...Impact of Vertical Integration Table of Contents What is Vertical Integration?3 De Beers Summary3 Internal strengths of vertical integration5 External strengths of vertical integration6 Disadvantages of vertical integration7 Quad/Graphics and vertical integration7 Four types of Vertical Integration 7 Ownership and Breadth of De Beers 9 Conclusion 10 References11 What is Vertical Integration? Vertical integration is a powerful corporate strategy that when implemented under the right circumstances can work towards the organizations advantage. Vertical integration describes a firm's control over several or all of the production and or distribution steps involved in the creation of its product or service. This integration takes the assets that was owned by two organizations and combines it into a single business; this creates either a joint ownership, or the sale of one firm’s assets to another business. This strategy is more advantageous then contracting with an outside company since usually it creates lower operating costs and more control over quality of its products or services. Forward and backward integration in an organizations’ value chain is an attempt to strengthen a company’s business model. Although there are different forms of vertical integration, its main approach is either to expand operations backward into an industry that produces inputs for the company, or forward into an industry that distributes the company’s products. According to Harrigan...
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...Assignment #4: Capstone Project BUS 599, Fall Quarter Abstract and brief summary In a competitive market, a company needs to formulate policies and strategies to maintain above average profitability. Corporate management must create strategies and capitalize on evolving competitive markets (Lindgrin, 2012). Both the companies Yahoo and Amazon are constantly implementing such strategies to maintain a reputation that stays ahead of the market trends, information system and globalization. This study will evaluate the success of both companies’ corporate-level strategies in terms of horizontal integration, vertical integration, strategic outsourcing and diversification, and will determine the type of strategy that contributed most effectively to the creation of a successful and profitable multibusiness model. Additionally, this paper will recommend an appropriate new strategy for each company that may maximize profitability and improved competitiveness in the industry. Yahoo!, Inc. Competitive analysis To better understand Yahoo’s internal and external opportunities and threats, in order to better estimate Yahoo’s ability to capture value, our starting point would be a quick analysis of operating and financial performance of Yahoo comparing to its peers in the industry during the last four years. We already...
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...FROM WHOLESALE TO RETAIL: IMPROVING THE FORWARD VERTICAL INTEGRATION STRATEGY AT FRESHMARK (PTY.) LTD. A dissertation by BARTHOLOMEW CHARLES BENECKE Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) in the BUSINESS SCHOOL FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Supervisor: Prof. JA Watkins Co- Supervisor: V Naidoo May 2007 DECLARATION OF COPYRIGHT “I hereby declare that this dissertation submitted for the degree Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at the Tshwane University of Technology, is my own original unaided work and has not previously been submitted to any other institution or higher education. I further declare that all sources cited are cited or quoted are indicated or acknowledged by means of a comprehensive list of references” BARTHOLOMEW CHARLES BENECKE Copyright© Tshwane University of Technology 2006 ii DEDICATION “This study is dedicated to my God, and King, to whom I give praise for all the gifts and strength He has granted me, and to my love Jasmyn, for her steadfast support through this time. I will love you both forever.” iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I hereby wish to acknowledge the contribution of the following persons to the completion of this dissertation: ► To my parents for their love and support through all my years of study. Thank you for believing in me, even when I did not believe in myself. ► To Professor Watkins, for all his...
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...Eye dominated the frozen food market in the 1950's and 1960's. They accounted for over 60% of frozen food sales in the UK. They served exclusively to over 40,000 retail outlets and among other outlets served; they accounted for over 75% of their frozen food sales. Problem Summary Birds Eye was losing its market share and profitability during the 1970's and 1980's due to increased competition in the frozen foods market. In 1978 their market share of 60% declined to 29%. Private label competitors had gained over 21% of the frozen food market. The increase of stiff competition drove prices down and lowered profitability for Birds Eye. A huge factor in loss of profitability and market stronghold was their internal strategy. The company’s vertical integration strategy worked for in the beginning to initially strengthen their brand, but lost its performance during the 1970's and 1980's. Due to the rising costs of producing frozen foods in the 1970's, and increasing market competition, the company needed to shift to a more horizontal strategic approach. Analysis Value Chain Birds Eye value chain was the chain of activates that it was operated on. The chain of activities gave them more value to its service and its products until early late 1960’s. The primary activities for Birds Eye were inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing...
