarships for the talented children or the sponsorship of various social events.
Outline:
Introduction
Demand and Offer
Importance
Producers and distributors Sponsorship
Competition
Sport product
Constructions
Conclusions
From the Paper "The promotion of sports has probably never been more important than now, when we feel an intense need for a healthier live style. For-profit organizations have often used sports personalities and events to market their items, some of the most relevant examples in this sense being Nike or PepsiCo. Several campaigns were also indented to reintroduce the population to the pleasures and benefits of sports, sending as such a social message, rather than a simple promotion of their items. These features, alongside with a variety of changes affecting the social, economic, political and technological environments, have lead to the creation of sports marketing."
Abstract This paper examines the organizational and societal public relations of Toyota with their introduction of the first mass-produced hybrid automobiles. It discusses the initial challenges they faced with the entirely new technologies as the basis of their vehicles. The paper particularly focuses on the extensive logistical and collaborative challenges of launching an entirely new type of automobile through their dealer, distributor, supplier and services organizations.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Launching Hybrid Automobiles
Societal and Organizational Public Relations at Toyota Define A New Market
From the Paper "Societal implications of Toyota's strategy to launch hybrid automobiles and the extensive development of supply chains, patents, production processes specific to the new technology, and even the development of entirely new factories had to be balanced with societal concerns regarding hybrid vehicle safety and true contribution to the environment. Toyota had the explicit ethical requirement of treating the new product pre-announcement as a promise to be kept to suppliers, channel partners, dealers and most of all, loyal Toyota customers who had been anticipating and asking for a hybrid vehicle. As research has shown, the fulfillment of new product pre-announcements with more than was promised actually has much stronger financial returns that overcomitting and under-delivering (Walker, 1990). Toyota, from a societal standpoint, had to manage expectations very carefully to make sure that once the hybrid vehicles were launched they in fact delivered the MPG ratings promised, and also were capable of being serviced reliably throughout the company's thousands of dealer and service centers in the U.S. and Europe where the initial hybrids were launched."
Abstract The paper discusses how communication barriers between distributors and suppliers caused overstocking and under-stocking that made the apparel industry lose millions of dollars in business. The paper looks at how the apparel industry has utilized technology to integrate sales forecasts with the supply-chain and establish a quick response system. The paper concludes that while there is always room for improvement, the apparel industry is much better off than it was 25 years ago and it will continue to get better as the advances in technology continue on in the future.
From the Paper "Over the past 25 years, the apparel industry has become much more competitive than it ever had been in the past. This is because it has become so over saturated with businesses that companies must be able to streamline their production and get the lowest possible shipping costs in order to be able to give lower prices, which will lead to a higher profit if done properly. Advances in technology have made it highly possible for business to effectively streamline this facet of the industry because response times are so much quick than they ever had been before. Now, it is possible for production to begin on additional units of a product before the supply has fallen too far. This has also allowed for a smaller amount of apparels to be required in stock, which leads to fewer markdowns to be necessary."
This paper is a complete research project including an extensive literature review that analyzes demand-driven supply networks (DDSN) in an increasingly globalized marketplace.
Abstract This paper explains that demand-driven supply network (DDSN) is an IT strategy that uses a system of technologies and processes to sense demand and react to it in real time, across a network of linked customers, suppliers and employees. The author uses both a case analysis methodology and quantitative surveys. The paper states that the hypothesis of the study is that, because physical supply chains in a global economy operate at the speed of ocean-going ships, U.S. manufacturers should re-engineer their supply networks to remove bottlenecks from the system and match the speed of innovation that operates in a flat world by adopting appropriate demand-drive supply networking techniques. The paper includes many charts, figures and tables and the survey questionnaires.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Hypothesis
Rationale
Overview of the Study
Literature Review
Background and Overview
The Flat-Round Dichotomy
Supply Chain Tactics for a Round World
Different Approaches Used to Deliver Round-World Returns
Level One: Business Process Improvement
Level Two: Business Process Redesign
Demand-Driven Supply Networks
Four-Stage Maturity Model Helps to Plot Long-Term Track
DDSN Implementation
Sensing and Consolidating Demand
DDSN Methods
Alignment is Key
Existing Supply Chain Initiatives and Techniques that Contribute/Mirror Demand-Driven Supply Network Approaches
Efficient Consumer Response (ECR)
Time-Based Competition (TBC)
Product Development
Strategic Importance
Product Life-Cycle Times are Getting Shorter
Product Development Considerations
Cross-Functional Teams
Strategies for Cross-Functional Team Management
Concurrent Engineering
Japanese Paradox
Supply Network Strategy
Just in Time (JIT), Just in Time II (JIT II) and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
Case Vignette - Pure Vendor Managed Inventory in Action.
