1.0 Introduction
This discussion looks in to firm’s response to challenges they face from transformation and evolution of technology that subsequently threatens their traditional, successful business. A case study of Kodak is been given as an example because Kodak has gone through a transition phase in a period between 1980’s to 1990’s , due to introduction of new technology in the field of photography specially digital photography. Kodak was the only one that developed many of the components of digital photography, yet the new form of photographic technology has had a serious, unconstructive impact on the firm business.
2.0 The need for the “change”
George Eastman Kodak Company developed the first snapshot camera in 1888.In 1889, Eastman and his chemist perfected the transparent roll of film, made it possible for the development of Thomas Edison’s motion picture camera. From 1880’s Kodak invested heavily in film and when colour photography was introduced, it was one of the few companies that had the knowledge and processes to succeed. The company achieved $1 billion in sales in 1962 (Gavetti et al., 2004).
By 1976, Kodak captured the majority of the US film and camera market (90% and 85%, respectively).
Kodak’s photofinishing process quickly became the industry standard for quality (Gavetti et al., 2004).
The Essay on Camera Technology And How It Changed Photography
The purpose of this paper is to inform the reader about camera technology and how it changed photography. Digital photography made it cheaper to develop prints. It also made the costs of mass storage far less then disposable cameras. Digital photography changed from loading a film roll to simply loading a memory card for faster loading. This memory card also made for faster prints and instant view ...
Kodak had always got distinctive competency over its competitors because of the scope and operations of its business.
This helped the Kodak towards the continues growth of their business for more then 90 years. But from the period 1980’s-1990’s Kodak encountered problems of market share, revenues, competitors and technological explosion which was rapidly threatening the survival of their business. Kodak began to realize that radical changes in the structure of the company and the technology of their products would be vital toward success of the Kodak brand. Following are some factors that motivated Kodak to change its organisational structure for the survival of their business.
2.1 Competition from other brands
During the long history of the Kodak Company, Kodak has overcome many threats to the survival of their business. Highly successful business that turned Kodak into one of the most recognizable name brands in the world was struggling for survival with the entrance of competitors in market. The Japanese company Fuji Corporation entered the market attained a high market share not only in Japan, but in the United States as well. Fuji and other Japanese companies were able to design paper used for printing film at much cheaper rates than Kodak could offer to their consumers. This became a large problem for Kodak because they were unable to get an edge on their competition and get a part of that market share. Also with the amount of competition rising in the market for photographic products, Kodak had to take a cut in their revenue and lower the prices of their products to remain competitive with rivals
2.2 Technological advancement
According to Christensen (1997), survival of many large organizations is seen to depend on how well they are able to negotiate the technological currents in their environments. Technological advancement is caused by improvement in communication and new designing capabilities with an organization. Kodak’s status as an iconic brand was threatened by the technological shift away from its vastly successful business of traditional film and film processing. The photography industry was changing from a traditional industry to a much more technically advanced industry. This expansion in the field of technology for the photograph equipment industry opens the door for other industries (computer industry, software, printers, etc.) to step in and broaden their product line and offers huge potential for market growth 2.3 Problem in expanding the product
The Business plan on Eastman Kodak Company Film Business Photographic
... his business. Due to the tremendous growth of the company photographic materials were incorporated in London, England to handle distribution of Kodak products in ... film, which used a paper base instead of glass. The company marketed its first camera in 1888, and in 1889 it ... pictures. Kodak's future plans are to be the world's leader in picture business, and to help people who use film share in ...
Kodak also ran into problems when they expanded its core photographic products business. Fierce competition from companies such as IBM, Apple and Sun affected the market share that Kodak had been fighting for. Kodak had little knowledge in the field and was up against a group of dedicated companies with many years of focus and research
2.4 Decreasing market share
An important factor that motivated Kodak Company was the decreasing market share due to the introduction of substitute products by other companies. In 1981 Kodak’s sales hit $10 billion, but then competitive pressures, especially from Fuji, slowed down future increases (Gavetti et al., 2004).
There was an enormous increase in development and production of equipment to produce and record images. The introduction of portable video cameras gave consumers a way to produce their own images and capture video easily. It became apparent to Kodak (being a monopoly at first) still that they had fallen behind the competition on the idea of improving technology and that there was a fast increase in the switch from analog to digital.
3.0 Mistakes done by Kodak in changing its architecture
In 1980’s, due to high pressure of competition from Fuji corporation and also lack of innovation in organisation, Kodak had to change its architecture for increase its share price market. During this change of architecture, Kodak had done some mistakes. These are
3.1 Research and designs
The 1980’s started weakness among the Kodak Company which was also affecting the survival of their company. The mistake done by Kodak was the design of new and existing product (camera).
Kodak invented a camera which used a disk with a negative smaller than the one within the pocket sized Instamatic camera. Even though it was smaller and easier for consumers to use, it was not able to compare to the sales of Kodak Instamatic camera. This lead to another problem and that is of the productivity (constantly rising costs of materials needed for their products).