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...ECCO Case Study - Question 1 ECCO has a fully integrated vertical value chain. What are the pros and cons of that strategy? What economic and strategic factors should be analyzed to answer this question? The pros of a having a fully integrated vertical supply chain for Ecco include the following: * Improved supply chain coordination between tanning, manufacturing and distribution. This would ultimately help maintain quality and improve operational efficiencies such as logistics. * There is also an increase in the areas possible for differentiation, as Ecco can control more inputs. An example might be in the tanning process, in which their competitors may have less control over. * Ecco can also create greater barriers of entry for competitors. By differentiating competition out of the market such as marketing their strict in house controls of the tanning process. * Ecco can also access downstream distribution channels that may otherwise have been inaccessible if they were to just sub out distribution and be at mercy to what the market can provide. * Opportunities for control over investment or innovation both upstream or downstream which may otherwise not be possible will be advantageous for Ecco. * Facilities in different countries can take advantage of local resources and expertise in different areas like the leather research center in Denmark. * Overseeing operations throughout the whole value chain. * Better control and...
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...5.0 STRATEGY FORMULATION Strategy formulation is the process by which an organization chooses the most appropriate courses of action to achieve its defined goals. This process is essential to an organization’s success, because it provides a framework for the actions that will lead to the anticipated results. Strategy formation is the process by which an organization develops and implements a strategy. All steps of the process should be followed in order because they build upon each other. The other steps of the process include value assessment, vision and mission formulation, strategy design, performance audit analysis, action plan development, contingency planning and implementation. 5.1 Integration Strategies In the competitive world of business, companies generally do whatever it takes to secure their stature in the marketplace. One of the most effective means to this end involves what is referred to as vertical integration, which takes on two forms: forward and backward integration. Forward integration focuses on the manner in which a company oversees its product distribution. On the other hand, the backward form concentrates on how a company regulates its goods or supplies. 5.1.1 Forward integration Forward integration is a type of vertical integration which a supplier acquires a manufacturer or a manufacturer acquires a distributor. Businesses engage in forward integration either to generate a higher margin from a key input which it owns or produces or to better...
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...Give recent examples of forward integration, backward integration, and horizontal integration. A business strategy that involves a form of vertical integration (upstream supplier and downstream buyers) whereby activities are expanded to contain control of the direct distribution of its products. The advantages of forward integration consist of excluding competing suppliers, greater capacity to reach end customers and better admittance to information about end customers. (Example) Forward integration is when a farmer offers his crops at the local market rather than to a distribution center. (Example 2) Dell reaches its customer directly through the internet this cuts out traditional computer stores. Backward integration is vertical integration that combines a core business with its suppliers. The advantages of backward integration may include assurance of the pricing, quality and availability of supplies, and efficiencies gained from coordinating production of supplies with their consumption. A form of vertical integration that involves the purchase of suppliers in order to reduce dependency. (Example) A bakery business bought a wheat farm in order to reduce the risk associated with the dependency on flour. (Example 2) Many grocery stores now have their own brand products to compete the name brand products (less expensive). When a company expands its business into different products that are similar to current lines. Horizontal integration is the widening of a business at...
