...Diversification Strategies: Best Buy vs. Circuit City BUS 508 Contemporary Business 25 April 2011 Diversification Strategies: Best Buy vs. Circuit City Diversify, diversify, and diversify! It’s something repetitively said to high-schoolers seeking pre-college extra-curricular memberships, employees seeking investment options, as well as businesses seeking to remain viable. But what is diversification? Diversification as it relates to business is defined as a “business development strategy allowing a company to current products, services, and markets” ("What is diversification?" 2011). This strategy enables a corporation several key benefits such as enhanced shareholder value, distribution of risks across several related or unrelated businesses, as well as the ability to offer lower prices than their competitors. Additionally, the company can benefit from entry into new markets. Although these are very great benefits, diversification requires very extensive research and market analysis in order to be successful. If not implemented correctly, the company could face brand confusion, loss of sales due to customer alienation, as well as lack of establishment of a loyal market following. Here we will explore both the diversification strategy and outcomes of consumer electronics retailers Best Buy and Circuit City. We will also explore possible decisions that led to the drastically different outcomes as well as alternative strategies that could have been employed in...
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...fortune 500 companies in our society is Best Buy. Best Buy is one of the largest consumer electronics retailer company in the United States and Canada. There are many products Best Buy distributes, such as; computers, computer equipment, video and audio products, refrigerators, coffeemakers, compact discs, video games, DVD and VHS movies and players, CD’s, computer software, cameras, cell phones, and satellite systems and so on. In addition, their customer service is very helpful and has improved throughout the years. The Geek Squad is one of their forms of customer service they provide and they offer various computer-related services and accessories for residential and commercial clients. Best Buy didn’t always have these products and services available. They are an industry that changes with the times. They supply products that are in high demand by the consumers. Best Buy was started in 1996 by Richard R. Schulze and his business partner James Wheeler. It was originally known as Sound of Music and the first store was located in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1983, the company’s name was changed to Best Buy and the first store named Best Buy was located in Burnsville, Minnesota. By 1984, there were only 8 Best Buy’s in the Midwest, but by 1987 the number tripled and their sales and earnings were at a high $239 million and $7.7 million respectively. And since they have money to spend, they increased their warehouse size and products. In 1985, Best Buy went public and then two years later...
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...BUSINESS ANALYTICS Business analytics (BA) is the practice of iterative, methodical exploration of an organization’s data with emphasis on statistical analysis. Business analytics is used by companies committed to data-driven decision making. BA is used to gain insights that inform business decisions and can be used to automate and optimize business processes. Data-driven companies treat their data as a corporate asset and leverage it for competitive advantage. Successful business analytics depends on data quality, skilled analysts who understand the technologies and the business and an organizational commitment to data-driven decision making. Examples of BA uses include: * Exploring data to find new patterns and relationships (data mining) * Explaining why a certain result occurred (statistical analysis, quantitative analysis) * Experimenting to test previous decisions (A/B testing, multivariate testing) * Forecasting future results (predictive modeling, predictive analytics) * FUNCTIONS OF A BUSINESS ANALYST At a high level, a Business Analyst acts as a liaison between business people who have business problems and technology people who know how to create automated solutions. A Business Analyst serves the mission-critical function of understanding specific business needs, determining and documenting accurate requirements from business units and presenting those requirements in a manner that is agreeable, measurable and flexible enough to meet project...
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...BEST BUY [pic] [pic] Making Life Fun & Easy! [pic] Tiago Alves Andrew Bornstein Mae Brana Grace Tan Meredith Walters Table of Contents Business Summary 2 Vision Statement & Corporate Values 2 Rankings 2 Market Share 3 Stock Chart – 5 Year Performance 3 Financial Highlights 4 History 5 Key Executives 6 Strategy 7 Customer Centricity 7 Value-added Services Business 9 Supply Chain and IT Systems 9 New Store Openings 10 Mergers & Acquisitions 10 Employees 11 Key Competitors 12 5-Year Performance vs Key Competitors 13 Appendix 14 Business Summary Best Buy is a specialty retailer of consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services in a superstore format. It operates retail stores and commercial Web sites in the U.S., Canada and China, under the brand names Best Buy (BestBuy.com and BestBuyCanada.ca), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Magnolia Audio Video (MagnoliaAV.com) and Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca). As of Feb 25 2006, Best Buy operated 742 Best Buy stores, 20 Magnolia Audio Video stores and 12 Geek Squad stores in the U.S.; and 118 Future Shop stores, 44 Best Buy stores and five Geek Squad stores in Canada. Best Buy operates two reportable segments: Domestic and International. The Domestic segment is comprised of all U.S. store and online operations, including Best Buy, Magnolia Audio Video and Geek Squad....
