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The Unifine Richardson Case is based on a current managerial and strategic problem being faced
by the organization, which must be solved tactfully to allow progression, as well as maintain a
competitive position. This paper is written to facilitate the case solution for the Unifine
Richardson Case Study.
The case solution for the Unifine Richardson Case Study first identifies the central issue that is
elaborated on throughout the case. The case solution then analyses the case through relevant
strategic models and tools including the SWOT Analysis, Porter Five Forces Analysis, PESTEL
Analysis, VRIO analysis, Value Chain Analysis, BCG Matrix analysis, Ansoff Matrix analysis,
and the Marketing Mix analysis. This analysis is to help in the identification of a feasible
strategy and solution for the Unifine Richardson Case Study. Alternative solutions are also
proposed in the case solution, primarily because alternative solutions often act as contingency
plans.
2. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
2.1. Harvard business school case studies
All case studies published by the Harvard business review comprise of a central problem that is
faced by the protagonist. This problem mostly holds implications for managerial and strategic
directions of the company. For readers and students of HBR case studies, it is critical to identify
the problem that the Unifine Richardson faces. This problem is usually hinted towards in the
introduction of the case and develops along the way.
As a result, for solving the Unifine Richardson case, it is essential to read the case study
thoroughly. The identification of the problem correctly is vital for undergoing the analysis
rightly, and for developing relevant solutions for the Unifine Richardson Case Study. It is also
essential to identify all the appropriate parties that are being impacted by the problem as well as
the decision. The correct problem identification will ensure that all the solutions developed
during the case analysis of the Unifine Richardson Case Study are applicable and pragmatic.
The Unifine Richardson cannot influence these factors in its favour, and in contrast, these
factors directly affect the operations and workings of the company.
As a result, Unifine Richardson must make sure to continually assess and review the
external environment to make sure that it responds to external factors, and take them into
account, during strategic decisions, and strategy devising.
Businesses like Unifine Richardson make use of strategic model tools continually to
make sure that they are aware of the external environment.
These include tools like the pestle analysis and Porter’s five force model, as well as
strategic group analysis and pentagonal analysis, to name a few.
The external analysis for the Unifine Richardson Case Study will assess and will apply
the strategic models and tools to review the business environment for the
company.PESTEL Analysis
3.1.1. Political
Political factors and elements can have a direct and indirect impact on the business. This is seen
through the Unifine Richardson Case Study.
Policymakers for the Unifine Richardson Case are in all likelihood to intervene in the
business surroundings.
Commercial restrictions and political stability are additionally integral factors that will
determine the success or failure of Unifine Richardson.
3.1.1.2. Taxation
Tax policy will influence the cost of doing business for Unifine Richardson.
An increase in organization taxation (on business profits) has a similar impact as an
expansion in expenses.
Organizations can pass a portion of this increase on to shoppers in more expensive rates,
yet it will likewise influence the bottom line of the business.
The government helps organizations in two primary ways: monetary help and regulatory.
Unifine Richardson can use government assistance and grants for purposes of growing
the business, advancement, exporting, and innovative work.
Unifine Richardson can also be impacted by when Governments modify regulations and
laws.
3.1.2. Economic
The economic factors are one of the most important of PESTEL factors and can influence
Unifine Richardson in several ways.
3.1.2.1. GDP
Economic components have the most evident effect on the profitability and overall appeal
of Unifine Richardson.
Even though GDP per capita is a useful economic factor, GDP per capita gives just a
fractional perspective on the economic factors that may influence Unifine Richardson.
Higher GDP leads to higher disposable income and hence higher sales for Unifine
Richardson.
3.1.2.2. Inflation
Higher inflation will disintegrate the purchasing power of the consumer and the shopper
Higher inflation will also harm the costs of raw materials and other inputs that are utilised
by Unifine Richardson.
3.1.2.3. Interest Rates
Fluctuations in interest rates may translate into higher or lower costs for the purchase or
sale of items and administrations provided by Unifine Richardson.
Higher interest rates hurt the disposable cash of consumers.
3.1.2.5. How can the Unifine Richardson decrease the risk of economic instability?
3.1.3. Social
Social influences will stem from social components of the macro environment. Under the
PESTEL Analysis, they can influence Unifine Richardson in several ways:
Social patterns affect work trends and patterns and are directly related to the behaviours
of consumers.
Social patterns also have a direct influence on buyer tastes and inclinations, and the
specific kind, structure, and volume of interest for an item or service.
The checking of social patterns will enable Unifine Richardson to reposition its items or
administrations to meet the changing desires and needs of consumers.
Social trends of higher education have allowed firms like Unifine Richardson to have
access to a pool of higher skilled talent – but at the same time, also face a more criticising
consumer base.
Higher education has also made consumers more aware of different product offerings by
companies like Unifine Richardson.
consumers are also more educated and knowledgeable of different substitutes of a
product, as well as become more readily available at different touchpoints.
Companies like Unifine Richardson are expected to become more consumer-centric than
product-centric.
Similarly, Market segmentation and consumer grouping are dynamically moving towards
measures of psychographics and lifestyles to understand the consumer more.
3.1.3.5. How can Unifine Richardson use social aspects for growth?
3.1.4. Technological
3.1.4.1. Innovation
The quick pace of technological change at Unifine Richardson may be driven through
innovation.
Business leadership at Unifine Richardson tries to push the limits of present limitations.