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...contracting parties. A term used to describe the use of the Internet to replace physical components of a company with information. A business engaged in virtual integration owns only their brand and their clients. This eliminates the need to physically produce, ship or handle any products as they are now outsourced. Read more: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/virtual-integration.html#ixzz3EphPUex0 ://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/integration.html#ixzz3EpfP12T2 DEFINITION of 'Vertical Integration' When a company expands its business into areas that are at different points on the same production path, such as when a manufacturer owns its supplier and/or distributor. Vertical integration can help companies reduce costs and improve efficiency by decreasing transportation expenses and reducing turnaround time, among other advantages. However, sometimes it is more effective for a company to rely on the expertise and economies of scale of other vendors rather than be vertically integrated. INVESTOPEDIA EXPLAINS 'Vertical Integration' Backward and forward integration are types of vertical integration. A company that expands backward on the production path has backward integration, while a company that expands forward on the production path is forward integrated. Examples of vertical integration include: - A mortgage company that both originates and services mortgages, meaning that it both lends money to homebuyers and collects their monthly payments. ...
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...Vertical integration is the expansion within a company to grow its business areas at different points along the same production and sales path. Vertical integration can help companies reduce their costs while improving efficiency and flexibility. Zara, founded in 1975 by Amancia Ortega, is the world’s largest fast fashion flagship chain retailer owned by Inditex Group and is vertically integrated in all aspects of its business. Zara, according to Ferdows et al (2002), has a decentralized communication and decision making process based on an autonomous ordering of clothing and fulfillment method. Zara’s vertically integrated structure of owning everything from the processes of manufacturing and design of its products to the individual stores is due to the fact they produce more of their products in-house, with only forty percent of its activities outsourced. The outsourced activities include the simpler labour intensive quick turnaround activities such as sewing and basic clothing designs while in-house activities are the more complex, complicated and trendy designs for their clothing. Zara’s top management’s opinion on the concept of most products produced in-house is it increases flexibility and speed as the products have a short cycle time. Zara also produces roughly half of its products within their own factories located in different regions around the world. Zara’s governance structure for gaining access to assets is continuous as they leverage their own assets, keeping their...
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...successful for so long? Disney’s long-run success is mainly due to creating value through diversification. Their corporate strategies (primarily under CEO Eisner) include three dimensions: horizontal and geographic expansion as well as vertical integration. Disney is a prime example of how to achieve long-run success through the choices of business, the choice of how many activities to undertake, the choice of how many businesses to be in, the choice of how to manage a portfolio of businesses and the choice of how to create synergies between those businesses (3, p.191-221). All these choices and decisions are made through Disney’s corporate strategies and enabled them to reach long-term success. One will discuss Disney’s long-run success through a general approach. Eisner’s turnaround of the company and his specific implications/strategies will be examined in detail in part II. Disney could reach long-run success mainly through the creation of value due to diversification and the management and fostering of creativity, brand image and synergies between businesses (1, p.11-14). The most important part of Disney’s long-term success is due to its key strategic choices and incorporation of various diversification strategies. Disney created value mainly through “vertical integration” of its business lines, especially through the concept of forward integration. For example, Disney integrated production of movies and the final distribution in cinema’s or on television, especially through...
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...firms in a horizontally integrated (or focused) sector against those in more diversified businesses which are vertically integrated or conglomerates. In this report, I will be analysing and comparing how these integrations are being effectively deployed by various organisations in order to have the edge above their competitors in the sector. The second part of this report will focus on the clear definition of the types of business integration discussed as well as giving examples of each type. With the aim of using numerous examples and case studies, to show how these organisations are using the integration to gain more control and less competition in their sector. Horizontal Integration Horizontal Integration, according to Investopedia, this is defined as “When a company expands its business into different products that are similar to current lines”. However there are so many definitions to define horizontal integration but one thing all the definitions have in common is the coming together of two or more companies with the aim of becoming the dominant force in the sector and also generating more profit with less input compared to when these companies operate separately, but this is be done under single ownership and control. Another definition of horizontal integration is “the merger of companies at the same stage of production in the same or different sectors”. (Business Dictionary). If the end products of the merging companies are similar in a way, this can be referred...