The Research paper on General Electric Medical Systems – Global Product Company Concept
The Global Product Company concept means ”to concentrate manufacturing – and ultimately other activities – wherever in the world it could be carried out to GE’s exacting standards most cost-effectively”. That means that the production is moving to countries where people are mostly underutilized (the example given in the case study tells about engineers from Eastern Europe, who cost only $1,5/h). ...
3.2 performance evaluation
During the late 1980’s into the early 1990’s Kodak did a mistake by not giving managers equity stake in new ventures that they were entering. This was one reason for the failure of Kodak managing new ventures and acquisitions. They began to change the way that employees were paid. Instead of the employees being compensated by time, they would be paid on level of performance they have completed.
3.3 Targeting professional markets
In order to change its organizational structure for the improvement of market share Kodak product development was targeted on the high-priced products, which were used in professional markets. It reflects Kodak’s lack of concentration on the consumer market and therefore a loss of money in this market.
4.0 What it might have done differently?
Throughout the history of Kodak, they have had a lot of success with marketing and selling their products. There are things it might done to continued their success in market at that time. The competitors of Kodak continue to design cameras with sleek looks and easy to use buttons and software. Many consumers see Kodak’s cameras as being “cheaply” made. Some of the materials that they use in the design process could possibly be changed to have more appeal to the potential customers. They should have advertise more on television, and other types of media.. Even though they have a very long history of promoting their products, they should have continued advertising their products to remain in consumer’s minds when they go to purchase a product. They should have spend more money on the research and development areas of the company.
If they design products that appeal to the consumers that the competition has not yet thought of, that would have given them an edge that can make them extremely profitable. Kodak could also start selling their cameras in bundle packages They should had remained at the top in the area of digital photography .They have been overcome many obstacles and as long as they can compete with the constant competition from previous designers and with companies that are entering the same market daily, they would have survived.
The Business plan on Marketing Plan For Hypothetical Product-Based Company
Executive Summary This report contains a marketing plan for a new and affordable repair shop in the San Antonio market. The new shop will be launched in the market and will tend to all types of customer’s needs, such as; tune-ups, engine diagnostic (free), oil change, engine cleaning, will be an exclusive high end smart watch. The gold and platinum watch with marble dial will be launched. The use ...
5.0 How this example relate to the concept of Economic Darwinism? In one of the philosophies given by Charles Darwin, a very famous English naturalist was “survival of the fittest”. Which is most popular concept applied to natural evaluation is know by people. The strongest one is survived because they have effective qualities and characteristics which help them to best compete with in their competitors. We can relate the business of Kodak with the concept of economic Darwinism in following ways explain few certain points below after the swot analysis of the company .explaining capabilities of companies in respect to the changing business environment.
6.0 SWOT Analysis of Eastman Kodak
6.1 Strength
Kodak has more than 100 years of history in photographic film industry. This history has brought about the benefit and also the strength of the Kodak
brand name and Kodak’s worldwide distribution network.Kodak has its own international distribution network. In the past, when Kodak’s focus was on the camera and photo developing business, it made a strong distribution network, which helped to maintain the sales volume by distributing to retailers and it also helped to introduce the new products to customers. A strong customer base was also built, which includes a huge amount of target customers who changed from the traditional camera to the digital camera.
Conclusion
In order for a company to be successful in any industry, it must adapt to its consumer tastes. The same applies in the photography industry, where companies like Kodak must be able to evolve with new consumer preferences. If a company does not offer the products and services that consumers demand then there is a high probability that consumers will shop elsewhere. In the photography field it is important that the products and services be not only user friendly, but offers a variety of features and easily transferable data. Some important features include zoom range, video recording, time between taking pictures (on digital cameras), and memory card and the length of time needed to transfer pictures.
The Essay on Consumer Packaged Goods Industry
Wonderware relies on their services and expertise to take it into new opportunities and markets. From the 625 VAR/OEMs, approximately 2. 5% use Wonderware software to create solutions for food-products machinery in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. Out of almost exactly 3,000 SI companies currently active in the Wonderware Solution Provider Program, more than 46% devote some portion of ...
Companies in this industry must ensure that its products appeal to long time photographers, and are easy to learn for those who are new to the field. In addition, price and customer awareness are important. Cameras must be affordable, as consumers are becoming more and more price conscious. Also, in an industry where the printing of photos is decreasing, it is imperative for consumers to be made aware of the quality and affordability of professional printing in order to maintain market share and profit. If consumers believe it is expensive to print photos, they will be inclined not to print and store pictures on a disk or print at home with a low quality printer.
References
Christensen, C. 1997 The innovator’s dilemma: When new technologies cause great firms to fail. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press. Gavetti, G., Henderson, R., Giorgi, S., 2004. Kodak (A).
HBS Publishing. Charles Darwin ;1859 on the origin of species;London john Murray.
