IBM: Using Strategy to Build a “Smarter Planet”
1) Pick a company (or a brand, institute, city or government….) which can be a client of IBM and describe three (3) specific benefits the Smarter Planet initiative can provide to the organization.
Wal-Mart;
(i) By managing and organizing Wal-Mart’s huge database through database management which will be help keep better track of inventory levels, merchandise assortment and product pricing.
(ii) Help Wal-Mart better analyze buying behavior through implementation of smart systems.
(iii) Increased efficiency and better customer service.
2) Conduct a SWOT analysis for IBM’s Smarter Planet initiative.
Strengths;
(i) An Internationally recognized company with a very good reputation.
(ii) Known for its revolutionary and innovative inventions like the hard disk drive and the ATM.
Weaknesses;
(i) Pressure to perform and deliver on what IBM has set out to accomplish through the smarter planet initiative.
(ii) Because of IBM’s size and considering how long it’s been in business, the company will find it very challenging to make big changes such as a total change from their current commodity-based business to customizable businesses.
Opportunities;
(i) Growth of markets in developed and third world countries.
(ii) Business analytics and optimization.
Threats;
(i) A strongly competitive industry with very well-known companies like HP and Dell who also cater to large organizations for almost similar purposes.
(ii) Shifting from a commodity-based to customizable businesses will be very challenging. 3) What relevant trends to consider for the next three to five years?
Customer Trends;
(i) The desire for customers to work more efficiently.
(ii) The desire for customers to stay updated and connected across technologies.
Environmental Trends;
(i) Fewer trade barriers.
(ii) Growth of developing countries.
4) (a) How can IBM communicate its strategy to companies, cities, and governments? List 3 ways
(i) By making Information such as industry
Wal-Mart;
(i) By managing and organizing Wal-Mart’s huge database through database management which will be help keep better track of inventory levels, merchandise assortment and product pricing.
(ii) Help Wal-Mart better analyze buying behavior through implementation of smart systems.
(iii) Increased efficiency and better customer service.
2) Conduct a SWOT analysis for IBM’s Smarter Planet initiative.
Strengths;
(i) An Internationally recognized company with a very good reputation.
(ii) Known for its revolutionary and innovative inventions like the hard disk drive and the ATM.
Weaknesses;
(i) Pressure to perform and deliver on what IBM has set out to accomplish through the smarter planet initiative.
(ii) Because of IBM’s size and considering how long it’s been in business, the company will find it very challenging to make big changes such as a total change from their current commodity-based business to customizable businesses.
Opportunities;
(i) Growth of markets in developed and third world countries.
(ii) Business analytics and optimization.
Threats;
(i) A strongly competitive industry with very well-known companies like HP and Dell who also cater to large organizations for almost similar purposes.
(ii) Shifting from a commodity-based to customizable businesses will be very challenging. 3) What relevant trends to consider for the next three to five years?
Customer Trends;
(i) The desire for customers to work more efficiently.
(ii) The desire for customers to stay updated and connected across technologies.
Environmental Trends;
(i) Fewer trade barriers.
(ii) Growth of developing countries.
4) (a) How can IBM communicate its strategy to companies, cities, and governments? List 3 ways
(i) By making Information such as industry