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    Executive Summary

    Dell is one of the most popular organization who is specialized in making desktops, laptops and wide

    range of other computer hardwares all over the globe to satisfy growing demands of people in field of

    IT. Dell entered into Indian market in mid of 1993 by via export and after two years successful operations

    in India, Dell entered into Chinas market in beginning of 1995 through exports and in 1998 Dell installedits manufacturing plants too in China due to favorable production environment in China at lower cost. We

    will discuss this in details below. Dell continually achieved phenomenal records in sales and profit

    growth, eventually making it the most successful company ever in the PC industry, surpassing

    $25 billion in 2000.

    Dell captured customer market and compete other competitors in same field over the China my

    the mode of production of products at lowest cost and offering customized options to its

    customers. All the strategies which dell focused and we will discuss in this project are all

    showing that how Dell was giving its maximum focus on customers needs according to the

    need of time and technology at lowest cost and optional customization options. Dells direct

    relationship with the customer allows it to tailor its offerings to customer needs, offer add-on

    products and services, and use the Internet to offer a variety of customer services. In addition,

    Dells PCs are built to customers specifications upon receipt of an order, giving Dell additional

    advantages over indirect PC vendors who must try to forecast demand and ship products based

    on those forecasts. Dell relies on outside partners for services such as system integration,

    installation, on-site repairs and consulting. Partners include Wang, Unisys, IBM and BancTec. On

    other hand Dells focus on the corporate and government institutional customers somehow

    affected its ability to form relationships with educational institutions which was the negative

    point in the favor of Dell in China because students are there top list customers.

    Dell Computer's award-winning customer service, industry-leading growth and consistently

    strong financial performance differentiate the company from competitors. Customers are

    getting more and more educated about computers. Second-time buyers would most likely avail

    of Dells custom-built computers because as their knowledge grows, so do their need to

    experiment or use some additional computer features. . Low-cost leadership strategy is no

    longer an issue to Dell therefore it is important for Dell to stand out from the rest and have to

    always keep up with technological advancements to be able to compete.

    INTRODUCTION

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    Dell was founded in 1983 by Michael Dell, an 18 year old college freshman from Texas who

    started out upgrading hard drives for IBM compatibles on nights and weekends.

    Within a year, his service business had grown to an incredible $6 million from performing

    computer upgrades for local area businesses and he dropped out of school to concentrate on

    the business. When Dell changed its strategy and started offering custom built-to-order

    machines, the business exploded, with $70 million in sales by the end of 1985. Evolving into anassembler company, Dell was able to exploit certain events occurring in the industry and swiftly

    adapted to meet market conditions.

    Five years later, total sales had grown to an unbelievable $500 million and Dell became

    nationally known as a supplier of state-of-the art desktop and portable computers. Dell

    continually achieved phenomenal records in sales and profit growth, eventually making it the

    most successful company ever in the PC industry, surpassing $25 billion in 2000. As one of the

    world's premier providers of computer products and services, Dell was the US market leader in

    its core products, the desktop and laptop markets by 2001.

    In 2001, Dell Computer became the worlds largest personal computer vendor, continuing to

    gain market share and post profits in an industry struggling with slumping sales and billions of

    dollars in losses. Dell sells 90% of its PCs directly to the final customer, largely bypassing there

    seller channel that accounts for most of the worlds PC sales. This direct customer relationship

    is the key to Dells business model, and provides distinct advantages over the indirect sales

    model. Dells direct relationship with the customer allows it to tailor its offerings to customer

    needs, offer add-on products and services, and use the Internet to offer a variety of customer

    services. In addition, Dells PCs arebuilt to customers specifications upon receipt of an order,

    giving Dell additional advantages over indirect PC vendors who must try to forecast demand

    and ship products based on those forecasts. Dells direct sales and build-to-order model has

    achieved superior performance in the PC industry in terms of inventory turnover, reduced

    overhead, cash conversion, and return on investment.

    Dells business model is simple in concept, but very complex in execution. Building PCs to order

    means that Dell must have parts and components on hand to build a wide array of possible

    configurations with little advance notice. In order to fill orders quickly, Dell must have excellent

    manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by information systems that enable it to

    substitute information for inventory.

    The demands of Dells model have led it to adopta new organizational structure.It is marked by

    a focus on a few key strategic activities, and extensive outsourcing of non-strategic activities.

    Dell works closely with external partners to produce its PC products and to offer its customers

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    an array of additional products and services that add value and allow Dell to capture a larger

    share of the customers IT spending.