The expansion of the Internet and online business has discarded many intermediaries.
Unifine Richardson can communicate and retail directly to the consumers now, or
through modern intermediaries such as eBay as well, for example.
Unifine Richardson may also use current social networks to retail and use e-commerce to
boost sales.
Unifine Richardson can make use of social media to interact and reach with consumers
Social media can also be used to reach the target market audience more effectively
Social media is cost-effective and strategically more influential for Unifine Richardson
To flourish in a business world that is quick paced and receptive to innovative change,
Unifine Richardson must stay cautious.
It must be always be updated on any technological developments in the business and
industry.
Unifine Richardson should weary of how the company are probably going to influence its
future attractiveness and profitability.
3.1.5. Environmental
For Unifine Richardson, the environmental aspects of the PESTEL analysis may include:
Leadership in the Unifine Richardson must measure the connection between natural
activities and budgetary execution.
Unifine Richardson also strategically decides and assesses if the organization have been
estimating the monetary effect of natural and social activities.
Unifine Richardson also distinguishes and differentiates explicit zones of concern and
impediments to the coordination of environmental sustainability into corporate
performance and strategy
Unifine Richardson also gives explicit direction concerning how organizations can push
toward a superior reconciliation of ecological and social activities in their basic
leadership procedures and tasks.
Unifine Richardson may use environmental issues to adjust financial, natural and social
performance.
Concerns towards the environment will enhance the business image for Unifine
Richardson.
Environmental sustainability within business goals and strategy will also reflect corporate
responsibility on the part of Unifine Richardson.
3.1.6. Legal
Legal components can influence Unifine Richardson directly, and can likewise influence the
instruments through which an organization buys its stock or connects with the client. The
Unifine Richardson should be mindful, for example, of the following legal aspects:
Labour law refers to the guidelines in regulations that set up minimum and benchmark
conditions.
These include identifying with the work of people.
Labour laws include aspects of minimum working age, least time-based compensation,
etc.
Unifine Richardson must be mindful of these laws in routine business tasks such as
hiring, for example.
Under the discrimination law, Unifine Richardson must ensure to avoid episodes of
unequal or uncalled for treatment based on an individual's age, inability, sex, national
source, race, religion, and sexual orientation.
Unifine Richardson should train its human resource management team in ensuring that
there is no:
o Unequal hiring
o Discrimination in recruitment
o Internal discrimination in talent management
o Bias in training opportunities
o Unfair compensation systems
o Prejudiced promotions and succession management
New entrants to an industry bring new potential and a choice to increase the market share
and overall share of the pie that puts pressure on price, costs, and the investment price
essential to compete.
For Unifine Richardson, particularly while new entrants are diversifying from different
markets into the chief industry, they will be able to leverage existing talents and cash
flows to shake up the opposition.
The threat of entry in the industry, consequently, puts a cap at the earning capacity and
profit capability for Unifine Richardson.
While the threat of new entreaty is high, Unifine Richardson should maintain their prices
or increase funding and investment to discourage new competition.
The risk of entry in an industry depends upon on the peak of entry barriers and limitations
that are a blessing for players such as Unifine Richardson and on the response that new
entrants can count on from existing players.
If entry barriers are low and novices count on little retaliation from the entrenched
competition, the chance of entry is high, and profitability for Unifine Richardson will be
moderated.
It is the danger of entry, not whether the entry of new players takes place that holds down
profitability.
3.2.1.4. Some barriers to entry for new entrants in favour of Unifine Richardson :
Capital requirements: a strong barrier to entry as new entrants will require strong
financial and resource cushioning for operations to take off and be sustained.
Economies of scale: a strong barrier to entry as existing players in the industry operate
with high economies of scale, which new entrants will take time to achieve.
Product differentiation: the strong barrier of entry if products within the industry have
high levels of differentiation on which they operate and approach customers.
Access to distribution: a standard barrier to entry since new entrants will have equal
access to the retailers and distributing agents within the industry.
Customer loyalty to established brands: a strong barrier to entry since customer loyalties
and perceptions are emotionally built and strongly enforced as long as the brand
continues to deliver on its core promise and quality.
There are always different alternatives or substitutes for various products that lead an
industry.
These substitutes may be direct or indirect– the direct substitutes are the same category
products. produced by different players; indirect substitutes are the ones from different
product categories that can replace the product for Unifine Richardson.
Switching costs for direct substitutes is not very high for consumers.
The per-unit-volume prices may be higher or lower.
This makes the threat of substitute high.
Alternatives to the product or substitutes may not be able to provide the same benefits
May often lead to additional costs incurred.
Switching costs towards alternatives becomes higher, and consumers may not switch to
substitutes.
This, in turn, will make the threat of substitutes low.
3.2.2.4. Substitutes and consumer behaviour
From the point of view of the consumer, there are some differences between the ways
different products of the same or similar category are used, but many consumption
decisions are a matter of personal taste - this makes products vulnerable to the threat of
other substitutes.
Overall, the threat of substitutes is assessed to be moderately high.
3.2.2.5. How can Unifine Richardson combat the threat from substitute products?
The buyer for Unifine Richardson is not necessarily the group that consumes the product
– but rather refers to the group of customers that purchases the product from Unifine
Richardson to either distribute further, retail it, or even consume it.
