Swot analysis free essay sample

Hershey Foods has grown from a one-product, one plant operation to a $4 billion company with many U. S. and international plants providing an array of quality chocolate and confectionery products and services. Hershey entered 1996 as the largest candy maker in the United States with 30. 7 percent market share. Hershey is the largest pasta manufacturer in the United States with 28. 4 percent market share. Hershey Foods Corporation is committed to the values of its founder Milton S. Hershey—the highest standard of quality, honesty, fairness, integrity, and respect. The firm makes annual distribution of cash, products, and services to a variety of national and local charitable organizations. The corporation operates the Milton Hershey School for socially disadvantaged children and is the sole sponsor of the Hershey National Track and Field Youth Program. Hershey also makes contributions to the Children’s Miracle Network, a national program benefiting children’s hospitals across the United States. Hershey’s main chocolate factory, for example, occupies more than 2 million square feet, is highly automated, and contains much heavy equipment, vats, and containers. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It is the largest chocolate plant in the world. Hershey is an exemplary organization in terms of business ethics and social responsibility; a significant part of Hershey Food’s profits go toward operating the Milton Hershey School for Orphaned Children. Hershey is very cooperative with students and professors; Hershey has a toll-free number (1-800-468-1714) that students or professors can call to obtain additional information about the company. Leadership position in the US confectionery market due to well known product brands, backed by ample advertising investments. Broad product portfolio stabilizes the company’s earnings. Focus on research and development (RD), helps Hershey to gauge the emerging market for healthier snacks options. Weaknesses: Hershey’s global market share in the chocolate confectionary industry in only 10 percent, lowest among its competitors. Concern for the natural environment is an issue Hershey should address before competitors seize the initiative. The average price of Cocoa beans rose 25. 8 percent in 1995, following a 28. 9 percent rise in 1994. World production is not keeping pace with increased consumption. The price per pound in 1995 was $0.  72 and is expected to continue increasing. This is a major problem for Hershey because even a small price increase at the retail level severely restricts consumer buying. Some analysts contend that Hershey International as a separate division producing and selling diverse products is an ineffective organizational design. Excessive dependence on the US market, a nd a few distributors for revenue generation restricts. Opportunities: China and India are huge untapped markets. Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand also are untapped, So, Hershey has the opportunity to gain a foothold in those Countries. There is another opportunity for Hershey to develop environmentally safe products and packages, reducing industrial waste, recycling, and establishing an environmental audit process are strategies that could benefit Hershey. Another opportunity is that Hershey diversifies more into non-chocolate candies because that segment is growing most rapidly in foreign countries like U. S U. K. Enhancing market presence through acquisitions and licensing agreements. Streamlining business through restructuring operations and supply chain management. Threats: The main competitors of Hershey Foods are Mars and Nestle. Mars is already a threat for Hershey, because Mars has a stronger presence than Hershey in Europe, Asia, Mexico, and Japan. Unlike Hershey, Mars has historically relied upon extensive marketing and advertising expenditures to gain market share, rather than on product innovation. 25 percent of Nestle’s revenues and profits come from coffee, and adverse economic occurrences in South America, particularly Brazil, affect the company. Nestle plans to continue to play to its strengths, international markets outside the United States, to combat Hershey. Change in Consumer’s life style towards low fat and healthy food. Swot Analysis free essay sample Introduction I chose the business plan of Rutabaga Sweets ironically because I live in the area in which the establishment was to be developed. In my SWOT analysis I will point out what I believe to be the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of this well written business plan. All Eyes On Me The concept of Rutabaga Sweets is one the entire family can look forward to experiencing. It offers something for everyone! With it being a sole propriety, there’s one and only one that anyone can congratulate or condemn for its turnout. This is a major plus, as it also eliminates the old cliche â€Å"too many Indians, not enough chiefs†. Location Is Everything The location of the dessert bar is a prime one! With everything from a sports arena to sports bars, carry outs to fine dining, bowling alleys to game rooms, a dessert bar would certainly add a sense of being complete to this area. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The downtown district in Washington DC is one that is flourishing and I can’t think of anything that is missing amongst all the great restaurants, other than someplace such as Rutabaga Sweets to put a close to a perfect meal. Employee Retention Nothing is better than being employed with a company that cares and this is exactly the impression that Rutabaga Sweets want to convey to its employees. With plans to continue to educate and train employees you can’t help but know that management has your best interest at heart. This along with the employee recognition program should keep employees around for years to come. Strengths This was a very well thought out plan. One of which I found many strengths, the first one being originality. The idea of having a â€Å"dessert bar† that’s family friendly in one of the busiest areas of Washington DC is just something I would have never thought or dreamed of. The fact that it affords the children the opportunity to assist in making their own cookies will be a big hit. This will not be just another store front bakery where you place your order wait for them to package it and leave out the front door. I kind of get the feeling that you will get the complete dining experience that you would get from a five star restaurant. Weaknesses Now this was a tough one! I was so in awe with the concept, I thought everything about it was great. However, the one weakness that I did come across would be the selling of the cookbook. If the desserts are truly to die for, than that should be like the â€Å"Colonel’s Recipe†, top secret. I for one was a big fan of the sweet potato casserole at Ruth Chris’s Steakhouse, as a matter of fact that was the one thing that drove me to patronize the establishment. Well I found the recipe online and I haven’t been back since. Opportunities The biggest opportunity I see in all of this, is the potential to grow. There could be several stores within the area in a few years. Who knows, if that goes well than there could be franchise opportunities in every major city in the United States. It’s all in how you market the product. Threats My biggest concern with this concept is that while the location is a very busy one, it’s not a place where you see a lot of children. It’s more of area were the nightlife flourishes more than anything else. It’s also very congested, parking is the worst. I believe this idea would be better served in an environment where parents could take their children without having to worry about finding a parking space, or being surrounded by bars and nightclubs. Conclusion While the idea of Rutabaga Sweets is one that I would actually love to see in my neighborhood, I think the prime location for this type of venue would be on the outskirts of the city. Somewhere near a mall or other family oriented venues might be a better choice for an establishment such as this. I will say this, I live in a city where we love nothing more than to dine out and Rutabaga Sweets would be welcome in all sections of the city! References http://www.bplans.com/dessert_bakery_business_plan/executive_summary_fc.cfm Swot Analysis free essay sample The extra costs in labour, occupancy, utilities and financing are decreased by the company’s Cost of Doing Business (CODB) which includes introducing product canners and eliminating administrative tasks. To motivate increasing in spend, balances and lots of cards on issue, the company invested $1. 8 million in its Financial Services business, such as 21 new cardholder events. 6. SWOT Analysis To create, confirm, or regulate the Qantas’ specific business model which will best match its resources and capabilities and the demands of the environment, the analysis of Qantas’ internal strengths, weakness and external opportunities, threats is compulsory. However, this kind of analysis and comparison is generally referred to as a SWOT analysis (Hill Jones, 2010). The successful operation of Qantas cannot depart from its five advantages. Single type of airplane is the main recipe of low-cost operation. Due to arrive a retrenchment on maintenance and training, all Qantas’ planes are B737s and also plan to purchase 53 B737s from Boeing later. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Qantas have flexible negotiation, favorable terms for terminal access which even located at the Australia’s main airport, such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It is the second merit low-cost terminal. Moreover because near ninety per cent of Qantas’ fares are booked via internet, it contributes to the ticketless distribution. Flexible working practices are another advantages should be mentioned. For example, the aircraft can be cleaned by cabin crew, thereby decreasing the difference between ground and cabin crews. The last superiority of Qantas is it has built its own service culture and a relaxed working environment. The flexibility, teamwork and open communications are the leitmotiv of its culture. Furthermore, the casual uniforms of the staff and the no-tie policy are appropriate examples to illustrate the relaxed working environment in the Qantas (Stephane Peter). However, the disadvantages of the Qantas also cannot be ignored. For instance, the ability of the low-cost airline was restricted drastically by  the lack of a real business class and of an airport lounge at Canberra (2004). The comparison of external opportunities and threats is illustrated in the flowing table Opportunities1. International development: starting international services to New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu and Cook Islands after January 2005. 