    To manufacture its products, Dell coordinates a global production network that spans the

    Americas, Europe and Asia, combining in-house final assembly with heavy reliance on outside

    suppliers and contract manufacturers. Manufacturing of printed circuit board assemblies

    (PCBAs), subassemblies (box builds), and some final products (mainly notebook PCs) is handled

    by contract manufacturers or original design manufacturers such as SCI, Solectron, Celestica,

    Hon Hai, Quanta and Arima. Like other PC makers, Dell relies on outside suppliers for

    components and peripherals such as disk drives, CD-ROM drives, semiconductors, add-on cards,

    monitors, keyboards, mice and speakers. Its PCs can be bundled with standard software such as

    Microsoft Office or with specialized software requested by corporate customers.

    Dell relies on outside partners for services such as system integration, installation, on-site

    repairs and consulting. Partners include Wang, Unisys, IBM and BancTec. It also works withresellers who support Dell hardware and receive referral fees for recommending Dell to

    customers.

    History

    Dell competes in the PC industry, selling enterprise systems, desktop computers andnotebook computers.

    Founded in 1983 Worlds largest computer vendor Revenues of $41 billion in 2004

    Operates in 13 Asia Pacific markets with sales of $4.3B in 2004 Entered China in 1995 via export Started focusing on China in 1998 Operates in in 1998 established a local manufacturing and distribution operation In 2004, Dell PCs captured 7% share in China.

    Dells Mission and Vision

    Mission Statement:

    Dells Mission is to be the most successful computer company in the world at deliveringthe best customer experience in the markets we serve.

    Vision Statement:

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    Its the way we do business. It's the way we interact with the community. It's the way we

    interpret the world around us-- our customers needs, the future of technology, and the

    global business climate.

    Products and Services

    Products

    Following is the product range of Dell International;

    OptiPlex (officedesktop computer systems)

    Vostro (office/small business desktop andnotebook systems)

    n Series (desktop and notebook computers shipped withLinux orFreeDOS

    installed)

    Latitude (business-focused notebooks) Precision (workstation systems and high-performance notebooks),

    [34]

    PowerEdge (businessservers)

    PowerVault (direct-attach andnetwork-attached storage)

    PowerConnect (network switches)

    Dell/EMC (storage area networks)

    EqualLogic (enterprise classiSCSISANs)

    Dell's Home Office/Consumer class emphasizes value, performance, and expandability.These brands include:

    Inspiron (budget desktop and notebook computers) Studio (mainstream desktop and laptop computers)

    XPS (high-end desktop and notebook computers)

    Studio XPS (high-end design-focus of XPS systems and extreme multimedia

    capability)

    Alienware (high-performance gaming systems)

    Adamo (high-end luxury laptop)

    Dell's Peripherals class includesUSB key drives,LCD televisions,andprinters;Dellmonitors includesLCD TVs,plasma TVs andprojectors forHDTV andmonitors;Dell

    Ultra Sharp is further a high-end brand ofmonitors. Dell also helps you harness the transformative power of todays latest technologies,

    simplifying the entire life cycle of every initiative, from assessment and planning to

    implementation and support.

    Systems Management

    Data Storage & Management

    Servers

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_OptiPlexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desktop_computerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Vostrohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptophttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_n_Serieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linuxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FreeDOShttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Latitudehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Precisionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_workstationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell#cite_note-33http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell#cite_note-33http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell#cite_note-33http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_PowerEdgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_%28computing%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_PowerVaulthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network-attached_storagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_PowerConnecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_switchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell/EMChttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storage_area_networkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EqualLogichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISCSIhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storage_area_networkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Inspironhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Studiohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_XPShttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Studio_XPShttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alienwarehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Adamohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keydrivehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_crystal_display_televisionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_%28computing%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_monitorshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_monitorshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCDhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_displayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_projectorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_definition_televisionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_displayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=UltraSharp&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_monitorshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_monitorshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=UltraSharp&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_displayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_definition_televisionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_projectorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_displayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCDhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_monitorshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_monitorshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_%28computing%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_crystal_display_televisionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keydrivehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Adamohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alienwarehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Studio_XPShttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_XPShttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Studiohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Inspironhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storage_area_networkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISCSIhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EqualLogichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storage_area_networkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell/EMChttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_switchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_PowerConnecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network-attached_storagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_PowerVaulthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_%28computing%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_PowerEdgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell#cite_note-33http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_workstationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Precisionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Latitudehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FreeDOShttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linuxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_n_Serieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptophttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Vostrohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desktop_computerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_OptiPlex
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    Virtualization