Hypermarkets and supermarkets, as well as independent retailers and distribution agents
to end consumers, are the core buyers for Unifine Richardson that make up the market’s
volume.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets, along with many food chains that are concentrated,
which increases the buyer power.
Products are stocked with buyers and retailers by Unifine Richardson based on consumer
demand.
Unifine Richardson will not experience switching costs for switching buyers.
Multiple product offerings by buyers also increase buyer power.
Products offered by retailers are differentiated based on several characteristics – not only
reliant upon product characteristics but also consumer segment characteristics. Because
of this, retailers are expected to offer a wide range of the same product category. This
works towards negating and weakening the overall buyer power.
Buyer power is assessed to be moderate to high.
3.2.3.4. What can Unifine Richardson do to ensure risks against high buyer power?
Unifine Richardson can focus on differentiating its product and increasing its demand
with the end consumers through different marketing tactics, this will increase the demand
of the product with different buyers, and will work towards moderating buyer power.
Unifine Richardson should employ economies of scale to manage costs of production. If
it offers products at moderate prices to buyers, it will again be able to attract a large
number of buyers for its product, and in this way, will be able to break off the high
bargaining power.
Supplier power refers to the power that is held by the suppliers in terms of pricing of the
raw materials and inputs used for the business.
For Unifine Richardson, there are numerous independent suppliers within the industry,
and all comprise of a few pretty small operations that lead to weakened overall supplier
power.
Independent sellers and suppliers, however, can locate different opportunities and invest
in alternative markets – which can be a challenge for Unifine Richardson.
Suppliers can integrate forward into the decision making and business dynamics
themselves as well.
Also, to the buyers, the quality of the supplies and the raw materials is of utmost
importance.
However, in an industry with a high number of suppliers, Unifine Richardson can switch
to different suppliers at any time without experiencing any costs of the business.
Overall bargaining power of suppliers is assessed to be moderate.
Get contracts with multiple suppliers and get resources and raw materials from them
accordingly.
Invest in manufacturer controlled production facility to maintain consistency in quality.
Producers have begun to make use of brand management techniques and contemporary
merchandising by launching bold brands, label designs and marketing campaigns to
become more identifiable to the public.
3.2.5.3. Diversification
Purchasers and buyers have a wide range of products to choose from, with relatively low
switching costs. These factors tend to intensify rivalry.
Though players in the industry may off niche or premium products, they also continue to
operate in the mass markets at large, which again leads to high competition.
The high fixed cost and the high bargaining power of the buyers, which can lead to the
lowering of the prices from manufacturers add to the highly competitive nature of the
industry.
The overall rivalry is assessed to be high.
3.2.5.5. How can Unifine Richardson combat rivalry and competitive forces of the
industry?
Focus on research and development to identify market niche as well as to be able to add
differentiating factors t its products. This will increase its shield against influence from
competitive forces and their actions.
Build a strong and loyal consumer base by focusing on quality and marketing strategies.
Focus on capturing new markets – in the same region as well as new regions to avoid
saturation of resources in one market only.
The high number of direct and indirect alternatives available also make Unifine
Richardson vulnerable to the high threat of substitutes.
Low to negligible switching costs experienced on the part of the consumers and buyers.
3.3.1.3. Profitability
3.3.5.2. Differentiation
Figure 1
Pentagonal analysis for Unifine Richardson
Identification of the place and placement on the industry lifecycle is important as it will help
Unifine Richardson make important decisions and strategies for the future.
Products offered during this stage re doubtful as success and life of the product is
unproven and not known.
Unifine Richardson will use a focused strategy during this phase to emphasise the
uniqueness of the product.
The product or the brand will have a small market of consumers – known largely as early
adopters
Marketing strategies adopted by the company will focus on generating awareness of the
product and therefore, will largely use a functional appeal.
Products in this stage have high growth and high market share.
There is also increasing competition and rivalry in the market – new entrants will enter
and compete looking at the success of products during this stage.
Unifine Richardson will experience slowing growth during this stage of the industry life
cycle.
Sales will be expanding, and earning will be growing – however, the rate will be slower
than the growth stage.
Competition from late entrants will be present, and obvious during this stage – who will
all try to fight for Unifine Richardson ’s share of the market.
Firm size is generally larger and is more dominant over players if successful- compared
to growth stage.
Innovations continue but are stable and not radical.
Unifine Richardson may also experience mergers and acquisitions during this phase.
Diversifications are also most common during this phase as a means of survival.
The strategic group analysis will look at an industry’s players' situations in focused
conditions and scenarios.
It will assess different players competing with Unifine Richardson through the basic
strategic factors that will decide an organization's profitability, similar to how the
profitability will also be impacted and influenced by the competitive nature of the
industry.
The strategic group analysis will describe the procedures of every single noteworthy
competitor of Unifine Richardson along different strategic dimensions.
These dimensions of comparison differentiate players into strategic groupings and must
be selected as the basis of comparison by taking into account industry structure,
productivity factors, and the venture issues being tended to.
Key strategic groupings of players within an industry can be made based on numerous different
aspects, such as:
Specialization
Brand identification
Push versus pull strategies
Channel determination
Product quality
Technological position
Vertical joining
cost position
Service
Price strategy
Financial or working influence
Parent organization relationship
Government relationship
Despite the various aspects available for comparison of competing players, it is often important
to differentiate strategic groupings of players of aspects of how they compete with each other,
and on aspects of where they compete as well
The strategic group analysis is also important for Unifine Richardson because it will
assist in analysing the current market position of players, as well as help in assessing
future strategic moves and directions of the competition in the market.
