Rock of Ages

industry covers services and platforms with a vast variety of focal markets. The portion of the

During the second half of our trading period we focussed massively on the private label market and found our niche there. We had realized that the minimum cost of the product wins the market share so we started experimenting with S/Q Ratings and percentage of superior materials to come up with the best product with the least cost price. Adding minimum profit margin to the cost price we were able to seize a massive chunk of the private label market. Attached are a few snapshot highlighting our success in that market.

Try to reduce overall production runs by aggregating different orders, thereby increasing batch size. Marketing strategy of delay in turnaround time is required to achieve this

David Jones’ gross profit margin for the past three years has remained stable with minimal fluctuations. The following calculated figures are for the year 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013; 39.73%, 39.10%, 37.50% and 37.8% respectively. Such an observation is desirable as it is indicative that the company is financially stable as it is generating enough income to cover its operating expenses and make savings. It suggests that the industry in which the company operates has not experienced drastic economic fluctuations that can affect the company’s cost of goods sold. However,

Therefore this industry is a pretty good one to already be in, but would be very tough to try and break into. Since established firms do not have to worry about threat of entrants or substitution, they can focus on making their core business practices cost efficient and profitable. Although firms have to deal with high buyer and supplier power, every firm has to deal with these issues. Therefore this leaves only rivalry to compete on, which forces firms to stay sharp, observe the competition, and provide excellent service to the firm’s customers to generate profit.

Although the company has been in business for over a hundred years it has encountered several challenges. One weakness is its image. As described earlier this image is not conducive to one to be associated with the kindler, softer side of humanity. Another threat or weakness is the continued outsourcing of manufacturing of parts and accessories into overseas markets and companies. Although, there is no set percentage

This study classifies the two granites under one unit named the Kilbride Granite, however, the research, which uses both radiometric dating and composition analysis, identifies them as two compositionally separate units with different ages. On the other hand, it is not wrong to say that the granites were related as they are the two latest forming members of the Eastern Red Hills complex. (Bell and Harris, 1986)

Discuss the strategic decisions that firms in this sector may be facing. What future strategies can firms pursue to try to secure their competitive advantage and long term survival?

5. Computer software developer: the matching industry is F. As a software developer, it focus on provide services. However, there will be few percentages in inventories like software CD-ROM. Hence, computer software developer would be C, D, F, H or L. Additional; Computer software developer focus on wholesale. Therefore, the inventory turnover ratio will be low, C, Hand L can be excluded. Because of the service type would be online; computer software developer will be low percentage of plant and equipment. So computer software developer must be F which has only 4% of balance. For instance, Microsoft is the biggest computer software developer. The current ratio in this industry is the highest which is 2.18. Moreover, net profit/ total assets is 0.181 which is greatest in the fourteen industries. Therefore computer software developer industry is the most profitability. The receivables collection period in this industry is 77 which is the fourth longest of the fourteen.

On the other hand, prices are the most insignificant buying criterion in High End, Performance and Size segments. No matter how high the prices are, customers in these segments are more preferable to high-tech product. In particular, for the High End and Size segments, ideal position occupies 43% and products’ ideal age is 29%. Furthermore, reliability is the most important consideration to customers in Performance segment. Hence, Niche Differentiation is a proper alternative for these three segments.

Butler found some important development opportunities for AD: (1) an increase in penetration rate of AD 's CBU among the affiliates by setting up an efficient IT system for purchasing, (2) external growth opportunities in France by integration of affiliates or acquisitions of independent wholesalers, (3) expansion opportunities in Europe provided by the fragmentation of the industry, (4) low competition on acquisitions because of the lack of players able to afford a dynamic build-up strategy, (5) strong growth potential of industrial supplies segment and (6) potential of development of fleet maintenance and agreements with insurance companies. These opportunities will result in an increase in gross margins through acquisition of independent wholesalers and integration of affiliated wholesalers. Furthermore, a reduction of operation costs can be the result, because of the IT system. With the existence of an efficient IT system, the margins can be improved or the prices can be cut and these effects are even stronger with consolidation / expanding in the European market. Besides these opportunities there is an opportunity for an e-business market. Butler stated this as ‘one edge over the competitors '. Thus by expanding the business (through e-business, acquisitions, integration) and making use of the new technology systems, AD could realize significant margin improvement. These high margin improvements are expected to increase from 32.3% in 1999 to

Although financial information is not available for all competitors, the top 3 competitors show a discrepancy in production efficiency. This would lead the analysis to support the existence of other significant factors influencing the value chain outside of production. These could be the cost of supplies, distribution and marketing.

Producers typically focussed on a portfolio of product shapes within a single segment to carve niches in a broad industry. This focus strategy protected capital investments in a capital intensive industry. The industry was capital intensive because (i) lumpy and expensive capacity additions, (ii) cost structure was significantly changed only

In terms of strengths, the company has the advantage of being the market leader, although

This Assignment will develop your skills in industry analysis. This must be done as individual work, so you must not discuss the case with anyone else before completing the Assignment. Please use the following questions to structure your answer: