...Harley Davidson Case Study Case study of Harley Davidson Alan Potrus California Baptist University Author Note: This paper was made for Professor Joe Putulowski in accordance to week 6 assignment instructions for The Harley Davidson Case Study. Intro CEO Jeff Bleustein had his work cut out for him at the end of 2003 when he reviewed the company’s financial statements for the year. It was Harley Davidson’s 100 year anniversary and there were many festivities set out for that year that would eventually attract millions of participants. Sales and profits had broken previous records for the eighth consecutive year. HD has been performing so well it made a 180 degree turn in comparison to its numbers in the early 80’s when it was putting out 40,000 bikes a year and struggling with a mountain of debt. Jeff now had to figure out how to continue the uprising of profits. Because of this, Bleustein had little opportunity to reminisce about Harley’s 100 year celebration. Jeff set a target of 400,000 motorcycle sales by 2007. Jeff knew that in order to achieve this goal he needed to set a prestigious strategy plan that would accommodate the market for motorcycles and possibly attract new customers into the motorcycle market. Harley-Davidson’s Strategy Bleustein began preparing a strategy review with his top management team. They discussed the different forces that would cause HD to fall off course. It is interesting...
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...have? The objectives of HDI include increasing sales, increasing market share in Europe, and achieving a sustainable competitive advantage. So, HDI is seeking to penetrate the market as well as engaging in market development, which in this case means attracting a new demographic segment of younger and European customers it has not yet attracted before due to several reasons such as the price and the appeal of the Harley Davidson brand as being a motorcycle “an old guy would drive”. As stated in the case study, HDI does not and will not have cost leadership in the industry it competes in. The huge gap between Honda which produces over 5 million bikes annually and HDI, which produces slightly over 200.000, allows Honda to benefit from economies of scale and therefore offer their products at lower prices than HDI. The relatively small size of HDI limits its ability to invest in technology and new products, which means that HDI neither has the most advanced technology, nor superior performance. However, as the company recognizes, it is not selling motorcycles, it is selling the “Harley Experience”. This lifestyle and spirit, which no competitor has been able to copy or even beat so far, is the competitive advantage and USP of HDI. Harley Davidson motorcycles are not primarily a transportation vehicle, but a statement of style. The HDI image and the brand loyalty among its consumer base are the company’s strongest assets. As the demand in Europe is increasing, HDI should consider...
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...Case Study: Harley-Davidson -Analyse Harley-Davidson resources and capabilities, and identify its key strengths and weaknesses - Analyse the international competitive environment in which Harley-Davidson is operating to identify its main threats and opportunities. Recommend a forward strategy for Harley-Davidson, which addresses these issues. International Management Individual Assignment Table of Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. Harley Davidson Overview 4 2.1. Harley-Davidson Current Strategy 4 2.2. Resources And Capabilities 5 3. Industry Analysis 6 3.1. Porter’s Five Forces Model 6 3.2. International Competitive Environment 7 4. SWOT Analysis 9 5. Forward strategy recommendation for Harley-Davidson 10 6. Conclusions 12 6. References 13 1. Introduction This report is based on Harley-Davidson, Inc., case study. The aim of this report is to analyse industry and international competitive environment where Harley-Davidson is operating in. One must apply and fully analyse theoretical concepts and frameworks in order to fully comprehend how Harley-Davidson is differentiate itself in the international competitive environment and what strategies is using to achieve higher market share. The empirical material is being analysed by exploring the general information of Harley-Davidson company itself, following by the industry and competitive environment analysis, review of SWOT theoretical framework. Finalising with the recommendations of forward...
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...Case Study 6.1: Harley-Davidson, Inc. Zachary NewComer 11/06/14 Auditing Prof. Riggs (1)Identify the most significant new business risks facing Harley-Davidson as a result of integrating eBusiness into its supply-chain management system and by allowing suppliers to have access to the company’s Intranet. If your instructor does not specify the number of risks for you to identify, list at least three. 1. Suppliers might leak information to Harley-Davidson’s competitors 2. Suppliers might not have the same ability to be technologically advanced as Harley-Davidson’s new systems 3. Going to an internet based system makes you susceptible to people hacking the system and acquiring information. 4. When you have an internet based system it could go down at any point making the time it is down a loss of productive time that in the old system would not have been lost. 5. Hiding fraud would be easier because more people have access to system and there is no longer a paper trail for auditors to trace in the new system. 6. If the system permanently crashes or is destroyed by something like a fire you might not be able to save some or all of the information to continue business afterwards. 7. If Harley-Davidson ever wanted to do business with a different supplier they might not be ready or have the ability to do business with them. [2] For each risk you identified in question number one above, identify a control Harley-Davidson might have implemented to mitigate that risk. 1....