Assists in evaluating and identifying different underlying factors that will influence the
company’s profitability.
Makes use of standard comparison aspects between different players in an industry to
group them as per strategic directions as well as strategic dimensions.
For Unifine Richardson, scenario planning comprises of making suppositions of what's to come,
of what will be and how the business condition will adapt, fluctuate, change, and respond to the
future conditions, and changes in the futuristic strategic planning.
After Unifine Richardson has identified the possible uncertainties of the macro
environment, Unifine Richardson should decide on any two only. These can be:
o Changes in technological advancements and developments. These changes can be
in the form that the industry has progressed to install more modern and
contemporary technological developments.
o Changes in consumer demands and needs.
These two uncertainties of the future are those that will have the largest impact and
influence on the business.
Unifine Richardson will now be able to place these two uncertainties along a matrix.
Depending on the intensity and direction of the uncertainties and vulnerabilities, the
business will be able to chalk out four possible scenarios as probable plans of action for
the future. For Unifine Richardson, these can be:
o Install new technology, or update current technology to be on par with new
technology.
o Do market research.
o Engage in innovative marketing to influence consumers.
o Change vertical and backward integrated systems to ensure in-house or out-house
production of technology to stay ahead of the competition.
The following section presents a brief analysis of the VRIN strategic tool as it is applied to
Unifine Richardson and its impact on the strategic direction.
4.1.1. Valuable
The company has an international distribution system with agents and contracts in countries
across the world. This helps the company in making sure that its products are widely available
and easily accessible to all consumers.
The experience of expansion to other countries directly as well as indirectly has allowed the
company to gain exposure and experience in international business, culture and trades.
The company invests in market research regularly, which allows it to stay updated with market
trends, consumer needs, demands, as well as the changes that take place in different markets and
consumer groups. This is also valuable as it then allows Unifine Richardson to make changes in
product and service offering accordingly.
4.1.2. Rare
The company makes use of progressive technology and invests in new technology to help it
make the business more effective and efficient. This is important for maintaining competitive
differentiation. The technology used by the company also allows lower chances of human error
and increases precision.
The company makes use of modern as well as new and innovative means of cropping and
harvesting as well. The means of production are important for a business to maintain cost
efficiency. This allows lower levels of spoilt raw materials and enhances the quality as well as
the feel of the final product. Also, it allows the company to maintain the product quality in-
house, and maintain consistency in the raw material.
The company’s effective and efficient use of resources has allowed it to maintain economies of
scale. The company uses economies of scale as a rare resource available to maintain costs,
enhance production, and increase sales – all the while maintaining a high focus on premium
quality and consistency of taste.
The company has a unique and diversified portfolio. This has allowed it to penetrate different
consumer groups. And maintain income from different streams. Into urn, that gives a strong
financial cushioning to the business.
4.1.3. Inimitable
The company has taken part in exemplified human resource management in all its function –
from recruitment to training of talent management. This has allowed the company to develop an
inimitable resource that is aligned with the organizational goals, and mission, and which is
synonymous to the organization itself.
The company’s continued investment in r&d allows it to generate ideas for new products, as well
as test these new products in limited market settings. This allows the company to assess the
viability of new ideas, as well as generate feedback for improvement where needed. This is an
inimitable resource for the company because it has become part of the company’s system and
culture.
4.1.3.3. Innovation
The innovation at Unifine Richardson is an inimitable resource that allows the company to stay
ahead of the competition as well as maintain high leadership in the industry by having the first
mover advantage in its product portfolio continuously.
The organizational culture at Unifine Richardson is supportive and innovative. Employees share
information freely. The organizational hierarchy is flatter, which makes leadership and follower
relation smooth and easy. This organizational culture and its aspects cannot be imitated by
competition.
The company has employed progressive means of controlling costs and maintaining economies
of scale. In this way, prices of the products are maintained and controlled, and very few cost
increases are passed to the consumers. This allows the product to be easily affordable by the
company’s target audience.
4.1.4. Non-substitutable
The brand value and brand recognition enjoyed by Unifine Richardson is a non-substitutable
resource. The high brand recognition across different consumer group’s in different countries
allows the brand to enjoy high consumer ship, high sales, and a unique bond with the consumers.
This cannot be imitated at all by the competition as the brand recognition and resonance has been
built over the years through hard work and quality deliverance.
The Unifine Richardson enjoys high brand equity. This has been developed through the different
stages presented by Keller in his model for brand equity. The high brand equity also reflects a
high emotional appeal that Unifine Richardson has for the consumers.
4.1.4.3. Emotional affiliation with consumers
This means that the brand fulfils not only functional but also emotional and psychological needs
of the consumers. Again, this is an inimitable resource which the company has developed
because of its honest and trusted relationship with the clients over some time.
4.2.1.1. Valuable
4.2.1.2. Rare
Unifine Richardson is one of the greatest company all inclusive. Even though there are other
worldwide and international chains of competing companies, Unifine Richardson has made a
distinct name for its quality and offers.
4.2.1.3. Non-substitutable
For the time being, no competition of Unifine Richardson could match such an enormous
international presence in terms of quality and consistency. It would require critical investment
and assets to achieve this.