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...Ms Windows vs. Unix/Linux MS Windows vs. Unix/Linux University of Phoenix POS/420 Introduction to Unix October 20, 2008 Scott Stewart MS Windows vs. Unix/Linux The Microsoft and Linux operating systems have been long considered to be in a competition to be the best operating systems on the market. This paper will compare and contrast these operating systems to help the consumer decide which is right for his or her environment. Such subjects as; cost, market share, hardware requirements, file processing, programming capabilities, availability if application software, networking, and user interface will be examined. Cost The cost difference between running a Linux desktop / server compared to a Microsoft desktop / server is overwhelming. In all scenarios, Linux ends up being the cheaper and more “functionality rich” option. In the first scenario, let’s compare the cost difference between a Linux and Microsoft desktop. The first cost difference in this scenario is the cost of obtaining the software. A copy of most Linux distributions can be obtained for under $60 dollars, and free if it is downloaded from such sites as www.linuxiso.com. A Microsoft desktop is not so cheap however; the initial cost of purchasing a full copy of Windows Vista is currently $319.95, a much larger cost than that of Linux desktop. Functionality wise, both the Linux and Microsoft desktops provide the basic needs of the “home user,” however, such additional features as an Office...
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...in June 2006. The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. This extra capacity combined with the use of advanced video and audio codecs will offer consumers an unprecedented HD experience. The specifications of Blu – Ray vs. DVD Blu-Ray uses a blue-violet laser as opposed to the red laser used on DVDs. This allows Blu-Ray discs to hold a lot more information on them than DVDs. This increase in the amount of information that can be stored on a disc allows you to put High-Definition movies on a disc and not run out of space, since the average HD movie will take up about 15-20 gigabyte (GB) of space. If you have not seen an HD movie yet I would suggest stopping by your local Best Buy or Circuit City and looking at a Blu-Ray display. The images are sharper, brighter, and more detailed than any DVD movie. What manufacturers are trying to do is make the movie look as close to what you see in a real theater as possible, except for it is a tenth the size and in your home. Blu-Rays cannot be played in an additional DVD player, which means that you will eventually have to buy a Blu-ray player. However, all Blu-ray players can play DVDs, and they upscale the images to look better on an HD screen, up to 1080p so, while you will have to get a new Blu-Ray player to play HD movies, you can still see all of your current DVDs on the same player, and they'll be enhanced as well....
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...C H A P T E R A Further Look at Financial Statements o STUDY OBJECTIVES 2 T H E N AV I G AT O R I I I I Scan Study Objectives Read Feature Story Read Preview Read text and answer Before You Go On p. 58 p. 63 p. 69 p. 72 p. 75 Work Using the Decision Toolkit Review Summary of Study Objectives Work Demonstration Problem Answer Self-Study Questions Complete Assignments I I I I After studying this chapter, you should be able to: 1 meaning N Explain the principlesof generally accepted accounting and describe the I basic objective of financial reporting. F E AT U R E S T O R Y 2 qualitative N Discuss theinformation.characteristics of accounting 3 N Identify two constraints in accounting. 4 N Identify the sections of a classified balance sheet. 5 compute ratios N Identify andprofitability. for analyzing a company’s 6 N Explain the relationship between a retained earnings statement and a statement of JUST FOOLING AROUND? Few people could have predicted how dramatically the Internet would change the investment world. One of the most interesting results is how it has changed the way ordinary people invest their savings. More and more people are spurning investment professionals and instead are striking out on their own, making their own investment decisions. Two early pioneers in providing investment information to the masses were Tom and David Gardner, brothers who created an online investor bulletin board called the Motley Fool. The name comes...
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...| 4G Wireless Networks | | | | Jason LehmanCIS 500 – Information Systems for Decision Making 7/27/14 | | 4G Wireless Networks | | | | Jason LehmanCIS 500 – Information Systems for Decision Making 7/27/14 | Compare and Contrast 3G and 4G Wireless Networks The comparison of 3G and 4G wireless networks can be broken down into four main areas of concern when deciding on the more future-oriented 4G compared to the more established 3G network. The first areas examined are service and applications. Third-generation (3G) networks consist of CDMA 2000, UMTS, WCDMA, and various others. Fourth-generation (4G) technologies include WiMAX, HSPA+21/42, and LTE, of which many consider LTE to be the only “true” 4G network (Segan, 2013). The introduction of 3G technologies heralded a wide range of possibilities to include the ability for user to wirelessly stream audio, video, visual calling and conferencing, and various mobile multimedia functions to include more streamlined E-mail and general web browsing, online banking, basic video games on demand, mobile TV, and location-based services (4Gon Solutions, 2012). 4G application offerings include four main categories: Localized/Personalized Information, Communications, Organizational, and Entertainment (M-Indya, 2012). Localized/Personalized Information applications will offer users the ability to browse various news outlets, more accurate and improved locational servicers, more enhance mobile commerce (i.e. mobile...