    SERVICES

    Dell service and support brands include;

    Dell On Call (extended domestic support services), Dell Support Center (extended support services abroad),

    Dell Business Support (a commercial service-contract that provides an industry-certifiedtechnician with a lower call-volume than in normal queues),

    Dell Ever dream Desktop Management ("Software as a Service" remote-desktopmanagement), and

    Your Tech Team (a support-queue available to home users who purchased their systemseither through Dell's website or through Dell phone-centers).

    Dells Service Partners

    Rather than do everything itself, Dell has made extensive use of business partners to help serve

    its customers, especially as it has moved into producing servers and targeting the small and

    medium business market. Three functions - systems integration, service and repair, and

    consulting - all have to be located very close to the customer, as they involve direct contact

    with the customer. Dell partners with companies that can deliver these services globally - or at

    least regionally.

    System integration: Dell partners for procurements with integrators like Electronic DataSystems (EDS) who will install Dell servers and link them up with end user devices.

    Service and repair: Dell also partners with firms like IBM, Unisys, Wang for field service

    and repair. While 90% of service incidents are handled by telephone in Dells call

    centers, about 10% involve field calls, which Dell has outsourced to these partners. Their

    field service units are tied to Dell electronically, and get the orders for field service

    within an hour or two of a call coming in to Dell.

    Consulting: Dell partners with Arthur Andersen and Gen 3 in the U.S. to provideconsulting services to companies that seek to emulate Dells success with the direct

    model and Internet-based IT.

    MARKETING STRATEGIES

    When Dell was first launched in India,Dells advertising campaign was titled Take YourOwn Path.

    http://content.dell.com/us/en/business/smb-by-technology-virtualization.aspxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dell_On_Call&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dell_On_Call&action=edit&redlink=1http://content.dell.com/us/en/business/smb-by-technology-virtualization.aspx
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    The campaign targeted Indian SMBs (Small Medium Businesss) with a new range of laptops.

    DELL KIOSKS

    Starting in 2002, Dell openedkiosk locations inshopping malls across United States,

    Australia,Canada,Singapore and Hong Kong in order to give personal service to customerswho preferred this method of shopping to using the Internet or the telephone-system despitethe added expense

    GREEN INITIATIVE

    Dell became the first company in theinformation technology industry to establish aproduct-recycling goal (in 2004) and completed the implementation of its global consumer

    recycling-program in 2006.

    INTELLIGENT CLASSROOM

    Dell has been a leader for years and has had several different versions of the IntelligentClassroom.

    Typical technology used in an Intelligent Classroom would include a projector, computer,sound, student response systems, video distribution, and IP TV.

    All of these products would have one goal, and that is to improve the learning experiencefor the students.

    PRACTICE FUSION

    Dell might not be the first firm that leaps to mind when youthink "high-tech medical practices" but maybe it shouldbe: the company has introduced an all-in-one system formakingdigital medical records cheap and easy fordoctors, called Practice Fusion.

    GREENEST BRAND

    Samsung and Toshiba may be themostsustainable brands for consumer laptop and PC buyers,butDell wins out with the IT crowd according to a newstudy fromGreen Factor.

    Marketing intelligence firm Strategic Oxygensurveyed over 3,500 CIOs, IT managers, and CXOs in 11countries.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kioskhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shopping_mallhttp://www.dell.com.au/Delldirectstorehttp://www.dell.ca/Delldirectstorehttp://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/ap/topics/main/en/direct_kiosk?c=sg&l=en&s=dhshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology_industryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recyclinghttp://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/135/19-billion-for-what.htmlhttp://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/toxics/electronics/how-the-companies-line-uphttp://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/toxics/electronics/how-the-companies-line-uphttp://www.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=genhttp://www.greenfactorstudy.com/http://www.greenfactorstudy.com/http://www.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=genhttp://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/toxics/electronics/how-the-companies-line-uphttp://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/toxics/electronics/how-the-companies-line-uphttp://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/135/19-billion-for-what.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recyclinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology_industryhttp://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/ap/topics/main/en/direct_kiosk?c=sg&l=en&s=dhshttp://www.dell.ca/Delldirectstorehttp://www.dell.com.au/Delldirectstorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shopping_mallhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiosk
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    OTHER MARKETING STRATEGIES

    Delladvertisements have appeared in several types ofmedia includingtelevision,theInternet,magazines,catalogs andnewspapers.