4.2.2.1. Valuable
Unifine Richardson offers numerous exceptional and fulfilling products that different contenders
don't offer all the time. Unifine Richardson additionally incorporates information and detailed
ingredients for its products to interest an assortment of clients.
4.2.2.2. Rare
Other competition also offers different products that are offered by Unifine Richardson, which
means that it is not a rare resource for the company. This is because other players also have
access to similar products and portfolios.
4.2.2.3. Inimitable
Considering other businesses and players are now using this capacity as a means of expansion
and penetration, it can, therefore, be imitated.
By offering an assortment of choices and ceaselessly changing the portfolio through active
innovation and new product development, Unifine Richardson is exploiting this resource. With
plenty of alternatives, the vast majority can discover something they like, and individuals who
like to attempt new products and services every now and again can undoubtedly do as such with
Unifine Richardson.
4.2.3.1. Valuable
The Unifine Richardson brand name enables clients to enjoy and feel a bond of association with
the brand. This allows consumers to feel emotionally attached with the brand, and experience it
as an extension of themselves as well. As such, this becomes a valuable asset for the company.
4.2.3.2. Rare
Unifine Richardson is a contemporary brand name that has a premium touch to it and is upscale,
modern and lively. Most other companies and competing brands don't have the quality and
packaging to urge clients to engage in a way they do with Unifine Richardson.
4.2.3.3. Non-substitutable
It would be generally simple for other companies to revamp their packaging and duplicate the
plan of action of Unifine Richardson. In this way, the upscale and comfortable promise of the
offering by Unifine Richardson could be imitated.
Unifine Richardson is effectively using this resource and enhancing the brand and the brand
promise that numerous clients altogether appreciate. The organization is exploiting the stylish
way of life that is right now present in numerous urban communities where the brand’s products
are widely appreciated and consumed.
The core competencies and strengths of Unifine Richardson are organizational sources
and capacities that enable the business to flourish regardless of substantial challenge and
strategic difficulties in local and international markets.
As the VRIO/VRIN analysis have shown and highlighted, the important core abilities
depend on intellectual properties and related propriety data or related technological
structures.
Different resources and abilities appeared in the VRIN/VRIO analysis and review that are
non-core, and non-central skills but that help the business and its value chain.
Unifine Richardson ’s core abilities are strong yet restricted.
In the resource based view, this constraint presents key difficulties, as the organization
wards off competing players from local and international markets.
The core capabilities in the VRIN/VRIO analysis assume critical jobs in Unifine
Richardson ’s value chain. Considering the resource based view and Michael E.
Doorman's value chain conceptualization, Unifine Richardson ’s value chain gives
reasonable and tasteful products to target buyers.
The accompanying outline shows the value chain for Unifine Richardson and its situation
in the bigger value arrangement of the industry:
The organization has an internal transportation system of vehicles for making deliveries
to other companies that are in business with stocking and serving Unifine Richardson
products – in the local markets.
In this value chain and value framework, Unifine Richardson ’s competitive advantage
and abilities are distinguished through the VRIO/VRIN assessment are huge in how the
organization's procedures offer some incentive and advantage to the consumers.
Brief details of Unifine Richardson ’s value chain are discussed in the next section:
The inbound logistics for Unifine Richardson refers to producers in different designated and
appointed locations by the company. Also, it also refers to selecting the finest quality raw
materials from in-house production as well as from third-party contractors. These are transported
to the storage sites after which the raw materials are used for producing different products by the
company.
4.3.4.1.2. Operations
Unifine Richardson operates internationally directly or indirectly. The company has owned
offshore shops, as well as stocks its products with other shops across different countries.
4.3.4.1.3. Outbound logistics
The company has contracted agents in offshore countries and sites to manage product selling.
However, a majority of the products are sold directly to licensed sellers and shops locally as well
as internationally.
4.3.4.1.4. Marketing and sales
Unifine Richardson produces and invests in high quality and premium products. It also invests in
a high level of customer servicing and marketing. All its marketing activities, however, are based
on strong market research and market data.
4.3.4.1.5. Service
Unifine Richardson invests in customer service to develop customer loyalty and build strong
relations with its clients. The company invests in gaining and incorporating customer feedback
and in solving customer queries effectively.
4.3.4.2.1. Infrastructure
This includes different departments like management, finance, legal, etc. which are required to
keep the company’s business running.
4.3.4.2.2. Human resource management
Unifine Richardson has been commended and celebrated for the use of effective technology not
only production but also to make the overall system of production and sale, as well as in house
production more effective and efficient. Also, the company also uses technology to communicate
and connect with its consumers effectively.
4.3.4.2.4. Procurement
This involves purchasing the raw material for the final product. The company has appointed
agents that work for the company in different countries and regions to purchase consistently high
quality raw material so that the company can produce the finest product qualities for delivering
to the consumers.
4.3.4.2.5. Bottom line
The concept of the value chain for Unifine Richardson helps in understanding how value is
added in each process and stage of the value chain. It also helps to understand and separate
useful activities from those that are not useful as such. This improves the overall bottom-line of
the company and increases the profit margins for the company as well.
4.3.4.3.1. Customer-centrism
Unifine Richardson has made use of the differentiation factor to maintain higher leadership and
differentiation from industry competition. Differentiation of effective leadership may be
achieved through different forms and basis.