Agility in the Supply System, Agile Manufacturing, Strategically Flexible Production or Proximity Manufacturing
Case Vignette - Agile Manufacturing
Virtual Operations Strategy
Strategic Outsourcing
Case Vignette - Strategic Outsourcing
World-Class Manufacturing (WCM)
Lean Production and Lean Thinking
Strategic Postponement
Case Vignette - Strategic Postponement.
Logistics Strategy
Strategic Purchasing or Sourcing, Strategic Procurement, Network Sourcing, Materials Management
Case Vignette - Strategic Purchasing and Sourcing
LL Bean Replenishment Schedule
Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR)
Case Vignette - CPFR at Levi Strauss
Methodology
Data Analysis
Part I: Case Studies
Case Example No. 1: Rexam
Supply Chain Strategies
Case Example No 2. Dell Computer Corp
Dell Geographic Business Segments
Action Strategy
Supply Chain Control
Strategy Applications
Case Study No. 3: Wrangler Jeans
Action Strategy
Selecting Distributors Most Common Selection Criteria for Developing a Strategic Relationship
Evaluating Distributors Case Example. Owens & Minor Inc.
Action Strategy
Innovations in Supply-Chain Strategies
Case Examples. United Technologies Corp.
McAfee's Strategy
Results
Action Steps
Defining a Global Perspective
Product Design
Online Survey Results
Survey No. 1. Survey of Distributors Section One: Distributor Overview
Number of Employees
Annual sales revenues (MM$)
Supply Chain Management Techniques Used in Past
Supply Chain Management Techniques Now Using
Most Valuable Initiative in Streamlining Supply Chain
Key to Likert-Scaled Questions
Familiar with Demand-Driven Supply Network Techniques
Company Currently Uses Demand-Driven Supply Network Techniques
Section Three: Open-Ended Comments.
Survey No. 2. Survey of Manufacturers
Section One: Manufacturer Overview
Number of Employees
Annual sales revenues (MM$)
Past Initiative
Current Initiative
Most Valuable Initiative
Familiarity with Demand-Driven Supply Network Techniques
Company Currently Uses Demand-Driven Supply Network Techniques
Section Three: Open-Ended Comments.
Conclusion
Results
Discussion
Recommendations
Explore Technologies That Deliver Demand
From the Paper "Therefore, one of the most important elements in CPFR is the forging of proactive links between partners or allies at different stages of the supply pipeline. These need to be both strategic and tactical and require proper management as one of the resources of the organization. An excellent example of this in action is to be found in the approach that Levi Strauss and Company take with its main suppliers and customers. According to Lowson, since the mid-1980s, the firm has constantly been trying to establish closer working links in the supply in a coordinated pipeline with the aid of its 'Levilink'..."
Abstract This paper explains that one of the major challenges in any data-warehousing project is the proficient amalgamation of large volumes of information of data available for analysis, which must include the customer database, the supplier database and the distributor database, all well integrated into the data-warehousing project. The author points out that data warehousing is an expensive undertaking especially because the beer industry depends extensively on distributors and suppliers and must maintain data on their extensive logistic and distributing channels. The paper stresses that knowledge acquisition is the first step for gaining advantages in the market place; therefore, data warehousing should facilitate internal research to identify new ways of doing tasks within the organization and systematic problem solving efforts. Illustrations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Objective
Problem Statement
Hypothesis
Methodology
Sampling Procedures
Sources of Data
Literature Review of Data Warehousing
Discussion
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Interviews will also be conducted with an additional 50 companies to identify the applications, if any, of data warehousing and the impact that this concept has made on the organization as a whole. This interview will be based on a fixed set of questions. All of the questions will be discussed with every individual. Interviews, in addition to data collection relevant to the question asked, can also identify the non-verbal reactions to the questions asked. Non-verbal communication could be in the form of the comfort level that the interviewee displays, the hand and eye movements and the facial expressions that might be made. The success of data collection using the interview methods is also dependent on the skill and personality of the interviewer. An interviewer who is able to introduce a level of comfort and camaraderie in the interviewee may be able to get more realistic and correct answers. Questions used in the study can be open-ended, where the subject is free to answer the question and discuss relevant issues that might be relevant to the question."
