Case study – Huzhou Piano Co Ltd
This is an open-book assessment your task is to prepare an extended response to each of the questions at the end of the case study (Huzhou Piano Co Ltd).
In preparing your response you should first read the case study, which provides background information about the organisation.
You are expected to show both your knowledge and understanding of the subject and be able to apply what you have learn to the case study.
Read the following case study carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Case study – Huzhou Piano Co Ltd
Huzhou Piano Company Ltd is a modern manufacturer, whose specialty is acoustic upright and grand pianos. The company was established in 2000 in Huzhou city, Zhejiang province, which is a centre for piano manufacturing and well-known as the piano town of China. With this advantaged location, the company has a read source of good quality piano materials and experienced workers.
The company has grown into a medium-sized piano manufacturer with annual production of over 4,000 upright pianos and over 300 grand pianos. It now has 130 employees.
As well as achieving both local and national Chinese quality certification, the company achieved International certification ISO 9001, and the production process strictly adheres to this international quality system.
The product range includes upright and grand pianos to meet the requirements of different users such as families, schools, bars, hotels and stages. Overall there are over 40 product types depending on model, colour and style of piano. Their products are sold through specialist music retailers and department stores, as well as direct to commercial organisations.
Huzhou Piano Company Ltd is well managed, with low overheads and operating costs. Unlike some of their competitors, it has only a modest advertising budget, which has allowed them to offer good value products at very competitive prices. The majority of their models are budget models which account for the largest segment of the market.
In the last 10 years, the company’s sales have grown substantially each year as a result of the rapidly growing popularity of plans in China. However in the past three years, sales growth has slowed. This is due to a number of factors, such as increased competition in the domestic market, a growing trend towards better quality imported pianos among higher income families; and increasing competition from digital pianos which are considerably cheaper than traditional pianos. It is expected that in the coming years the domestic market will get even more competitive and this will put greater pressure on profit margins.
Huzhou Piano Company Ltd has not actively promoted any of their piano range outside of China; however it has sold a small percentage of its piano production overseas – but only in response to direct enquiries. Their Chief Executive Officer believes that now is the right time to look at international markets as the US and European economies start to recover. He also believes that emerging markets, such as India and Brazil, could possibly follow the Chinese example and experience higher than average demand for pianos as their economies grow and living standards rise.
1
Explain and justify the reasons why Huzhou Piano Company Ltd is considering entering international markets.
2 Describe a minimum of two sources of information that Huzhou Piano Company
Ltd should access before deciding which international markets to enter.
3 (a) What are PESTEL factors and why are these important when considering opportunities and threats of entering international markets?
(b) Using three PESTEL factors, explain key opportunities and threats that Huzhou Piano Company Ltd should think about when considering entry into international markets.
4
Explain a process that Huzhou Piano Company Ltd could use to select which international markets) to enter.
5 Explain the different modes of international market entry available to Huzhou Piano Company Ltd, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
6
Explain which method of international market entry would be most appropriate for Huzhou Piano Company Ltd, clearly identifying the criteria you have used in making your choice.
· History & Politics – 6 slides minimum (3 for US region / 3 for international region)
· What are the major historical factors that have impacted beer production in the regions you have selected?
· How has history influenced the beer culture in both of those regions today?
· Identify major political events that have impacted the production or consumption of beer in the regions.
· Culture – 4 slides minimum (2 for US region / 2 for international region)
· What is the dominant culture surrounding beer in the regions you have selected?
· What are the cultural/social characteristics that define beer consumption and culture in the country you have selected? For example, when and where is beer consumed?
· Who drinks beer in the country and what are the popular styles?
· Identify at least 2 festivals, religious events, fairs, or events dealing with beer in the regions.
· Local Food – 2 slides minimum (1 for US region / 1 for international region)
· What are the traditional and trendy local foods that are paired with beer in your regions?
· How does the local food in both region affect beer culture?
· Economic Impact – 2 slides minimum (1 for US region / 1 for international region)
· Identify the economic impact of the production or consumption of beer in the region.
· Do the selected regions export beer?
· How popular is beer in the region compared to other beverages such as wine, distilled spirits, coffee, and tea?
· Are there many beer producers or is it dominated by a few?
· BIBLIOGRAPHY SLIDE (APA style) – 1 slide minimum
· REQUIRED!!!
Final analysis: After examining each component separately, what can you deduce about the effects geography, environment, history, culture and local food have had upon beer culture in the country you have selected? What do these characteristics say about the culture as a whole? Finally, compare this region to your selected region in the U.S. (at least 9 slides, including conclusion)
Specifically answer the following:
i. Compare and contrast the climate of each region.
j. How would you describe beer culture in each country/region?
k. Compare and contrast the US beer processing to that of your international region.
l. Include at least one slide that references one aspect of popular culture such as movies and or music that features beer in each of your regions.
m. Compare and contrast the religious history and current religious climate of the two regions as they relate to beer production or consumption.
n. What are the similarities between the cultures within the two countries you’re examining?
o. What are the differences?
p. Conclusion: reflect upon how your world has been affected by analyzing the perspectives, needs, desires, and interests of other citizens of the world. (1 slide)
REQUIRED: Bibliography Slide with APA formatting (1 slide) – Failure to include will result in a zero.
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