    Some of Dell Inc's marketing strategies include lowering prices at all times of the year, offeringfree bonus products (such as Dell printers), and offering free shipping in order to encourage

    more sales and to stave off.

    To maintain its low prices, Dell continues to accept most purchases of its products via theInternet and through the telephone network.

    Dell has been focusing onm-commerce andsocial media strategies to reach customers andpotential customers with marketing offers.

    Dell reportedly earned $1 million in revenue from transmitting messages about sales anddiscounts to its Twitter followers.

    TWITTER REALLY WORKS

    Dell started tweeting about two years ago, when thesystem was pretty new.

    So given what they say are $6.5 million in Twitter-driven sales, the company's yearly return fromTweets is around $3.25 million.

    Dell also notes that its follower list has risen 23% inthree months alone.

    DELL MINI 5 ANDROID SLATES

    It's very light and comfortable to use, the screen isresponsive, and Dell's icon interface makes for intuitivepresentation of Android.

    Dell In China

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advertisementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_mediahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Televisionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magazineshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mail-order_cataloghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newspapershttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internethttp://retailindustry.about.com/b/2008/12/14/holidaycyber-shopping-2008-m-commerce-upstages-e-commerce-at-wal-mart-amazon-zappos-and-sears.htmhttp://retailindustry.about.com/b/2008/09/27/business-blogging-or-business-babble.htmhttp://retailindustry.about.com/b/2008/09/27/business-blogging-or-business-babble.htmhttp://retailindustry.about.com/b/2008/12/14/holidaycyber-shopping-2008-m-commerce-upstages-e-commerce-at-wal-mart-amazon-zappos-and-sears.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newspapershttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mail-order_cataloghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magazineshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Televisionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_mediahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advertisement
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    Dell is one of the worlds most successful company. After entering in huge number ofglobal markets, Dell decided to enter Indians market in 1993 and after the struggle oftwo years analysis of China, Dell entered into china in 1995 via export. In 1998 , Dellestablished its local manufacturing and distributional operations in China and up to year2004, Dell was able to capture 7% to 9% market shares in China.

    To discuss the Dell in China and its marketing strategy in china, lets start ourdiscussion from different sorts of SWOT and PEST analysis;

    SWOT ANALYSIS

    Strengths

    Dell's Direct Model approach of enables the company to offer direct relationships with

    customers such as corporate and institutional customers. Their strategic method also provides

    other forms of products and services such as internet and telephone purchasing, customized

    computer systems; phone and online technical support and next-day, on-site product service.

    This extensive range of products and services is definitely one of Dells strengths.

    Dell Computer's award-winning customer service, industry-leading growth and consistently

    strong financial performance differentiate the company from competitors for the following

    reasons:

    Price for PerformanceDell boasts a very efficient procurement, manufacturing and

    distribution process allowing it to offer customers powerful systems at competitive prices.

    Customization- Each Dell system is built to order to meet each customers specifications.

    Reliability, Service and SupportDells direct customer allows it to provide top-notch

    customer service before and after the sale.

    Latest TechnologyDell is able to introduce the latest relevant technology compared to

    companies using the indirect distribution channels. Dell turns over inventory for an average of

    every six days, keeping inventory costs low.

    The company's application of the Internet to other parts of the business --includingprocurement, customer support and relationship management -- is growing at a rate of 30

    percent. The company's Web site received at least 25 million visits at more than 50 country-

    specific sites.

    Weaknesses

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    Dells biggest weakness is attracting the college student segment of the market. Dells sales

    revenue from educational institutions such as colleges only accounts for a measly 5% of the

    total. Dells focus on the corporate and government institutional customers somehow affected

    its ability to form relationships with educational institutions. Since many students purchase

    their PCs through their schools, Dell is obviously not popular among the college market yet.

    For home users, Dells direct method and customization approach posed problems. For one,

    customers cannot go to retailers because Dell does not use distribution channels. Customers

    just cant buy Dell as simply as other brands because each product is custom-built according to

    their specifications and this might take days to finish.

