BMW Value Chain Analysis - Maguire, Marion

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Résumé :
Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2004 in the subject Business economics - General, grade: A-, Hawai'i Pacific University, course: MBA IT class, 11 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: This paper will analyze how the German car manufacturer BMW derives value from information systems as well as identify the value chain activities that are affected by the identified information systems. Following analysis will be limited to the information systems that provide the greatest value to BMW in form of gaining or maintaining a competitive advantage. BMW, which stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke, is a luxury car manufacturer. The headquarters of the BMW group is in Munich, Germany, but the company is present all over the world (BMW Group, 2004). The company built high brand equity over the years through continuous branding efforts and high quality products (Interbrand, 2001). BMW is arguably the most admired carmaker in the world and BMW products inspire near-fanatical loyalty (Kiley, 2004). Michael E. Porter developed the value chain concept in 1985. Porter's value chain provides a systematic means of categorizing activities. At each stage of the value chain there exists an opportunity to contribute positively to the firm's competitive strategy by performing some activity or process in a way that is better than the competitors, and so providing some uniqueness or advantage (Porter, 1985). Value activities can be divided into two broad types, primary activities and support activities (Porter, 1985). There are five generic categories of primary activities involved in competing in any industry: (a) Inbound Logistics, (b) Operations, (c) Outbound logistics, (d) Marketing and Sales, and (e) Services (Porter, 1985). Support activities support the primary activities and can be divided in four generic categories: (a) Procurement, (b) Technology Development, (c) Human Resource Management and (d) Firm Infrastructure (Porter, 1985).

Biographie:
I?m an accomplished global business leader, growth strategist and executive advisor with a focus in Organizational Structure, Strategic Business Growth, Marketing Management and Leadership Development, particularly complex when navigating diverse markets or international environments and intercultural differences. Passionate about making a difference for organizations that are experiencing challenges, I guide business leaders who are looking to transform these challenges into opportunities by creating a winning organizational structure along with strong leadership and solid development and execution of a strategic roadmap. I've helped businesses across industries and geographies attract and retain quality talent while driving exceptional results and growth through principles of intentional and integrated management. I take pride in finding creative and innovative solutions for the leaders and businesses to grow by aligning goals, systems and processes with people. I?ve built my career & reputation as well as my consultancy on helping other leaders and companies across industries and geographies to grow and achieve the results they want - In fact, I?ve treated building them and perfecting every aspect of their operations as if they were my own. Marion is someone who asks the right questions, finds a better way and shares it with you, and helps you create a strategy to get you the results you are looking for! Marion has brought strong organizational structure, which has had a positive effect on the efficiencies of the overall company.? ?Marion is a strong, natural leader. She contributes thoughtful, well-reasoned approaches in evaluating strategy and solving problems. ?Marion has the unique ability to effectively lead people while coaching and developing them along the way. More testimonials at www.weilerinternational.com/testimonials.