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...1 a) How did Harley dominate the US industry historically Historically, Harley-Davidson managed to dominate the US market by correctly identifying its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and understanding the environmental factors that influenced the industry that it operates in (Figure 1 and Figure 2). By utilising its strengths to maximise the opportunities presented to the company, Harley-Davidson was able to implement a succession of affective strategies, allowing it to capture 60% of the motorcycle market and subsequently became the market leader in the late 1950s. In the early years, the company attracted customers and established brand credibility by utilising the ‘victorious’ and ‘sporting’ brand image of one of its founders, Walter Davidson. The company understood its customers need for a product that can be fixed at home and therefore, was able to fulfil this need with its pioneered V-twin engine innovation. In addition, Harley-Davidson invested in R&D, focusing on improving the quality and reliability of its machines, building on its strengths and therefore was able to charge a premium for its motorbikes. This, in turn assists Harley-Davidson to acquire its prestigious, luxury brand image and achieved a cult following. In doing so, Harley Davidson was able to increase its market share, despite a sagging economic environment of the 1920s. When sales declined in the 1950s, the company relied on its innovations as a point of differentiation and built...
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...Case Study 6.1: Harley-Davidson, Inc. Zachary NewComer 11/06/14 Auditing Prof. Riggs (1)Identify the most significant new business risks facing Harley-Davidson as a result of integrating eBusiness into its supply-chain management system and by allowing suppliers to have access to the company’s Intranet. If your instructor does not specify the number of risks for you to identify, list at least three. 1. Suppliers might leak information to Harley-Davidson’s competitors 2. Suppliers might not have the same ability to be technologically advanced as Harley-Davidson’s new systems 3. Going to an internet based system makes you susceptible to people hacking the system and acquiring information. 4. When you have an internet based system it could go down at any point making the time it is down a loss of productive time that in the old system would not have been lost. 5. Hiding fraud would be easier because more people have access to system and there is no longer a paper trail for auditors to trace in the new system. 6. If the system permanently crashes or is destroyed by something like a fire you might not be able to save some or all of the information to continue business afterwards. 7. If Harley-Davidson ever wanted to do business with a different supplier they might not be ready or have the ability to do business with them. [2] For each risk you identified in question number one above, identify a control Harley-Davidson might have implemented to mitigate that risk. 1....
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...Harley-Davidson/Ducati Case Study November 20, 2013 Question 1 Ducati: Ducati is an Italian motorcycle manufacturing company that is renowned for its high performance and stylish motorcycles. Ducati is committed to racing competitions, state of the art design, style, and most importantly, an immense passion for bikes. Ducati has created a strong bond with its customers, beginning on the racetracks and spreading worldwide. Ducati builds high performance bikes for bike enthusiasts, known as “Ducatisti”. Ducastisti are individuals who value performance as the main attribute in a motorcycle. Since Ducati delivers this, it creates brand loyalty. Since the early 90s, Ducati has created a distinctive community image with local and national Ducati enthusiast clubs by placing Ducati as a symbol of refined skills and craftsmanship that every motorcycle evokes and represents. In the World Superbike Championship, Ducati has won 15 out of the last 18 Riders’ titles and 16 Manufacturers’ titles. In conclusion, Ducati customers are confident that they are purchasing high performance motorcycles. Harley Haley Davidson is exhibited as an American icon. Consumers view and associate Harley Davidson with riders, wear leather, have tattoos and with police officers, military dispatch riders and motorcycle gangs. Harley’s image is also viewed as something that is catered for and used by Caucasian American males in their 40-50 (Nolan pg.2-3).Harley Davidson’s riders feel a lifestyle connection...