2. Diversification: selling different holiday packages. 3. Alliance: making code-sharing agreements with United Airlines and similar agreements with Virgin Atlantic in 2004. Threats1. Profits under pressure: Unprofitable routes: because of intense competition between Qantas and JetStar; Forced increasing charges. Turbulence on board: because of unadvisable management among staffs. Source: adapted from Tywoniak,Stephane Galvin,Peter. Qantas: the high flyer of the airline industry. Therefore, the Qantas’ strategies can be identified by the SWOT analysis to develop external opportunities, resist threats, establish and protect company strengths, and eliminate weaknesses. Strengthening the core business Employees—negative It can affect employee numbers by implementing cost of doing business (CODB) reductions which tried to introduce the product scanners. Therefore, the expected increasing costs in employees can be reduced. Swot Analysis free essay sample It also supplies movements and components to third-party watchmakers in Switzerland and around the world. The group has a global presence, which provides it a distinct competitive advantage in the market place. However, intense competition may erode the groups margins and reduce its market share. Strengths| Weaknesses| * Global market presence * Strong brand portfolio * Extensive product offering| * Unfunded employee post-retirement benefits| Opportunities| Threats| Strategic acquisitions and partnerships * Emerging luxury products market in China| * Intense competition * Exchange rate risk| SWOT analysis details Strengths Global market presence Swatch has a global presence through its distribution network spread across Europe, Americas, Oceania, Far East, Middle East and Africa. The group has presence in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and Ireland. Swatch also has its operations in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Panama, the US, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE and South Africa. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Furthermore, it also has a major position in the production and supply of watches, movements and components with 156 production centers. The group has maintained its leadership position during FY2011 in most of the segments through its product launches, as well as investments in renovation and new store openings, thus expanding and improving its worldwide network. Strong market presence provides the group a distinct competitive advantage in the market place and increases its sales. Strong brand portfolio Swatch is the worlds largest manufacturer and distributor of watches. It owns major watch brands such as Breguet, Glashutte-Original, Blancpain, Leon Hatot, Jaquet Droz, Omega, Longines, Rado, Union Glashutte, Tissot, CK, Balmain, Certina, Mido, Hamilton, Swatch, Flik Flak and Endura. Each brand enjoys strong recognition various markets. For instance, Omega was ranked 10th in the list of Best Swiss Brands in 2012 by an industry source specializing in brand valuation. Breguet was ranked 21st on the same list. Omega was also ranked seventh in the list of top 50 Swiss brands in 2012 by another industry source and Breguet was also ranked among the Top 100 French Brands in 2012. A strong brand portfolio helps the group to attract new customers across geographies and widen its customer base. Extensive product offering Swatch, together with its subsidiaries, is engaged in the manufacture of watches, jewelry, movements, components and other products. The group offers watches in all price and market categories. The group also manufactures mechanical and quartz movements, and is active in the design, production and marketing of electronic components. EM, the groups business, produces standards as well as customer specific integrated circuits for applications in the field of consumer and industrial electronics, automotive, telecommunications, and computer peripherals industries. It also produces modules and liquid crystal displays. The group also provides data processing and timekeeping services at international sporting events. Swatch offers advanced timing systems which enhanced Swiss Timings traditional sports timing and measurement services. Swatch is one of the worlds leading information providers at sports events. The most recently introduced Ircos timing system is an innovative television commentator information system (CIS) that enables all the judges marks and all the positions to be displayed in real time. An extensive product offering presents the group with access to wider end-markets and increases its sales. Weaknesses Unfunded employee post-retirement benefits The group has significant unfunded pension obligations. Swatch provides retirement benefits for most of the employees, either directly or by contributing to independently administered funds. In FY2011, the groups pension benefit obligations stood at CHF3,704 million (approximately $4,191. 