    Signi f icant Issues and ProblemsDells most significant issue is the continuation and expansion of its direct modelselling method and the application of this particular method, in which it excels, in foreignmarkets. The opportunities and threats portion of this case analysis discusses thesefactors in detail. Dell faces a number of problems as it seeks entrance into the Chinese

    market, most notably government regulations on manufacturing, consumer access to itsonline selling system upon which Dell relies, and nationalized competitors. Tosuccessfully enter and compete in this market, Dell must make concessions to theChinese government, most notably in location of production facilities, and tailor theirdirect selling method for a culturally different consumer audience.Domestically, Dell also seeks growth in its online direct selling method, but facesincreased competition from copy-cats, IBM and Compaq. Both retailers are learningfrom Dell and are implementing Dells direct model in their own venues. If Dell wishesto see 50% of revenues come from online sales, it must realize it is losing thiscompetitive advantage because now competitors can duplicate portions of it. Dell mustfind ways to significantly improve or differentiate its direct model further if it wishes to

    maintain a competitive advantage in direct online sales domestically.

    Opportunities

    Personal computers are becoming a necessity now more than ever. Customers are getting more

    and more educated about computers. Second-time buyers would most likely avail of Dells

    custom-built computers because as their knowledge grows, so do their need to experiment or

    use some additional computer features.

    Demand for laptops is also growing. As a matter of fact, demand for laptop has overtaken the

    demand for desktops. This is another opportunity for Dell to grow in other segments.

    The internet also provides Dell with greater opportunities since all they have to do now is to

    visit Dells website to place their order or to get information. Since Dell does not have retail

    stores, the online stores would surely make up for its absence. It is also more convenient for

    customers to shop online than to actually drive and do purchase at a physical store.

    Threats

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    In a volatile market such as personal computers, threats abound. Computers change in a

    constant sometime daily basis. New software, new hardware and computer accessories are

    introduced at a lightning speed. It is essential for Dell therefore to be always on the lookout for

    new things or introduce new computer systems.

    The threat to become outmoded is a pulsating reality in a computer business. Not only that,companies must produce products that are high in quality but low in price. This is one challenge

    that Dell contends with.

    One of the biggest external threats to Dell is that price difference among brands is getting

    smaller. Dells Direct Modelattracts customers because it saves cost. Since other companies are

    able to offer computers at low costs, this could threaten Dells price-conscious growing

    customer base. With almost identical prices, price difference is no longer an issue for a

    customer. They might choose other brands instead of waiting for Dells customized computers.

    The growth rate of the computer industry is also slowing down. Today, Dell has the biggest

    share of the market. If the demand slows down, the competition will become stiffer in theprocess. Dell has to work doubly hard to differentiate itself from its substitutes to be able to

    continue holding a significant market share.

    Technological advancement is a double-edge sword. It is an opportunity but at the same time a

    threat. Low-cost leadership strategy is no longer an issue to computer companies therefore it is

    important for computer companies to stand out from the rest.

    Technology dictates that the most up-to-date and fastest products are always the most

    popular. Dell has to always keep up with technological advancements to be able to compete.

    Current Status of Dell organization:

    Dell has performed extremely well since its inception in 1984. At the time of this

    case, in 2000, Dell realized $25 billion in gross revenue and $1.86 billion in net income.

    One can appreciate the magnitude of its continual growth through the fact Dell had a

    four-year average (1997-2000) growth rate of 63.76%. With a current ratio of 1.48, Dell

    maintains enough liquidity to repay its current liabilities. Dells equities are growth

    stocks; Dell has never paid a dividend to shareholders. Its strong returns have prompted

    investors to trust and invest in the company regularly over the years, and therefore Dell

    has not had to utilize long-term debt as a primary capital- financing tool. Dell has

    rewarded its investors with a stable stock, with a split history of 3-to-2 in April 1992, 2-

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    to-1 in October 1995, 2-to-1 in December 1996, 2-to-1 in July 1997, 2-to-1 in March

    1998, 2-to-1 in September 1998, and most recently 2-to-1 in March 1999. Dells return

    on equity, a measure of shareholders return on investment, was 0.52 in 2000.

    Dells ample cash supply prevents the company from having to incur any shortterm

    debt, of which it had none in 2000. Dells debt ratio, an indication of Dells ability to sell assets if

    necessary to cover its creditors risk, was only 0.04 in 2000, as it had only

    $508 million in long-term debt compared to over $11 billion in total assets. Dells debtto-

    equity ratio, an indication as to the extent the firm has financially leveraged itself, was

    0.14 in 2000.