Moreover, this differentiation can fluctuate from item to item, market to market and industry to
industry. Generally, the essential bases of differentiation are quality, durability, usefulness and in
a few consumer loyalty, and brand image. Unifine Richardson has differentiated its items and
products dependent on the quality and set a completely different, and engaging consumer
experience. Brand image
5.1.1.2.2. Brand Image
Aside from these things, it has developed a distinct and distinguished brand image which is
additionally a premise of differentiation and encourages Unifine Richardson to advertise,
promote and market its products and brand better than the competing players in the local and
international markets.
The essential premise of differentiation for Unifine Richardson is quality and premium taste. It
serves just premium quality products, which enables it to charge a top notch and a premium cost.
It has embraced the most astounding measures as far as the nature of its raw materials used for
producing its products. At each progression, Unifine Richardson puts forth an admirable attempt
to guarantee that its product fulfils the most noteworthy quality guidelines.
However, the account of value does not finish at getting incredible quality of raw materials. It
goes more remote from that point. A great deal of contrast originates from the readiness. Unifine
Richardson prepares its product diligently to draw out the quality.
Rest of the credit goes to the human resource and employees at Unifine Richardson. The brand
carefully picks its raw materials - just when they in ideal condition. Products are tested from
each cluster in any event thrice before endorsement. This is how Unifine Richardson makes the
quality that each client looks forward to, and is excited about.
Porter’s traditional methodologies are methods for increasing and developing a sustainable
competitive advantage for Unifine Richardson - as it was, building up the "edge" that will get the
company the ideal position and differentiates it from the industry rivals. There are two primary
methods for accomplishing this inside a cost leadership methodology:
Based on this, Unifine Richardson should be sure that it can accomplish and keep up the leading
position before deciding on choosing the cost leadership strategy. Unifine Richardson will be
able to become effective in accomplishing cost differentiation by having:
Access to the capital expected to put resources into innovation that will cut expenses
down.
Very proficient coordination’s.
A minimal effort base (work, materials, offices), and a method for economically cutting
expenses beneath those of different competing players.
However, Unifine Richardson should ensure contingency for imitation by competition, as well as
be prepared for competing payers to imitate its cost-effectiveness strategy to decrease and
control their costs, and increase the overall share of the pie for their products as well. It is
therefore important that Unifine Richardson does not only settle for one means of cost leadership
but continually improves. This can be done through several different methods:
Cost differentiation and leadership strategy for Unifine Richardson will be based on the
nitty-gritty.
Cost initiative endeavours towards slicing expenses to a base to give clients lower costs
and in this manner will help the company of Unifine Richardson to reserve funds.
Cost leadership strategy requirements regularly identify with high specialized abilities
and access to capital
The company should also resource into innovation and guarantee economies of scale.
5.2.1. The need for SWOT because of expanded operations of Unifine Richardson
Unifine Richardson is present and operational in different markets, and each of the
markets poses unique yet various difficulties in developing the business.
Unifine Richardson and its portfolio in these many markets have expanded over time and
as the organization grows, more items are added to its portfolio in addition to its pioneer
product.
With regards to the SWOT analysis model, these circumstances of multiple operations
and multiple presences in various markets make a difficult business situation where the
organization needs to utilize various arrangements of skills that match different markets.
Core elements of different nature – both internal and external to the organization, can
help increment Unifine Richardson ’s accomplishment in contending with different
companies and other businesses – both locally and internationally.
The SWOT analysis for Unifine Richardson is presented below:
This section of the SWOT analysis model works with the inner variables that the organization
can use as competencies and strengths to address shortcomings and ensure the business against
rivalry. For this situation, Unifine Richardson ‘primary qualities are:
Unifine Richardson is one of the world's most premium, well known and most famous
brands.
The organization has a developing populace of steadfast clients, which adds to the
soundness of the business.
5.2.2.3. Strong investment in research and development, and high focus on innovation
The focus on innovation not only keeps the company apart but also facilitates its industry
leadership.
The internal core strengths and competent variables recognized in this section of the
SWOT analysis of Unifine Richardson demonstrates that the business has qualities that
advance strength through expansion and a worldwide production network.
Business weaknesses or shortcomings are recognized in this part of the SWOT analysis.
Shortcomings are inward factors that diminish or cut off business capabilities and strengths.
Unifine Richardson shortcomings are as per the following:
Unifine Richardson has a premium brand image attached, and thus all its products in the
portfolio are priced highly
This expands overall revenues yet decrease the affordability of its items.
This internal key factor is a shortcoming since it confines the organization's share of the
overall industry, particularly in territories with generally lower disposable earnings
5.2.3.2. Standard and benchmarked regulations and business procedures for all portfolio items
5.2.3.2.1. Generalization
Likewise, this SWOT analysis highlights that generalized standards for all portfolio
products may be a weakness because it restrains the adaptability of these products and
items in the business.
5.2.3.2.2. Imitability
The internal factors in this section of the SWOT analysis of Unifine Richardson
demonstrate that the business must create qualities to diminish the unfavourable impacts
of impersonation and the impact of high value focuses on the organization's share of the
overall industry in the international and local business.
This section of the SWOT analysis and strategic model focuses on external components that
opportunities for business development and advancement. For this situation, the key
opportunities accessible to Unifine Richardson are:
With an increased focus and awareness of health and wellness lifestyles by consumers, it
is important that Unifine Richardson recognizes this as a viable business opportunity.
Increased numbers of consumers are shifting to the green lifestyle of consuming
environmentally friendly and organic products.
