The client is an expert about himself or herself. Furthermore, it is of critical importance that the
1. When clients are referred to your organization, what process or procedure is followed to assess your client (such as psychological, social, medical, et cetera)?
Whirlpool is the world’s largest producer and marketer of small and large home appliances such as mixers, food processors, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc. Whirlpool also has a long standing relationship with Sears, which sells Whirlpool products under the brand name Kenmore. In addition to its North American presence (both manufacturing and sales), Whirlpool also has a strong presence in Mexico, and Europe. Being the largest producer in the world has helped Whirlpool to compete on lower costs through economies of scale and through its Global Procurement Organization (GPO). In addition, its large networks also help in
For the unit 6 assignment on case analysis, I will be conducting a case study on two clients.
The retail market for home décor is very competitive. There are a variety of stores and catalog retailers that offer similar merchandise. Major players in the industry include Bed, Bath & Beyond, Cost Plus, World Market, and Williams-Sonoma. Specialty sections of large department stores also provide competition. Opportunities in retail home décor include attracting viewers from television networks, specializing in home décor. Home & Garden (HGTV) and the Do it Yourself (DIY) network are two examples of networks that encourage interior home design by the novice. Retail home décor products are often featured on television networks which provide a way to market their merchandise to consumers. Threats to the industry include an increasing number of home décor retailers that provide competition. In addition, wholesale clubs contain home décor departments which have a tendency towards lower prices. The current energy crisis, sub-prime mortgage debacle, and increasing unemployment rates also pose a threat to the industry.
Sales situation : sales are slipping down from 10 Mio in 1973 to 8.4 Mio in 1975. Market for outboard boat and outboard motor has been declining by almost 40% from 1973 to 1975 (recession and raw material prices). 64% of the company product is Outboard boat. Inboard motor shows a rather steady sales in the past two years, but the average price per unit has increased and therefore in terms of value the inboard boat segment shows an increase trend.
4. Assess the relevant areas competence-and of missing knowledge, skills, experience, or expertise-in regard to the relevant aspects of the situation.
The most dominant problem addressed in the case that Haier is facing is that it lacks of brand popularity in the global market, comparing to its direct competitors such as Whirlpool, GE appliances, and Electrolux. Even though Haier made its effort to amplify its brand image and popularity globally by making a bid to acquire Maytag Corporation yet did not succeed, it is still difficult for Haier to enter the high-end segment of the US white goods market. According to statistics from Euromonitor, Haier’s 2013 market shares in consumer appliances segment in the North American and Western European markets were 0.9% and 0.5% respectively, which are significantly lower than Whirlpool’s, one of Haier’s major competitors in the U.S. and Europe,
The home improvement sector of the economy is large with two major players in the industry and with many smaller local and regional competitors. These two major competitors are Home Depot and Lowe’s. These two companies account for over $110 billion in total sales each year. Even though sales have gone down over the past few years due to the downturn in the economy they have not gone down nearly as much as home sales and this is due to more people deciding to do more home improvements to their own home then buying a new home. Both of these companies have been able to keep up sales and increase them year over year by improving current
Elder, A. A., Beasley, M., & Elder, R. J. (2014). Auditing and assurance services (15th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Whirlpool Corporation is the largest global manufacturer of home appliances (Innovation at the Pace of Life, 2016). Although, Whirlpool is globally the largest manufacturer, they do not dominate all markets as they do in North America. In North America, Whirlpool’s strength lies in a strong and vast brand portfolio, consisting of seven brands (Fettig, 2016). In 2006, the United States Department of Justice approved the acquisition of Maytag Corporation by Whirlpool (Henriques, 2006). The acquisition served a two-fold purpose, seating Whirlpool in the number one market share position in North America and adding strong brands such as Maytag, Jenn-Air, and Amana to the portfolio. A series of acquisitions is accelerating growth for Whirlpool and ensuring global market leadership. Whirlpool acquired Italian manufacturer,
Internet sales are growing rapidly within the industry, and amongst all retail, eventually they might start to see Amazon as a major competitor. Stores like Home Depot and Lowe's have interactive websites, with the ability purchase items not seen in stores, how to guides, project ideas, and quotes for specific jobs. Trends in the industry are moving to more green products, private label and exclusive brands, more interactive retail experience with new payment options. This would utilize modern technology to increase sales. Demand which has been driven by home remodeling and building doesn’t fluctuate too much, typically minor shifts within the economic cycles.
This case analysis explores the possibility of Breezy, a leading supplier of carburators and air filters in North America, the possibility of developing offshore busines in countries where car manufacturing is growing. The report is structured as follows: First, there are five important questions that Breezy must consider and ask itself before developing a relationship with a new customer. After Breezy decides to go offshore, it will have to go through the negotiating process, which involves five steps. Breezy then, must have capabilities of how an offshore business is organized, consider the many different costs and risks involved in the implementation and decide how it will finance the project. The report also talks
“Keystone Computers & Networks, Inc. (KCN) is a company that sells and installs computer workstations and networking software to business customers. The CPA firm of Adams, Barnes & Co. has audited the financial statements of KCN for the past three years. The case illustrates selective audit planning working papers that were prepared by the staff of Adams, Barnes & Co. for this year’s audit.” I will be listing the order in which I would perform this audit and I will decide if I should select the client and focus on the key audit objectives while applying the audit risk model.
The company’s business model and value proposition offered much needed convenience to the chaotic process yacht crews were forced to undertake when procuring the various parts and services necessary to operate vessels of this magnitude. Initially, NSY’s approach was solely an e-commerce solution, where crews could access the catalogues of hundreds of suppliers through the website’s one-stop-shop format. Shortly after launching the company’s website in mid-2001, sales reflected a need for change which led management to adopt a hybrid business model that incorporated a brick and mortar storefront into the mix.