This paper discusses the historical change in the structure of the classic Hollywood system and the production and distribution factors which have contributed to that change.
Abstract This paper explains that, at its height, Hollywood was a vertically integrated industry in which the major producers and distributors--the studios--also owned the movie theaters, which took in more than three-quarters of the gross receipts paid at the box office. The author points out that an antitrust suit broke up this monopoly; the consent decree, first accepted by Paramount in 1948, shook the movie industry and altered exhibition practices. The paper relates that, once distributors and exhibitors no longer shared a common financial interest, their relationship became more adversarial with the providers of films seeking to indemnify themselves against losses by imposing onerous conditions on the exhibitors or limiting the flow of product to such an extent that the theaters eventually used the films as loss leaders to ensure the profitable sales of concessions.
From the Paper "During the 30's and 40's, lack of competition in the leisure stakes afforded Hollywood a high degree of public consumption. Film-goers could immerse themselves in the fantasy and escapism offered to them on the screen. American movies, more so than any other developed nation, were seen the world over. Once a film had recouped its production and distribution costs in the United States, any income derived abroad was pure profit. The outbreak of war in Europe, however, forced Hollywood to look to its home market as its prime source of revenue. With luxury goods scarce, American dollars were spent going to the movies. As Balio points out, by having well-situated theatres, it was a boom-time for the major studios, who saw film rentals rise from $193 million in 1939 to $332 million at the end of the war. Despite attendance's in 1946 reaching a record ninety million, the security enjoyed by the majors was on the wane due to two important factors; one by association, the other, directly aimed at the film industry. The investigation into Hollywood as part of the House of Un-American Activities into Communist infiltration in 1947, had far-reaching effects within the industry. Directors, actors, technicians and, most commonly, screenwriters, found their careers ended by this association with Communist ideology."
This paper looks at increasing distributed order management and enterprise resource planning systems performance in the sports nutrition industry, including recommendations for Europa Sports Products.
Abstract In this paper, the writer first defines how distributed order management systems are progressing from being ERP centric and more customer-focused and demand-driven, and second, how these systems are making it possible for sports nutrition distributors to attain their selling, service and long-term growth objectives. The writer points out that for sports nutrition distributors in general and Europa Sports Products specifically, the need for synchronizing their 177 suppliers that provide just over 5,400 products, inventoried in 215,000 square feet of warehouse space spread across four geographic locations underscores the urgent need the company has for a reliable distributed order management system. The writer maintains that integrating with suppliers' Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, supply chain, order management, and forecasting systems is also critical to the success of Europa Sports Products. The business model of distribution is predicated on price, availability, accuracy of fulfillment and support programs for dealers and resellers. The growing importance of analytics as they relate to managing supply chains, order management, fulfillment and integration is also discussed. The paper includes charts and tables.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Summary of Research Findings
Recommendations to Europa Sports Products
Analysis of Distributed Order Management & ERP Systems Use Conclusions and Recommendations
References
Appendices
From the Paper "Through the research completed it is clear that order management, ERP and supply chain systems are becoming increasingly reliant on each other and increasingly critical as the foundation of distribution-centric business models. This is especially true for sports nutrition distributors, where the need for achieving high inventory turns on their most popular and profitable products are critical. Optimizing inventory mix, increasing inventory turns and having the most popular products in stock require intensively higher levels of supply chain integration, in addition to distributed order management systems performance. What became clear from the research completed was that manually attempting to coordinate and optimize inventory across multiple locations was difficult if not impossible, and that distributed order management systems, when integrated to suppliers' supply chain management systems, made the processes much more cost- and time-efficient, and accurate as well."
Abstract This paper examines the risks, concerns and plans for a merger of the electronics distributor Lester Electronics( LEI), an electronics distributor, moves toward merging with Shang-Wa, a capacitor manufacturer. The possibility of the merger failing is of concern because LEI has never managed a manufacturing facility and has never run an Asian workforce. After a situation analysis, an evaluation of the end-state vision and a detailed gap analysis, the paper this merger is a positive move for LEI and will prove to be a profitable venture. The paper includes the analysis tables.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Situation Analysis
Issue and Opportunity Identification
Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas
End-State Vision
Gap Analysis
Conclusion
Table 1: Issue and Opportunity Identification
Table 2: Stakeholder Perspectives
Table 3: End State Goals
From the Paper "Lester Electronics Inc. (LEI) is a world leader in capacitor manufacturing and distributing. The companies manufacturing plant is located in Korea and its distribution reaches the Americas, Europe, and Asia. With LEI being a household name, the company is responding to the increase in demand by more than doubling its production and opening a new plant. The new production facility will be located in the Middle East in an effort to increase its market share in that region. LEI is now setting its sights on Avral Electronics S.A. which is LEI's major competition in Europe."