4 million) as compared to the planned assets of CHF3,195 million (approximately $3,615. 5 million), resulting into an unfunded status of CHF509 million (approximately $576 million). Unfunded pension obligations will force the group to make regular cash contributions to bridge the gap between pension assets and liabilities, pressurizing the liquidity position of the group. Opportunities Strategic acquisitions and partnerships Swatch has made strategic acquisitions in the recent past. In April 2012, Swatch acquired Simon Et Membrez SA, a manufacturer of watch cases. In addition, Swatch also acquired the related 60% holding in Termiboites SA (case polishing) in Courtemaiche. Simon Et Membrezs operations complement Comadur, Manufacture Ruedin and Lascor, the companies active in the production of watch casings within the Swatch Group. Furthermore in January 2013, Swatch acquired 100% of the shares of the US company HW Holdings, owner of Harry Winston. Swatch acquired the brand and all the activities related to jewelry and watches, including the production company in Geneva, Switzerland. This acquisition complements the prestige segment of the group. The acquisition will help Swatch compete against Cie. Financiere Richemonts Cartier brand in the market for high-end jewelry and watches with precious stones. Earlier, the group had signed a long term partnership with The International Olympic Committee in the areas of timing, scoring and venue results services for the Olympic Games. With this agreement, the group will be the official timekeeper and results service partner for the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi in 2014, Olympiad in 2016, Olympic Winter Games in 2018 and the Olympiad in 2020. Strategic acquisitions and partnerships such as these provide the group strengthen its operations and product lines further as well as increase its reach across regions. Emerging luxury products market in China The luxury goods market in China is steadily growing. Rising income levels are expected to increase the demand for premium goods. This is likely to translate into higher demand for the products sold by the group. According to industry sources, China will be the top contributor to growth in global luxury sales and Chinese tourists are fueling demand in key global cities, accounting for more than half of Chinas spending on high-end brands. Chinese customers are expected to purchase high-end products in domestic and overseas markets worth CNY570 billion (approximately $88. 1 billion) by 2015. Swatch generates more than half of its revenues from Asia. The group continues to expand its presence in China. In 2011, Breguet opened boutiques Macau, in Beijing and in Ningbo, China. Longines increased its international presence with new boutiques in China. The group also launched new products such as Rado D-Star in China. China is one of Swatchs most important markets. Therefore, the growing demand for luxury products in China will help the company generate more sales from the region. Threats Intense competition The luxury goods industry is characterized by high degree of competition. Swatch competes with numerous designers and manufacturers like Citizen Holdings Company, Compagnie Financiere Richemont AG, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Tiffany amp; Co. , and Guess Inc. Some of these competitors are significantly larger and have substantially greater resources than Swatch. The group has decided to cut back its sales of the inner workings to competitors to focus on producing watches with higher profit margins and to make sure it has enough supplies on hand for its own brands. This decision was approved by Switzerlands competition authority. However, Swatch is being challenged in court by nine watch companies. The final verdict is still pending. If the ruling is not in favor of Swatch, the group will continue to supply components and movements to its competitors. This could also limit the groups growth prospects. Intense competition threatens to erode the groups margins and reduce its market share. Exchange rate risk Swatch conducts business in many foreign countries. The portion of its assets and liabilities that are denominated in various currencies is exposed to risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The foreign exchange risks arise mainly from fluctuation of currencies against the Swiss Franc, primarily the Euro, the US Dollar, the Chinese Yuan and the Japanese Yen. While preparing the financial statements the revenues generated from abroad will have to be converted into local currency. During this process if the value of the Swiss Franc strengthens against the value of, local currency the groups earnings could be negatively impacted. The adverse currency fluctuations will have an impact on the financial performance of the group. SWOT Analysis free essay sample Its unique selling proposition is customer satisfaction, which is crucial and advanced among appliance companies. It has a wide product range in the field of home appliance, which is easier for Hairier to meet customers demand. Weaknesses The company image to some extent is