Value Chain Analysis - Amazon.com
Value Chain Analysis – Amazon.com
Unit 4 Individual Project Assignment
GB570: Managing The Value Chain
Dr. Craddock
Kaplan University
January 6, 2012
Value Chain Analysis
The purpose of this value chain analysis was to explore the dynamics of Amazon.com in terms of looking at the intricate foundation (value chain) the company has created to serve its millions of satisfied customers. This company operates in the highly competitive industry of e-commerce, which is made up of fast paced marketing, cut-throat pricing, and short attention spans. There are several major success factors to be highlighted in this particular analysis. Again, the primary theme revolves around how the company has consistently served its customers over the past 15 years, and more importantly, the efforts that go into serving those customers. Additional questions will be explored as well: “Why does Amazon have such a strong customer base?” and “What has the company done different in the market to maintain a leadership role among competitors in the e-commerce industry?” The following research and analysis will shed light on these questions and more.
The research will be conducted by investigating current information from journals, publications, peer reviews, and information from various credible websites. The various sources examined will shed light on the history of Amazon, the company’s value chain structure and supply chain trends in the industry. The expected results will be a strong focus on customers, seamless processes, advanced technology, and flexibility to change, among other things.
The founder of Amazon.com, Jeff Bezos, revolutionized the e-commerce world in 1995, before many people were fully familiar with the concept. He developed an online store that presented a strong sense of ease and convenience that hadn’t been seen previously, except through eBay, whose focus as the time was on fast paced auctions and a
Unit 4 Individual Project Assignment
GB570: Managing The Value Chain
Dr. Craddock
Kaplan University
January 6, 2012
Value Chain Analysis
The purpose of this value chain analysis was to explore the dynamics of Amazon.com in terms of looking at the intricate foundation (value chain) the company has created to serve its millions of satisfied customers. This company operates in the highly competitive industry of e-commerce, which is made up of fast paced marketing, cut-throat pricing, and short attention spans. There are several major success factors to be highlighted in this particular analysis. Again, the primary theme revolves around how the company has consistently served its customers over the past 15 years, and more importantly, the efforts that go into serving those customers. Additional questions will be explored as well: “Why does Amazon have such a strong customer base?” and “What has the company done different in the market to maintain a leadership role among competitors in the e-commerce industry?” The following research and analysis will shed light on these questions and more.
The research will be conducted by investigating current information from journals, publications, peer reviews, and information from various credible websites. The various sources examined will shed light on the history of Amazon, the company’s value chain structure and supply chain trends in the industry. The expected results will be a strong focus on customers, seamless processes, advanced technology, and flexibility to change, among other things.
The founder of Amazon.com, Jeff Bezos, revolutionized the e-commerce world in 1995, before many people were fully familiar with the concept. He developed an online store that presented a strong sense of ease and convenience that hadn’t been seen previously, except through eBay, whose focus as the time was on fast paced auctions and a
References: Filson, Darren. 2004. Journal of Business; Apr2004 Supplement, Vol. 77, pS135-S154, 20p, 5 Charts. Retrieved on December 20th from http://web.ebscohost.com.lib.kaplan.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=f2aff340-2595-40de-85f9-7d03fff7e816%40sessionmgr111&vid=8&hid=25 Francisco, Bambi. (2009). CBS News – Amazon.com In A Bazaar Move. February 11th 2009. Retrieved on December 30th from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1999/09/29/tech/main64227.shtml Monitor, Data. 2011. Amazon.com, Inc SWOT Analysis Oct2011, p1-11, 11p. Retrieved on December 20th, from http://web.ebscohost.com.lib.kaplan.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=f2aff340-2595-40de-85f9-7d03fff7e816%40sessionmgr111&vid=4&hid=108 Porter, Michael (2011). Strategy: Value Chain. Retrieved on December 20th from http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/value-chain/ Thomas, Owen. 2010. Business Insider. Amazon.com’s Secret Retail Empire. Retrieved on December 29th from http://www.businessinsider.com/amazoncoms-secret-retail-empire-2010-11 Walters, D., & Rainbird, M. (2007). Strategic operations: A value chain approach. New York: Palgrave Macmillan