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...Make-or-buy decisions are focused on helping a business understand whether it is more advantageous to buy a particular part or product from an outside vendor or to produce the part themselves. Keiretsu is a type of supply-chain strategy that focuses on integrating the two strategies of building relationships with a few suppliers and vertical integration. As with traditional make-or-buy decisions, Keiretsu does include purchasing goods from suppliers. However, make-or-buy decisions and Keiretsu would not typically be considered a type of outsourcing. 2. Keeping a product generic as long as possible before customizing is known as __________. postponement Keeping a product generic as long as possible before customizing is known as postponement. This process is very useful when making somewhat generic products (like computers, printers, televisions, etc.). While the external features of these devices will be different, the primary mechanisms that make each device function are similar. Thus, it makes sense for a company to postpone putting the external elements on a computer or television until farther along in the production cycle so that a business can more easily meet customer expectations. Forward and Backward integration are two types of vertical integration. Forward...
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...CrosliteTM material 3 2.2 Identification of Weaknesses 3 2.2.1 Expansion is a dilemma 3 2.2.2 Seasonal usage 3 2.3 Identification of Opportunities 4 2.3.1 Further exploration of the Asian market 4 2.3.2 Online sales 4 2.4 Identification of Threats 4 2.4.1 Replicas and imitation 4 2.4.2 Anti- Crocs Sentiment 5 3.0 Evaluation of Alternative Strategies 6 3.1 Proposed Alternative Strategies 6 3.1.1 Pursue diversification 6 3.1.2 Pursue vertical integration 7 3.2 Selection of Best Strategy 9 4.0 Implementation of Selected Strategy 10 4.1 Controlling Function 10 4.1.1 To implement feedforward control 10 4.1.2 To implement concurrent control 10 4.1.2 To implement feedback control 10 4.2 Organising Function 11 4.2.1 To introduce departmentalization 11 4.2.2 To execute formalisation 12 4.2.3 To implement decentralization 12 5.0 Conclusion 13 6.0 Reference List ii Executive Summary The purpose of his report is to conduct a SWOT analysis about Crocs Inc. and to propose two strategic analyses. Then we had to choose the best strategy and find solutions to implement the strategy. Crocs, Inc. is a footwear manufacturing company developing casual footwear for men women and children. It was founded in 2002 by Michael Hagos, Lyndon “Duke” Hanson, and George Boedecker,...
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...STUDIES The Effects of Vertical Integration on Oil Company Performance Fernando Barrera-Rey Oxford Institute for Energy Studies WPM 21 October 1995 The contents of this paper are the author's sole responsibility. They do not necessarily represent the views of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies or any of its Members. Copyright 0 1995 Oxford Institute for Energy Studies All rights reserved. No palt of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any fomi or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior pemiission of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. This publication is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise. be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any fonii of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without D similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. ISBN 0 948061 90 1 ABSTRACT When asked to rank industries by their degree of vertical integration, most people would agree that the oil industry should come top of the list. Underlying this belief is the fact that integration and size tend to be closely associated. As the oil industry is so large and oil companies so visible and perceived as so profitable, the common belief is a correlation between vertical integration, size and performance. If...
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...PROCESS MANAGEMENT Companies begin the process of organizing operations by setting competitive priorities. That is they must determine which of the following eight priorities are to be emphasized as competitive advantages: 1. Low-cost operations 2. High performance design 3. Consistent quality 4. Fast delivery time 5. On-time delivery 6. Development speed 7. Product customization 8. Volume flexibility Although all eight are obviously desirable, it is usually not possible for an operation to perform significantly better than the competition in more than one or two. The five key decisions in process management are: I. Process Choice II. Vertical Integration III. Resource Flexibility IV. Customer Involvement V. Capital Intensity These decisions are critical to the success of any organization and must be based on determining the best was to support the competitive priorities of the enterprise. PROCESS CHOICE The first choice typically faced in process management is that of process choice. Manufacturing and service operations can be characterized as one of the following: 1. Project 2. Job Shop 3. Batch Flow 4. Line Flow 5. Continuous Flow The nature of these processes are discussed below and summarized in the manufacturing product-process matrix on page 8. Project Process. Examples of a project process are building a shopping center, planning a major event, running a...
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