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...Brand Management Case study: Harley-Davidson Contents Question 1 3 Question 2 5 1. Brand elements 5 2. Criteria 6 Question 3 8 1. Custom Vehicle Operations program (CVO) 8 2. Harley Owners Group (HOG) 8 3. Bar café 8 4. Exchange of motorcycle 9 5. Companies can learn from H-D 9 Question 4 10 1. Definitions 10 2. Equally successful 10 3. Non-equally successful 10 4. Co-branding or not? 11 Question 1 ------------------------------------------------- Make a detailed SWOT Analysis of the Harley-Davidson Company, paying particular attention to the marketing mix (Product, Price, Promotion, Distribution, Personnel) STRENGTHS | WEAKNESSES | * Net income of 2003 was $760mn, its more than 30% as compared to the previous year 2002 ; * The standard and performance segments of Harley Davidson make up 70% of the European heavy weight motorcycle market ; * Harley-Davidson operates in two segments: Harley-Davidson motorcycles & related products and HDFS (Harley-Davidson Financial Services) ; * Harley-Davidson is the only major American heavyweight motorcycle manufacturer ; * Strong brand name ; * The HOG (Harley Owners Group), which have a 750,000 members worldwide is the industry’s largest company sponsored motorcycle enthusiast organization ; * Buell Riders Adventure Group (BRAG) was also formed recent ; * Customization of the bikes, this is Harley-Davidson’s major revenue maker; * Harley-Davidson have a good marketing...
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...STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT Case Analysis CASE: Harley Davidson, Inc- 2008 By Julian Kee Synopsis Harley-Davidson is one the leading motorcycle manufacturers in the world. It’s hard to imagine the global brand’s simple beginning. In 1901, Harley-Davidson motor company started in a backyard shed by friends William Harley and Arthur R. Davidson who wanted to create their own motorcycles. In 1907, the company had grown to become incorporated. Harley-Davidson was acquired by AMF in 1969, however repurchased in 1981 by the Vaughn Beals. The company then underwent changes to production an inventory management. Since 1996, Harley-Davidson has focused only on producing motorcycles and accessories. The company is run by a 38-year employee name James C. Ziemer, who has experience in many different positions. He is supported by a board of directors with diverse professional backgrounds. Together, they oversee the US and global operations which includes countries like Canada, Latin America, and Europe. Harley-Davidson has two different business segments which include motorcycles and financial services. The current economic conditions have affected all industry including motorcycles. While Harley-Davidson has proven to do well during the recession, they have also faced some challenges. As the economic conditions change, Harley- Davidson has implemented new marketing strategies and e-commerce to gain a competitive advantage. Resources Strong reputation and...
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...CHAPTER 1 Marketing: Managing profitable customer relationships Marketing is managing profitable customer relationships. The goal of marketing is to attract new customers, to grow current customers by delivering satisfaction and to provide goods and services at profit. Marketing specialists must satisfy their customers’ need in a socially responsible and ethical manner The marketing process 1. Understand the marketplace and customer needs and wants Humans have 3 needs * Physical needs (food, clothing) * Social needs (the need to belong) * Individual needs (need for knowledge, self expression) Based on their needs, human have wants that are shaped by culture and individual personality. However, when backed by buying power, wants become demands Marketing offers: As a marketer, we offer the product (the physical need) and the service (that provides a benefit) A market is the set of actual and potential buyers of a product. These buyers share a particular need or want. Marketers are not the only doing marketing- even consumers do marketing when they search for the goods they need at a price they can afford. Elements of a modern marketing system: Suppliers [ Company Competitors Marketing Intermediaries End User ] 2. Designing a customer-driven marketing strategy Marketing management is the art and science of choosing target markets and building profitable relationships with them To have a good marketing strategy we...
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...would Harley-Davidson put as much emphasis on consistency of quality as it does on level of quality? In the 1980’s Harley-Davidson was going through Great Depression and teetered on the brink of bankruptcy. They decided to reduce the inventory and improve total quality of the product in order to attract new as well as experienced buyers. They changed styling, performance, and features which represents the freedom and individuality of the motorcycles. They started doing custom-build bikes, because this way Harley-Davidson can see what customers want in order to express their individuality (Pride, et.al. 2011). 2. How does Harley-Davidson use customer services to differentiate its motorcycle products? Harley-Davidson maintains positive relationship with customers simply by satisfying their needs in the products. They do custom-build bikes and products which are usually in high demand. They also offering the driving courses as well as group riding in order to encourage customers learn how to drive. Harley-Davidson in order to promote their product has web site and sends an existing members two magazines which include: member events, articles about Harley-Davidson’s product and services. I think this is a good idea having the member’s events, because customer’s communication is a mouth-by-mouth advertising, and if the customers are satisfied with the product and services, then the company will definitely grow (Pride, et.al. 2011). 3. What role do you think the Harley-Davidson Museum...
