Question

-- please I need a typed answer, no photos. --

Pick a company to research. Make sure that it is large enough to have enough data to make it easy to research. It is desired that this company should have a reasonable use of Internet/e-commerce technologies in its operations.

*Do some background research on the company you chose. Their past and their present, when did they start incorporating e-business elements? Are they Using e-commerce in any aspect of their operations? When did they start and what exactly are the e-commerce elements? Are they using e-procurement, e-marketing, online purchasing, online customer service, order tracking?*

a. Research your selected company to determine the past, present, and likely future of the industry and the company's track record with that industry. Use the different models like SWOT, PEST, Porters model to understand the market environment.

*Analyze the industry using one or more of the analysis tools mentioned above.*

b. Create the appropriate strategy framework keeping in view its Value Network. Detail out the specific activities that would be undertaken in context of its digital business framework.

*Choose the appropriate strategy used in your chosen company, is it differentiation, cost leadership or outpacing strategy? Draw a value chain to highlight the specific activities that will add value to your product or service, you can also do a value process framework, and how to make important decisions regarding the strategy of your company regarding some important matters, separation or integration, make or buy.*

c. Create the implementation plan. Identify the activities to be undertaken. List the possible risks and possible measures to address them.

Answer 1

The company I am choosing is Mahindra and Mahindra. It is headquartered in Mumbai, India. It is a conglomerate in a true sense with business interest ranging from IT to Automobile. It is present in hospitality, finance, auto components, steel, logistics, retail amongst many more sectors.

PART 1

They started using ecommerce in following ways:

i) This company started using ecommerce platform first in 2014. This happened when the company realized that there is immense scope in using the diverse portfolio of the group to reduce costs and improve synergy between group companies. Through this portal, any group company could bid or buy products and services offered by other group companies.

ii) Supplier relationship management - Their supplier portal is an amazing platform where suppliers can check their schedules, plan deliveries, raise ASN, check information about payments, quote for new business etc

iii) They started tying up with big ecommerce players like Amazon, Flipkart, paytm etc to sell their bikes and cars online.

iv) Now the team is working hard to incorporate block chain technology to improve the online presence of the group.

SWOT Analysis :

Strengths - Highly diversified group and huge potential to leverage the strengths of the group companies. Very dominant player, specially in rural India where the growth rate is the highest

Weakness - High lead time to market, absence in sedan and hatchback space, predominantly make diesel vehicles only

Threats - Advent of electric cars might disrupt the indian automobile space. Also ecommerce presence of other similar groups is way higher

Opportunities - Use the capabilities within the group to build innovative products and services.

PART 2

The differentiation strategy of M&M is Diversification. Mahindra being present across so many sectors gives it a unique selling proposition of offering multiple services and products to the same consumer.

For example, a young professional who has come to buy an M&M car can be pitched to buy a holiday package from Mahindra Holidays!

A Farmer who has come to buy a tractor can be convinced to get it financed via Mahindra Finance.

Mahindra Retail, which is primarily a chain of stores to cater to kids and pregnant women is an effort to attract the consumer since they are a kid.

This diversification strategy has not only increased the revenue generated per consumer but also driven down the cost since lot of synergy in terms of office space, show rooms etc is happening.

PART 3

Risk 1 - If one of the venture is not profitable, there can be a tendency to continue that business for the sake of synergy

Risk 2 - Offering bundled services can sometimes lead to compromise in quality which can have adverse effect on customer retention

Risk 3 - The focus on delivering more services can reduce the focus from their core strengths which is to make vehicles

Implementation : In order to implement the diversification plan effectively, following things can be done :

Plan 1 - Form a few teams of top leaders of the company and identify areas and sector to tap into

Plan 2 - Make case studies and float it to top B Schools and get as much fresh ideas as possible

Plan 3 - Hire MBAs and give them the task of growing these verticals

Plan 4 - If the business does not do well, have an exit plan ready