Unifine Richardson should focus on the expansion of the product portfolio: inclusion of
green products and environmentally sustainable services are suggested.
Unifine Richardson can expand its income streams through expansion and developing
presence in emerging markets – such as Brazil, China and India.
This opportunity draws consideration far from the U.S. region, where the majority of the
organization's incomes are created.
The company can also formulate new B2B relations and contracts with other companies
and corporate entities.
The external key factors in this section of the SWOT analysis demonstrate that Unifine
Richardson can improve its industry position by building up its activities to make use of
the opportunities in the international business markets.
Threats against the Unifine Richardson business are distinguished in this piece of the SWOT
analysis. Threats are external components that decrease or breaking point of business execution.
In this case of Unifine Richardson, the following section looks at, and assesses threats that apply
to the organization in question:
Unifine Richardson competes with a wide assortment of firms in the local as well as the
international market.
For instance, the organization competes against significant premium companies as well as
against cheaper companies that offer cheap priced items and products.
This external but important factor in the SWOT assessment undermines Unifine
Richardson because such competing players can lessen the organization's share of the
overall industry by competing based on low prices and overall low costs of production.
TOWS analysis will allow Unifine Richardson to identify and understand the strategic choices
and future strategic options and directions available to the company. The TOWS matrix and
analysis will help Unifine Richardson to look at various possible future and long term situations,
and ill force Unifine Richardson to look at these options by questioning strategic directives such
as:
How will Unifine Richardson make the most of its strengths and core competencies?
How will Unifine Richardson Circumvent its weaknesses and shortcomings?
How will Unifine Richardson capitalize on the various opportunities present in the
business environment?
How will Unifine Richardson ward off, and manage the threats that are present in the
external business environment?
The analysis of the SWOT and the subsequent assessment and development of the TOWS matrix
will allow the Unifine Richardson to be able to identify the following answers:
Strengths and Opportunities (SO) – How would Unifine Richardson be able to utilize on
its strengths to exploit the opportunities?
Strengths and Threats (ST) – How would Unifine Richardson be able to exploit its
strengths and core competencies to keep away from genuine and potential threats?
Weaknesses and Opportunities (WO) – How would Unifine Richardson be able to
capitalize on its opportunities to overcome the weaknesses that Unifine Richardson is
encountering?
Weaknesses and Threats (WT) – How would Unifine Richardson be able to limit its
weaknesses and evade threats?
Unifine Richardson
Strengths Weakness
TWOS Matrix
Leading premium Major dependence on the
company that operates market as the country of
internationally origin market
Leading presence across Despite being in operation
countries for decades, has standard
Reasonable control over procedures and regulations
production and for all portfolio items
distribution due to Imitability possible by
backward and forward competition
integration
Opportunities
Threats
Increased
marketing from
competing ST strategies
WT strategies
players, which
might affect sales Improving the ambience
Increase budget for
negatively of service, focusing on
marketing communications,
An increasing augmented service
and strategic promotions
number of levels when providing
and pursue a moderate
independent products and adapting to
expansion strategy
producers and local culture.
marketers
Increased and
saturating
competition
The TOWS Matrix is a moderately basic strategic tool used by Unifine Richardson for
producing key alternatives and identifying key strategic alternatives that may be pursued
by Unifine Richardson.
By utilizing it, Unifine Richardson can take a look towards understanding that it can best
exploit the opportunities present, while at the same time also limit the effect of
shortcomings and ensure itself against threats.
Unifine Richardson has viably utilized this instrument to develop a procedure for
accomplishing competitive advantage in the industry and various markets it operates in.
Recently, Unifine Richardson has made use of the four strategies of Ansoff matric to
maintain competitive advantage and leadership position. These strategies are
o Market development
o Market penetration
o Product development
o Product penetration
The following section highlights the various strategies that may be used through the Ansoff
matrix. These strategies have been highlighted and identified through vigorous research
methodologies, as well as through expert analyst data and opinion.
One of the most popular means of developing a market is to use marketing strategically.
By making use of advertising and marketing communications, the company will be able
to disseminate information about its product, and the various benefits of consumption to
its target market easily.
Also, the use of social media for marketing will, at the same time allow the company to
communicate directly with the consumers, and answer their queries.
The company can make use of widespread marketing campaigns using traditional means
as well as means of social media to increase awareness of their product amongst the
target market.
This task of educating the markets will give the company a first-mover advantage, as well
as develop important functional appeals for the product.
The company can expand into other markets through its previous experience, as well as
through partnerships and contracts with other agents and parties.
The company can also develop subsidiaries, as well as offer its products through
franchising as well as licensing.
The geographical expansion is suggested into emerging economies because of the
favourable income levels of the consumers, as well as the growing infrastructure.
The company can penetrate existing markets by offering more shops or making its
product more widely available.
This may be done through increasing the accessibility of the product at places where the
target consumers are expected to purchase from, as well as improving the interaction of
the product with consumers at different touchpoints.
To be able to develop new products, the company should have a focused interest and
budget sending allocated to new product research and development.
This research would take a basis in the consumer market and the overall market trends, to
identify the gap in consumer demands, and market availability of different products.
The new product would then generally be aimed towards fulfilling this gap.
The company should have dedicate incubation labs for the development of new products.
This means that this development should be a focused and separate entity that should
focus on the company’s innovation.