Abstract This paper investigates the running of the Ben & Jerry's company. It begins by exploring the present environment. It gives an internal analysis of the company and it lists its manufacturing and marketing capabilities in detail. It concludes with a SWOT analysis of the business.
Table of Contents
Industry Analysis
Economic Environment
Social and Cultural Environment
Technological Environment
Political and Legal Environment.
Ecological/Natural Environment
Competitive Environment
Internal Analysis
Organizational Capabilities
Creative Abilities of Management
Reputation for Quality of Staff
Clarity of Strategic Goals
Experience in Planning
Corporate Culture
Manufacturing Capabilities
Operating Capacity
Facilities for Increasing Production
Marketing Capabilities
Strength of Marketing Function
Effectiveness of the Marketing Information System
Range and Quality of Marketing Information
Market - Market Position, Understanding of Market Trends and Target Customers
Product - Reputation for Quality and Reliability, Newness of Product, Originality of Product
Distribution - Value of Location, Size of Distribution Systems, Level of Control Over Distribution, Quality of Relations with Distributors Pricing - Accuracy of Costing Information, Appropriateness of Costing methods, Adequacy of Profit Margins
SWOT Analysis
Strengths of the Business
Strengths of the Product
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
From the Paper "Ben & Jerry's break their mission statement into three parts. The first is product, with the mission described as being "To make, distribute and sell the finest quality all natural ice cream and related products in a wide variety of innovative flavors made from Vermont dairy products" (Ben & Jerry's, Statement of Mission). The economic mission is "To operate the Company on a sound financial basis of profitable growth, increasing value for our shareholders, and creating career opportunities and financial rewards for our employees" (Ben & Jerry's, Statement of Mission). Finally, the social mission is "To operate the Company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in the structure of society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life of a broad community - local, national, and international" (Ben & Jerry's, Statement of Mission). This three part mission shows a clarity of strategic thought in that the various aspects important to the company have been taken into account."
Discusses the marketing plan for agricultural & construction machinery by Ben-Cov Distributors. Examines products, demographic & socioeconomic data, prices & terms, resources, distribution & promotion.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, 1987, $ 47.95
From the Paper " It is the purpose of this research to develop a marketing plan for the export of agricultural and construction equipment to Nigeria. The marketing plan is presented in six separate discussions, as follows: (1) product; (2) market; (3) export price and terms; (4) resource requirements; (5) channels of distribution; and (6) promotion.
The company to which this marketing plan is applicable is Ben-Cov Distributors. The company exports heavy equipment manufactured by others from the United States to foreign markets. Nigeria represents a new market for the company.
THE PRODUCT
Ben-Cov is an international distributor for Caterpillar Tractor products in the agricultural and construction equipment product group."
Abstract This paper analyzes the managerial model of Red Hat, Inc., the world's largest and most successful distributor of the open-source Linux operating system. The paper discusses issues such as the structure of Red Hat's management team (particularly its focus on global sales and marketing), the grass-roots approach adopted by Red Hat, a SWOT analysis of Red Hat's strengths and weaknesses, and the role of R&D in Red Hat's success. Red Hat's business model and its attempt to make a profit off of a free product is also examined.
From the Paper "With all of today's rapid advancements in technology, especially in computer-related products, one thing seems to remain constant. Ask any home or small-business computer user which operating system (OS) powers their PCs, and the answer is almost sure to be some version of Microsoft Windows. In fact, most PC users probably do not even know there is any alternative. Red Hat, Inc., of Raleigh, NC, is aiming to change all that. Red Hat is currently the largest distributor of the increasingly popular Linux operating system, a more user-friendly clone of the Unix platform, originally developed by programmer Linus Torvalds. Linux is based on the open-source software model, meaning that the code behind the software is available freely to the public and to programmers for constant alteration and rapid improvement. This model stands in stark contrast to the highly secret, proprietary monopoly created by Microsoft. Obviously, if Red Hat hopes to steal the market away from Microsoft and to make Linux a popular household name, its managers must develop a competitive strategy that will be effective enough to create nothing short of a revolution in the battle for the best operating system."