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...Best Buy enters India by Francisco Polo Professor Hamid Assar International Finance – FIN535 May 22, 2012 Summary Best Buy Co., Inc. is an American specialty retailer of consumer electronics in the United States, accounting for 19% of the market. It also operates in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada and China. The company's subsidiaries include Geek Squad, CinemaNow, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales, and, in Canada operates under both the Best Buy and Future Shop label. Together these operate more than 1,150 stores domestically and internationally. In addition, the company operates over 100 Best Buy Express Automated Retail stores or "ZoomShops", operated by Zoom Systems, in airports and malls around the U.S. The company is headquartered in Richfield, Minnesota, United States. On March 9, 2009, Best Buy became the largest electronics retail store (online and bricks and mortar) in the eastern United States, after smaller rival Circuit City went out of business. Fry's Electronics remains a major competitor in the western United States, while Hhgregg remains competitive in the eastern United States. Many locations feature in-store pickup, which can be arranged through the company's website. As of December 28, 2008, the company operated 1,010 Best Buy Stores, 13 Magnolia Audio Video Stores (specializing in high-end electronics), 7 stand-alone Geek Squad stores, 3 Audio Visions Stores, 13 Best Buy Mobile Stores (standalone) and...
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...BUSN 460 Complete Class Click Link Below To Buy: http://hwcampus.com/shop/busn-460-complete-class/ Week 1 DQ 1 Selling your team’s services to CanGo Week 1 DQ 2 Mission, Vision & Values Week 2 DQ 1 Planning a Technological Solution Week 2 DQ 2 Cost Benefit Analysis Week 3 DQ 1 Flow Charting Processes Week 3 DQ 2 Implementing Technology Week 4 DQ 1 Group vs Team Week 4 DQ 2 Matrixed Employee Environments Week 5 DQ 1 Performance Review Session Week 5 DQ 2 Status Reports Week 6 DQ 1 Corporate Decision Making Week 6 DQ 2 Weighing Decision Criteria Week 7 DQ 1 Corporate Ethics Tactics Week 7 DQ 2 Profit vs. Responsibility BUSN 460 Week 1 Team Name and Contract BUSN 460 Week 2 Analysis Report - Issues Report BUSN 460 Week 3 Individual Financial Analysis Report BUSN 460 Week 4 Analysis Report BUSN 460 Week 5 Analysis Report BUSN 460 Week 6 Analysis Report BUSN 460 Final Project Consulting CanGo Final Report BUSN 460 Senior Project Week 3 Individual Financial Analysis Report Individual Financial Analysis Report Conclude working on your Individual Financial Analysis Report, due this week. Note that this is not a team assignment. Be sure to include proper citations for all references you use. Go to the CanGo Intranet and pull the financial statements. Use these to fill out the table found in Doc Sharing labeled Financial Analysis Project, and submit to the Individual Financial Analysis Dropbox in Week 3 after making sure that you...
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...BUSN 460 Complete Class Click Link Below To Buy: http://hwcampus.com/shop/busn-460-complete-class/ Week 1 DQ 1 Selling your team’s services to CanGo Week 1 DQ 2 Mission, Vision & Values Week 2 DQ 1 Planning a Technological Solution Week 2 DQ 2 Cost Benefit Analysis Week 3 DQ 1 Flow Charting Processes Week 3 DQ 2 Implementing Technology Week 4 DQ 1 Group vs Team Week 4 DQ 2 Matrixed Employee Environments Week 5 DQ 1 Performance Review Session Week 5 DQ 2 Status Reports Week 6 DQ 1 Corporate Decision Making Week 6 DQ 2 Weighing Decision Criteria Week 7 DQ 1 Corporate Ethics Tactics Week 7 DQ 2 Profit vs. Responsibility BUSN 460 Week 1 Team Name and Contract BUSN 460 Week 2 Analysis Report - Issues Report BUSN 460 Week 3 Individual Financial Analysis Report BUSN 460 Week 4 Analysis Report BUSN 460 Week 5 Analysis Report BUSN 460 Week 6 Analysis Report BUSN 460 Final Project Consulting CanGo Final Report BUSN 460 Senior Project Week 3 Individual Financial Analysis Report Individual Financial Analysis Report Conclude working on your Individual Financial Analysis Report, due this week. Note that this is not a team assignment. Be sure to include proper citations for all references you use. Go to the CanGo Intranet and pull the financial statements. Use these to fill out the table found in Doc Sharing labeled Financial Analysis Project, and submit to the Individual Financial Analysis Dropbox in Week 3 after making sure that you...
