Sample Essay on Strategies in Action

1. Introduction

Computer manufacturing companies like Dell, Toshiba, HP, and Apple, like all rational enterprises, have to remain competitive in the market. The companies have to develop new strategies that are sustainable and have implementation plans that are achievable. Computer companies have come up with inventive approaches that will see them set and achieve milestones; course correction and benchmarking activities that allow them to evaluate the efficiency of implementing the practical strategies and the company value creation. The various strategies for action are assessed according to the objectives set by the corporation (Betz 46). The set objectives are for the benefit of the company to grow in revenue and earnings and attain high dividends, high-profit margins and higher earnings per share that will improve company cash flow.

Such computer manufacturing companies are classified under various stages of implementing strategies in action. These phases consist of operational level, the functional level, division level, and corporation level. The companies also take into consideration the balanced scorecard, whereby the financial measures are compared to the non-financial measures and a balance is sought between the objectives of the shareholders and consumer and operational aims (Linzmayer 28).

The strategies deployed by the four computer companies consist of intensive strategies where the companies look at the market penetration plans, market development, and improved product development to meet the current technological demands (Betz 163). Computer manufacturers are in constant dedication of resources to develop market campaigns rather than sustainable strategies. This is because, with good markets, brand sustainability will automatically influence terms of product preference and product affordability. Making computers of high-speed, multifunction capacities, and high performance is the primary objective for computer companies; these will make the products preferable among customers with pricing advantages in mind.

2. Industry overview

The need for computing can be traced back to the 1880s, when there was need to tabulate the US population in the fastest and accurate manner. Several industries have come up to make new discoveries in the computing world by designing programs that meet the current needs in the world (Linzmayer, 146). The most outstanding computer company is Apple which was established on April 1^st 1979, by Steve Job, Ronald W., and Steve W. The business was integrated as Apple Computer in 1977, and was later renamed Apple Inc. in the year 2007 due to diverse production of consumer electronics (Hill & Gareth, 251). Dell, as a computer manufacturer, is a privately owned company which traces its origin back in 1984. Michael, who was doing business at PC’s limited and a student at the same time, founded Dell Computer Corporation. The corporation has ever since evolved to be one of the leading computer manufacturers worldwide (Dell & Catherine, 68).

Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) is a multinational business providing information technology that has the headquarters based in Palo Alto, California. The company provides computer software, hardware, and customer service for its products (Grieves, 261). The company has existed in the market but has been receiving stiff competition from other computer manufacturers such as Lenovo. HP is identified as the founder of Silicon Valley and has combined with some enterprises such as Yokogawa Electric to innovate high-quality products. Toshiba – a Japanese corporation – established in 1938. The merger of two companies, Tokyo Denki (1890) and Shibaura Seisaku-show, led to the establishment of Tokyo Shibaura Electric, which was officially named Toshiba in the year 1978. Toshiba Corporation has evolved over the years, and is among the top providers of information technology and communications systems and equipment. Over the years, several companies that deal in computer manufacturing have filled the market, hence bringing a lot of competition in the market (Malone, Bill & Dave, 174). Technological  development is improving on a daily basis, and the companies continue to improve the quality of the computers functionality.

3. Toshiba

The perspective of Toshiba Company is commitment to providing quality products that are necessary for social comfort. The company deals in various products, including digital products (Pc, tablets, Television, blue ray), home appliances (refrigerators, microwaves, air conditioners, lamps, batteries and vacuum cleaners), infrastructure systems (power system, IT solution, building and medical systems) and electronic devices and components (Malone, Bill & Dave, 129). The strategic action that the company has adopted in promoting its product concerns advocacy for environmental sustainability, prospects for human rights, and improving supply chain with high-tech products. The company is enhancing the quality, reliability, and efficiency of the products that address consumers’ demand with reasonable pricing.

4. Dell

Dell was recognized as the world’s leading PC producer worldwide in the year 2001. The company deals in various electronic products. The principle products include note pad computing devices, server equipment, printer and MP3 player apparatus, LCD and plasma TV products, and workstations and memory cards. The company’s market share has continued to grow, hence influencing the business revenue and net profit (Dell & Catherine, 362).  The company has maintained a stable profit margin and sustainable and efficient operation costs that rank the company top in the market. Despite the challenges that the business has encountered in growing the sale of the products, the company has developed strategies to improve its presence in the market. The company’s substantial leverage in stable supply chain management, direct sales, and reduced production costs while ensuring quality products has seen the company retain its position in the market. Dell products are cost efficient and offer customers value for their products by making new inventories (ibid, 462).

5. Hewlett-Packard

The company is committed to generating a better future for the society through action and innovations that improve people’s health, business, economics, and environmental sustainability. The company deals in the manufacture of laptops, tablets, desktops, monitors, HP accessories, printers, ink and toners and servers(Grieves, 169). The company has maintained a good supply chain for its products, with the products being available worldwide. The company’s growth depends on the ethical goals that are set aimed at providing customer satisfaction in terms of design and product performance. The company conducts a lot of research and development that meet the standards of the current economy and social demands. The company has attained a net revenue of $ 112,298 in the year 2013.

6. Apple

The company has maintained a good understanding of the customer’s requirements by producing creative and well-innovated products that are stylish and affordable (Plunkett, 164). The main products include Mac, iPod, iPad, iPhone, and iTunes, Notebooks, Xserve, and Desktops. Apple’s vision statement – that “Man is the creator of change in the world” – has influenced a winning operating model. Despite the effect of the external environment that has affected the performance of the business in the past, the company has struggled to maintain quality brands at an affordable.

The four companies produce products that serve a similar purpose; this makes it a difficult task for each firm to attract a significant market share. To capture the market, the companies invest in research and development to improve the products (Hill & Gareth, 352). Capturing the market through excellent supply chains determines the availability of each business’ goods and services. In conclusion, the four companies should commit to producing durable and high efficient products while considering environmental sustainability and consumer relations.

Works cited

Betz, Frederick. “Executive Strategy: Strategic Management and Information Technology.” New York: J. Wiley, 2001.

Dell, Michael, and Catherine Fredman. “Direct from Dell: Strategies That Revolutionized an Industry.” 2006.

Grieves, Jim. “Organizational Change: Themes & Issues.” New York: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print.

Hill, Charles, and Gareth R. Jones. “Strategic Management.” Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.

Linzmayer, Owen. “Apple Confidential 2.0: The Definitive History of the World’s Most Colorful Company.” San Francisco, Calif: No Starch Press, 2004. Print.

Malone, Michael, and Bill, Dave. “How Hewlett and Packard Built the World’s Greatest Company.” New York, N.Y: Portfolio, 2007. Print.

Plunkett, Jack. “Plunkett’s Telecommunications Industry Almanac.” Houston, Tex: Plunkett Research, 2008.