Ikea History, Ikea Company Profile, and Ikea Case Study

IKEA’s main competitive advantage derives from low costs, which in part are achieved due to standardized products (JUREVICIUS, Ovidijus, 2013). IKEA has been setting up many new stores in different countries all over the world. While most purchases are still done in the European market (59%), the Asian market has expanded quickly (currently 35%) (IKEA, 2014). This expanded market, caused by growing wealth in Asia, created the option to lower costs even more due to economies of scale. The ability to keep selling standardized products however is decreasing quickly with this expansion of the company. IKEA has experienced first-hand that cultures differ too much to keep the old system of ‘one-size-fits-all’

Several other companies also specialize in furniture that is discounted e.g. Walmart, Home Depot, Galiform et cetera. However, the inevitable allure of ready-to-assemble furniture aids IKEA in its growth in developing countries like China, Japan and Singapore. Global recession has also intensified IKEA’s competition as it can cause more expensive priced companies to have to reduce their prices. Such recession, however, can also decrease competition as it render’s the consumers’ spending power to lessen and thus they will not prioritize furniture as a needed expenditure.

Yet, the most important form of integration of Ikea is the backward integration in order to expand their businesses and increase profits. Indeed, the firm has purchased a forest to have better control over their supply chain. Owning this forest twill help them enhance the product quality in its core business and avoid pauses in the supply chain. In addition, it will help them overcome environmental issues.

Considering the previous mission statement with a unique customer vision IKEA is clearly antagonistic with specific customers’ needs. That lack of adjustment to customer needs is the main reason for not getting the same results in China than in Northern Europe.

There exist classical theories of international trade which discuss the reasons why particular industries and particular economies are more competitive than the rest. In his book The Competitive Advantage of Nations, Michael E Porter argued or analyzed the broad factors which determined the competitiveness of certain economies and industries. This model is based on four nation’s specific factors and two external variables. The four cornerstones of the diamond model are the factor conditions, the demand conditions, the related and supporting industries and

IKEA is known as the biggest furniture company in all over the world. The specialization of IKEA is

IKEA is considered to be a low cost, high quality producer in the furniture industry, therefore it is important to

In the article “The Competitive Advantage of Nations” Michael Porter describes a diamond shaped relationship of forces that define a country’s potential for being competitive in a specified industry. The four points on the diamond representing the different forces are: factor conditions; demand conditions; firm strategy, structure and rivalry; and related and supporting industries. According to Porter, the four points apply pressure to each other resulting in a national

In this business report on the global retail business IKEA, it will cover the nature of business, influences on operations, operation processes, operation strategies and how the business can sustain competitive advantage. IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad in Älmhult, Sweden. The business established after and with the money his father awarded him for succeeding in his studies, Kamprad sustained a cash inflow by selling pens, wallets, watches, picture frames, table runners, jewellery and nylon stockings at reduced prices to customers. Although, later on in 1958, IKEA was introduced as a leader of Swedish Furniture Company as they started to produce local furniture by the Swedish local manufacturers, which gained positive attention from their customers. Eventually, developing flat packs of furniture for storage and self assembly, making their signature style of IKEA and turning the small business into a global sensation.

IKEA is the largest furniture chain in the world, and in 2011 the Swedish company operated over 270 stores in 25 countries. In 2011 IKEA sales soared to over $35 billion, or over 20% of the global furniture market. Most of its stuffs believed IKEA will massive growth throughout the world in the coming decade because IKEA could provide what customer wanted: good design, and good made contemporary furniture with an affordable price. In one word, IKEA’s global approach focuses on simplicity, attention to detail, cost consciousness, and responsiveness in every aspect of its operations and behavior. (Jones, 2013)

the China market IKEA China has been allowed to exceed and expand its sourcing of

IKEA’s supply chain has a worldwide spread with both bargains and acquiring On the whole significant areas of the planet. The organization works 33 conveyance centres What 's more 11 client dissemination centres which supply products on IKEA retail-stores. The organization likewise has 30 exchanging administration work places in 25 nations and 1,084 suppliers over 53 nations (IKEA, 2013). Of the 139,000 workers in IKEA, 14,500 for them partake in energizes purchasing, distribution, wholesale, Also related ranges (IKEA, 2013).

At the outset, it may be useful to characterise IKEA in terms of the characteristics of demand (also known as the four Vs, see Slack et al. p 20). First, IKEA is clearly a high volume operation – as indeed most international retailers are – which lends to systematising operations but which implies capital intensive processes and therefore cost considerations will be crucial. Second, IKEA offers a large number of products (up to 14000 depending on the country/store) so there is high variety in the

IKEA’s strategy before the mishaps in America could be characterized as going against the norm charting their own path to success using low priced manufactures to secure lower selling prices aimed to target those who were of older age and of middle class standing. Their new strategy was to target those of a younger demographic, young married couples, college students, and 20-30 something singles. By reemphasizing design, promoting through hip quirky advertisements, and encouraging consumers to do away with their old furniture, IKEA revenues doubled in a four-year period. IKEA today has adapted somewhat of a local customization strategy where their store layouts will resemble that of many local household layouts as proven by their success in China where they failed to expand beforehand. They also keep their prices extremely low in some areas as China by sourcing a large percentage of products in the area of operation.

IKEA has adapted to the operations function of a business. This function is the main function of every company. This key function, of which IKEA has adapted to, is the business function responsible for managing the process of creation of goods and services. The operations function is responsible for organising, coordinating, planning, and controlling the resources that are required in the production of goods and services. IKEA has effectively implemented this function by understanding the needs of customers. In particular, this applies to those who have a lower income, and/or, limited space. IKEA’s employees within the product design and product development departments, focus directly on the price and quality, as well as the design and function of products. Elements of the design are typically agreed on within the factory itself, this is where manufacturers and designers work together, to create a product with regard to the greatest use of raw materials and manufacturing opportunities. IKEA’s operations have proved effective as in 2013 it earned $35.5 billion. IKEA has a large amount of suppliers, greater than 1300. IKEA purchases most of their