negative since the quality of products is still controversial, at least not totally approved by public yet. As a foreign brand, Hairier is undoubtedly harder than other American companies to integrate into local society and culture. Opportunities Social changes and market trends tend to match what Hairier focus. People in America tend to enjoy and demand more home appliance as economy develops and living standard is improved. Wine cellars, home laundry, refrigeration appliances and freezers which Hairier is good at are accepted and needed by home users. Comparing with other major brands in America, Harriers price is more attractive in a same feature level. Opening a factory inSouth Carolina is beneficial to enjoy better governmental policies and benefits such as lower tax, comparing with import from other countries. We will write a custom essay sample on SWOT Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The rats political factors sometimes may be an issue when Sino-U. S. Relations are not stable. As a Chinese enterprise, it is easy to be affected. Foreign competitor companies such as LAG and Samsung entered America Market earlier than Hairier did, which will affect market share to some extent. The American market is still dominated by local companies such as GE and Whirlpool. Swot Analysis free essay sample Opportunities and Threats. It is the most renowned tool for audit and analysis of the overall strategic position of the business and its environment. Strenghts * These drinks are low calorie yet tasty which is hard to find in every day drinks. * Neuro drinks are packaged in attractive bold coloured bottles which makes these drinks stand out to other bottled drinks. * The bottles in which Neuro drinks are packaged are fully recyclable. This is a big strength as people are becoming more aware of the earth and recycling. * No competitor in Irish market can compete as it’s totally new and different to other drinks in Ireland. There is no opposing brand with exactly the same purpose. * These drinks boost specific brain or body functions. So if a certain one of these drinks doesn’t suit one consumer another one will. * The company is a proud sponsor of SPINs annual events held in Texas. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page * Strong, fresh amp; fashionable brand identity Weaknesses Although Neuro drinks work they are only a temporary solution. So people cannot mistake them as a lifelong solution. * Neuro drinks contain caffeine which can become addictive resulting in the drink unhealthy for you. * These drinks are slightly higher price than your everyday energy/vitamin drink so families on a low budget may not be able to afford it. * We can’t stress enough how this drink should not be taken in place of a healthy diet. People may take it as that. It should be taken as part of a healthy diet. Neuro core benefits don’t fit into new trends , there are new trends to focus more on being natural, healthy ,new trends not only towards boosting body and brain but also memory ,intelligence ,lowers stress and depression accordingly RB seemsnot to be appealing to the next generation * over the past few years due to depreciation of the US dollar, American products have gained a competitive advantage in pricing; American products are less expensive for Irish and European consumers. Swot Analysis free essay sample IT also supports Wal-Marts efficient procurement. * A focused strategy is in place for human resource management and development. People are key to Wal-Marts business and it invests time and money in training people, and retaining a developing them. Weaknesses * Wal-Mart is the Worlds largest grocery retailer and control of its empire, despite its IT advantages, could leave it weak in some areas due to the huge span of control. * Since Wal-Mart sell products across many sectors (such as clothing, food, or stationary), it may not have the flexibility of some of its more focused competitors. The company is global, but has has a presence in relatively few countries Worldwide. Opportunities To take over, merge with, or form strategic alliances with other global retailers, focusing on specific markets such as Europe or the Greater China Region. * The stores are currently only trade in a relatively small number of countries. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Therefore there are tremendous opportunities for future business in expanding consumer markets, such as China and India. * New locations and store types offer Wal-Mart opportunities to exploit market development. They diversified from large super centres, to local and mall-based sites. Opportunities exist for Wal-Mart to continue with its current strategy of large, super centres. Threats * Being number one means that you are the target of competition, locally and globally. * Being a global retailer means that you are exposed to political problems in the countries that you operate in. * The cost of producing many consumer products tends to have fallen because of lower manufacturing costs. Manufacturing cost have fallen due to outsourcing to low-cost regions of the World. This has lead to price competition, resulting in price deflation in some ranges. Intense price competition is a threat.