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...Executive Summary “Harley-Davidson is the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded out of a small shed in 1903 by William S. Harley and Brothers Arthur and Walter Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Motor Company produces traditional cruiser motorcycles utilizing air-cooled V-Twin engines. When Harley and Davidson produced and sold their first motorcycle in 1903, they were one of many small motorcycle marques springing up across the country. Flash forward more than a century and the Harley-Davidson brand is so rooted in American culture that the history of the company intertwines with the history of America itself. “ Harley- Davidson a brand that say I’m an American with its strong image they summarize what biking is and isn’t. They produce quality products that are reliable and durable. With so much more to offer Harley-Davidson cannot compete with the Japanese in terms of market share in Europe they only have 6.4% which is excruciating for a company who consider their product as a luxury item with all top of the line parts, brand image ,and all the thing they offer to the consumers. That’s why we look for alternative that could be beneficial to Harley-Davidson which is Market penetration, market development, and product development in Europe. We generated this idea ease them and with employees who know what their job is and make the necessary adjustment in their product or service need not worry of what will happen. Situational Analysis Environment The...
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...The Harley Davidson case evaluates several options and choosing the one that best aligns with company’s strategy, is financially viable for long term and provides a strong footing against the rising competition. The case is fundamentally focused on the question of timing and capacity. Timing is a factor that needs built into our decision tree’s framework and in this case, ultimately asking, when and how much capacity? In order to answer the question, we diagnosed the issues and identified limitations of the current capacity, which hampers Harley’s ability to expand and meet demand. It is important to appropriately incorporate risk as it goes well beyond just capacity. For incorporate risk into the analysis and decision making we recognized that a series of tools would be required. The approach involved three analysis tools for considering various factors that are important for decision making: Demand Analysis: We needed to forecast for the demand, supply and margins, while distinguishing demand from output and sales. Scenarios and Capacity Analysis: Next step was to determine the factors for building the scenarios, assign probabilities, estimate the cash flow and then compute the NPV. We modeled capacity adjustments and continuous improvements, then included plans or options for changes and new products. Risk Analysis and addressing management’s success criteria: Our decision needed to account for the risk aversion of the company due to its learning from its history...
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...Case Introduction Harley-Davidson, Inc. was established and entered the motorcycle industry in 1903. The company has primarily focused its resources on the heavyweight motorcycle segment of the industry and is differentiated from its competitors because its focus is only on the motorcycle industry as opposed to other transportation markets such as: cars, boats, ATVs or snowmobiles. The company has experienced both the “good and bad times.” The company was founded by several young men in 1903, was bought out by AMF, experienced a leveraged buyout and ultimately became incorporated with its IPO in 1986. In addition to a constantly changing ownership structure, Harley-Davidson has also experienced significant issues with quality control, inconsistent management and a reputation for being associated with tattoos and pornography. By 1998, the company resolved its quality and image concerns, gained financial stability but continued to face supply concerns and threats of competition by new entrants and possible product substitutes. The challenge facing current Harley-Davidson management is how to combine the company’s approach in marketing the Harley image with consistent financial stability and increasing market share to outperform the competition. Industry Overview Harley-Davidson competes against other American and several internationally based companies within the motorcycle industry. Harley-Davidson...
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...Ch.6 Assignment – Harley-Davidson 1. From reading and learning about RFID tags and barcode technologies I can see some advantages and disadvantages for Harley-Davidson to implement the RFID system. I assume that Harley-Davidson has a fairly broad line of incoming products and materials from different suppliers. With this in mind, even though there might be a small price difference between barcode and RFID technology in small units, the costs can be reduced radically in terms of large volumes with the most efficient technology. Obviously the barcode technology is cheaper, smaller and lighter than the RFID tags. However, the RFID technology enables reading from a greater distance and at a faster rate than the barcodes. Additionally they don’t have to be positioned in a line of sight with the scanner, unlike the barcodes. The RFID tags can also carry large data capabilities such as product maintenance, shipping histories and expiry dates; which can all be programmed to the tag. Ultimately the tags can be run with minimal human participation. If all the above things mentioned about the RFID tags are of value for Harley-Davidson, it might be worth considering the use of this technology. Basically it all comes down to the question if paying a slightly higher price for the tag itself but excluding of human participation in monitoring the supply chain and reducing cost that way will help Harley-Davidson create value for its customers. 2. When comparing the use of RFID technology...
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