The company should also hire the right talent for business development and innovation to
be able to achieve targets and goals accordingly.
New products should follow PD cycles for testing before launching in a market.
This will ensure that the company can fix any loopholes present in the product, as well as
incorporate positive feedback.
One way of increasing product penetration is that the company directly manages and
controls sales operation through owned retail.
This will give the campy leverage over communication, as well as product stocking and
placement.
The company can further expand its portfolio as a means of product penetration.
The expansion of the portfolio will allow the company to reach a different and diverse
target group, thereby increasing the overall share of the pie for the company
This will also increase Unifine Richardson ’s products’ accessibility to different
consumers.
5.5.1. How Unifine Richardson can strengthen its strategic position using SAf criteria
When Unifine Richardson is deciding upon a certain strategic direction for the future, it
will face challenges.
Choosing the right strategy at the right time can be a daunting task for managers.
It is therefore important that managers look at the strategy from aspects of its value and
viability.
The principal thing the managers of Unifine Richardson will have to do is settle on a
foundation by which to evaluate the different strategic alternatives.
They will also need to choose a viable methodology is to assess the different strategies
independently.
Strategies can be evaluated and assessed using criteria of suitability, acceptability and
feasibility (SAF).
The following section weighs different strategies and possible future directives for
Unifine Richardson based on the SAF criteria.
5.5.2.1. Suitability
5.5.2.2. Acceptability
The strategy is acceptable because it is in line with the company’s goals and mission.
Also, it is also in line with the internal marketing and culture of the organization.
5.5.2.2.2. Financial risk
As such, the strategy does not pose any risk – financially and otherwise and is also
palatable for stakeholder reactions.
Lastly, the strategy promises to give high returns. Overall, the strategy appears to be
highly acceptable.
5.5.2.3. Feasibility
5.5.3.1. Suitability
Moreover, the company also innovates regularly, which can be an added benefit for the
suitability of the strategy.
5.5.3.2. Acceptability
Therefore, the risk of new product development and consumer reaction would be there.
Also, the acceptability is also low because of stakeholder reaction – who might not all
agree with the expansion of the portfolio horizontally – i.e. The broadening of the
portfolio away from the core offerings.
Lastly, if the strategy works, it promises high returns, which make sit low to moderately
acceptable.
5.5.3.3. Feasibility
5.5.4.1. Suitability
This strategy is suitable because the company has high and focused budgeting for
marketing and communications.
This would also allow Unifine Richardson to withdraw from failing markets or markets
that have a weak share, and gain access to rising markets.
5.5.4.1.2. Strategic marketing
The company will be able to exploit its research and development for strategic marketing
Unifine Richardson will also make use of existing systems and products to reach new
consumer groups through marketing.
5.5.4.2. Acceptability
The strategy is acceptable because it poses a low risk in terms of investment in strategic
marketing.
Also, it promises high returns on investment in marketing through the promise of
increased awareness, increased penetration, increased brand recall and brand recognition
– all of which will translate into higher sales.
Lastly, stakeholders will also not frown upon this strategy, which makes it more
acceptable to implement.
5.5.4.3. Feasibility
The strategy is highly feasible because the company has a strong financial standing.
This means that the company can afford to increases budget for marketing purposes.
However, for the stagey to be successful, it is important that the company aces sure that
all promotional campaigns developed are in sync with consumer needs, demands and
behaviour.
This is again possible for the company because of its investment in research and
development.
6. FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the overall internal and external analysis done for Unifine Richardson, this section will
offer recommendations which will help the company take on strategic directions that will
enhance its core competencies and capabilities, as well as reduce its chances for risks and
threats? The following recommendations are thus made for Unifine Richardson :
6.1.1. Control
This is an important strategic recommendation as it will allow higher control to the company
over its products in different markets. The company will be able to control where its products are
placed, and thereby, will also be able to enhance the accessibility and easy availability of its
products.
At the same time, the strengthening of the distribution network will allow the company to work
more closely with end consumers by being able to reach them with the same high quality of
products across different markets.
Unique marketing tactics will involve new and informed strategic means of communicating with
the consumers and engaging them with the brand. One way that this can be done is by making
consumer co-producers for the brand. Another way that Unifine Richardson can do this is
through co-branding with other similar, yet dissimilar brands and companies to enjoy higher
market visibility amongst target consumers.
Each market and target group has distinct characteristics. This recommendation is suggested so
that the company can connect better with different target groups in different markets.
By adapting to different cultural and regional characteristics, the company will be able to present
itself better to target consumers – who would then feel a greater affinity, and more likeliness of
consuming the product and the service.
Another strategic recommendation for Unifine Richardson is to expand into newer regions and
markets. This can be done by expanding into new markets, firstly. This expansion will give the
company exposure to new consumer groups. Increase the overall consumption rate, as well as
diversify income streams. Also, it will give the company related expansion exposure regionally
as well as internationally.
Another means of expansion is through product diversification. By adding new products, the
company will be Abe to penetrate deeper into existing markets bye exploring new consumer
groups, and new target consumer groups. This will also diversify income streams for the
company, and increase its overalls hare of the market.
By strengthening the value network further, and by adding quality and enhanced elements at
different stages, the company will be able to maintain competitive advantage, as well as put off
new players from the industry by increasing barriers to entry. This will allow the company to
maintain sustainable competitiveness over other players, as well as maintain a possible
leadership position in the local and international markets and industry.