    Current Status of Dell in Chinas Market:

    Here we will discuss five important forces of competitors to discuss current actual status of Dell

    in Chinas market;

    Threat of new entrants in Market of China is High Bargaining power of suppliers in Chinas market is Low The value of threat of substitution products for customers is Moderate Rivalry among competiting Firms is Intense

    Now lets evaluate the Dell in china by using Portals model of different forces which effects

    the operations and functions of any organization.

    Porters Five Forces

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    Threat of New Entrants( High):

    Foreign and local competitorsIBM, Compaq and HP also entered into market.Less government policy barriers (China joined WTO in 2002)

    Potential barriers include:

    Access to distribution channelsScale economies (Local production plants)

    Bargaining Power of Suppliers (Low):

    Most competitors are vertically integrated thats why the there is low bargaining poweropportunities for Dell with suppliers.

    External Analysis:

    Bargaining Power of Customers(MODERATE):

    Few buyers purchase a large portion of industry outputState-owned companies, MNCs and educational institutionsSales account for a large portion of Dells sales revenues 50% from government, education,telecoms, power and finance.Brand reputation and product differentiation can mitigate

    Substitutes(Low):

    Competitive Rivalry(Intense):

    High profit potential due to industry growthMain buyers are institutions with more resources than individualsPrice pressure from local competitorsHigh fixed costs of production capacityHigh strategic stakes (focus on market share)

    Aggressive competitive responseLenovo adopting Dells direct sales model in ChinaLenovos joint venture with IBM to increase its shareLenovos brand campaign to improve recognition

    Competitors Analysis:

    Future objectives:Build market share rapidly over its competitors.Current strategy:

    Cost leadership (Lenovo, Founder, Tongfang)Differentiation (HP, IBM & Compaq)Focused on consumer marketLenovo positioning itself to challenge in high-endCompetitors

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    Critical investigation and analysis of Dell in Chinas market

    Key Strengths:

    Chinese competitors:market knowledge and low cost advantage.American competitors:technology and brand recognition.

    Key Weaknesses:

    Chinese competitors:brand recognitionAmerican competitors:higher costs

    High-end Customers

    State-owned companies MNCs Government Educational institutions

    Large Corporate Accounts (1,500+ employees in Telecoms, Power and Finance)

    Individual Consumers

    Behavior:

    Consumer market is price sensitive Prefer a trial use of PCs before purchase Internet purchases were uncommon but internet users increasing Best way to reach is through retailing (Kiosks) Value product quality, especially high-end customers Brand loyal

    Key Resources

    Key tangible resources:

    World Wide market leadership & financial resources ($8B in China) Direct sales system and customer service Local production plant in China Alliance with Oracle Manufacturing (Build-to-order) and low inventory strategy

    Just-in-time model (6 days vs. 40 days of supply) Portfolio of award-winning products

    Key intangible resources:

    Strong brand Reputation (Dell experience of high-quality products, support and service) Innovative in its technology, business practices and customer service

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    Core Competencies

    Ability to simplify PCs and the supply chain since their beginning

    Ability to understand customer needs and deliver innovative technology and services Ability to use technology to simultaneously improve customer experience and contain

    costs

    Ability to operate a direct business model Value Chain Analysis

    Primary activities of value:

    Operations:

    Manufacturing processes contain costs well

    Outbound logistics:

    Direct sales model

    Service:High responsiveness to customer needs

    Technological development:

    Innovative web site and IT infrastructure

    Firm infrastructure:

    Visionary founder and management team

    Recommendation

    After the analysis of Dell organization, its current status and present running business

    strategies in China and all over the globe, we suggest following strategic

    recommendations to Dell in order to boost up its market position in order to rise up its

    market shares, productivity and profitability;

    Dell should have to continue business level strategy of differentiation which was on the

    basis of product quality, build-to-own capability and direct sales method

    Continue to innovate and outpace the Lenovo-IBM partnership is one of the mostimportant recommendation.

    Build brand recognition in China as Lenovos doing worldwide

    Grow direct ordering via the internet (increasing Chinese web usage)

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    Challenge Lenovo in other important Asian markets while increasing product quality andservices in China

    Prepare for wireless/mobility trend and strengthen notebook offering

    Eventually broaden reach to penetrate low-end and rural areas

    Develop the infrastructure to service, support and sell (different than urban areas) Requires a low-cost, differentiated product line (e.g. AMD, no Windows OS) Learn the Chinese market to overcome foreignness and local rivals Explore alternative sales channels (besides direct) to reach small cities