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...Virgin Mobile USA is a brand extension of Virgin, a U.K.-based company founded by Sir Richard Branson. The company led by CEO Dan Schulman was founded under Virgin's mission statement which stated "we believe in making a difference. In our customer's eyes, Virgin stands for value, for money, quality, innovation, fun and a sense of competitive challenge... we look for opportunities where we can offer something better, fresher, and more valuable, and we seize them. We often move into areas where the competition is complacent... We are pro-active and quick to act, often leaving bigger and more cumbersome organizations in our wake." (1) Virgin Mobile USA had a number of things going for them despite a crowded cellular marketplace. For starters, they had a CEO who had experience in telecom as he was formerly an executive with AT&T. Schulman also had experience with successful pricing strategies and technology as former CEO of Priceline.com. The biggest plus for the startup was the support and backing by its management and stakeholders who genuinely wanted to garner success against the perception of another market saturated run poorly with complacency and poor customer service. The bar was set high for success, as Schulman's goal was to have acquired 3 million customers by their fourth year of operation. I believe that Virgin Mobile USA took a big gamble in targeting a niche that was essentially written off by the other players in the industry as being largely unprofitable. Perhaps...
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...consumers new products (LexisNexis, Academic). Reinventing their strategy to adapt to consumers’ growing needs and the source of must have items; Amazon will continue to survive the world of internet retail. Background Information Amazon is the pioneer of online retailing. It started out as an online bookstore, offering a limited amount of selections. They expanded their selections into other products in the late 1990’s, and soon were providing the world the biggest selections of books, CDs, videos, DVDs, electronics, toys, tools, home furnishings, house wares, apparel, and kitchen gadgets. By utilizing third party agreements, Amazon also sells products from other well-known retailers such as, Toys-R-us, Virgin Wines, Expedia, and Circuit City. One of...
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...NT1210 Introduction to Networking Unit 1: Mid-Term Mid Term Review 1 Nibble, Byte, Word, Double Word Nibble, Byte, Word, Double Word Figure 1-2 2 Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte Size (2N Bytes) Term Size (Bytes) Kilobyte Megabyte Gigabyte Terabyte 1024 1,048,576 1,073,741,824 1,099,511,627,776 Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte 210 220 230 240 Rounded by Size (Bytes) 1,000 1,000,000 1,000,000,000 1,000,000,000,000 Table 1-1 3 Random Access Memory (RAM) Physically exists as set of microchips installed on plastic card (memory module) Central Processing Unit (CPU) uses RAM like people g ( ) p p use notepad Stores binary value so can use it later Can read data from RAM to recall value stored earlier CPU sends electrical signal over bus (electrical pathway) to communicate with RAM 4 Random Access Memory (RAM) (cont.) RAM uses address for each unique memory location where byte can be stored To write to RAM: CPU sends signal to RAM over the bus g to write (store) value into byte of RAM Address in RAM Value to be written To read from RAM: CPU uses similar process (see example in Figure 1-3 on next slide) 5 CPU Reads Byte 4 from RAM The CPU uses the same bus to read the current value of a byte in RAM as it does to send a message to RAM. The read request lists the address of the particular byte, asking for its value. RAM returns the binary value stored at that address. CPU Reads Byte 4 from RAM 6 Figure 1-3 Writing Individual Bits in Byte 4 of RAM...
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...1 Project Overview In this paper we will examine the process that Friar Tucker used to decide which project to implement that best supported their organizational goals. We will also use similar techniques to create a simple strategic plan outline to be used to guide us on a personal project. According to the simulation, “All projects that an organization undertakes are linked to the organization’s strategic plan. This entails the development of a process by which projects are selected based on their relevance to the strategic plan” (Wideman, 1999). This of course is much easier said then done. However after completing the first step of the project by insuring that the project is necessary and pertains to the organizational mission the next step is finding the right person to oversee the project. This position is much like a quarterback leading a team to the goal line for a touchdown. To many the life of a project manager is simple; deliver a project according to three criteria: on time, on budget and to specifications. But, how are you to get there exactly? One way is to create a project plain. A project plan is similar to map. It helps guide Project Managers and the Project Team to their destination or goal. In the simulation it was very clear that a project plan was used, but was not prepared to offer guidance as challenges were presented. The team was not as prepared as they would have been with more in depth planning. Many of us want to jump straight to the execution...
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