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Pages:
7 pages/≈1925 words
Sources:
2 Sources
Style:
APA
Subject:
Management
Type:
Case Study
Language:
English (U.S.)
Document:
MS Word
Date:
Total cost:
$ 30.24
Topic:

Case analysis. Alibaba Group Holding Limited. Management

Case Study Instructions:

There is no one best way to analyze a case just as there is no the single correct way to internationalize a business or tackle a marketing problem. Note too that there is no right or wrong answer. Also case studies are just like your life: In most situations, you are very unlikely to be in a position to know all the facts or information you would like in order to find a “perfect” solution for a problem. However, I expect you to focus on as many of the following points as possible, which would help you to analyze case studies more effectively:
Analysis of industry, market and other environmental factors: You are expected to discuss the following: structure of firms competing in the industry, performance of the industry (e.g, growth rate), strengths and weaknesses of competitors, buyer behaviors (e.g., where they would buy, what features they look for in a product, when they buy, etc.), drivers of success in the industry (e.g., innovation, product quality, low price, etc.)

Analysis of the focal company (Alibaba): You are expected to discuss the following: distinctive competency of the company, nature of the company’s market offerings, past and present performance and factors that led to the current position of the company. A SWOT analysis may help.

Action plan: You are expected to discuss the following: choices that are available to the company (please identify at least two), pros and cons of each choice.

Potential outcomes: You are expected to discuss the following for each of the choices identified in #3: possible reactions from the customers, competitors and the value delivery network, potential impact on profitability and future performance of the company.

You need to make a recommendation to the company among the choices identified earlier. Note that recommendations are required to provide actionable, operational and strategic guidance to the company/industry/country. It would be a good idea to discuss in details why you choose the recommendation as well as why you dismissed other alternatives.
You are also expected to provided answers (explicitly or implicitly) to the questions listed at the end of the case.

It is a good idea to do additional research about the company and/or the environment facing the company.

Case Study Sample Content Preview:

Name
Institution
Alibaba
Alibaba Group Holding Limited
Introduction
In the past decade, Alibaba has grown to become one of the most renowned and profitable e-commerce companies in the world. Located in China, the company managed to break into the international scene and remain as one of the biggest competitors of Amazon and eBay. Started in 1999, Alibaba shocked the world when it debuted in the New York Stock Exchange. However, despite its entry into the NYSE, only a measly 10% of its revenues come from outside China. While it is considered as an e-commerce company and people all over the world know it as an e-commerce company, it does not operate like one. The likes of Amazon have warehouses and distribution channels which they use to make sure that their goods make their way to the clients in the least time possible. Alibaba, on the other hand, does not own these and does not also indulge in selling directly to clients. However, the company provides a platform where businesses can reach its clients as well as other businesses. In China, Alibaba is almost a household name and holds a commanding lead over the likes of Baidu and JD.com who are considered its biggest competition back home. However, internationally, it comes second to Amazon and eBay, but it remains to be seen whether it will be able to break into the international scene.
Structure of Firms Competing In the Industry
As noted earlier, there are several firms which can be considered to be among the chief competitors of Alibaba. They include Amazon, eBay, Baidu, and JD.com. The first two are Alibaba’s competition in the international markets while the last two are Alibaba’s competition in China.
* Amazon Inc
Amazon is a Fortune 100 company, and since its inception in 1944, it has managed to climb the ladder of the most successful companies in the United States. Unlike Alibaba, Amazon engages in direct selling, owns warehouses and distribution channels which it uses to make sure that clients have access to whichever goods they purchase. From the year 2000, Amazon managed to create a name for itself and even opened the door for businesses and other retailers to sell goods through their platform. The company has created a name for itself and through efficient service has been building and reinforcing its reputation.
* eBay
eBay is a respected brand, and like Alibaba, its main client-base is found in the U.S. Like Alibaba, eBay provides both buyers and customers a platform where they can interact and transact. eBay has many similarities with Alibaba including the payment system. It is made of three sections including PayPal (for making digital payments), eBay (where buyers and sellers transact), and eBay Enterprise (mainly involves retailing, commerce, and digital marketing).
* JD.com
Like Amazon, JD.com engages in direct sales and currently enjoys a market share of more than 50% in China. There are many similarities between JD.com and Amazon because it not only indulges in direct sales but also owns warehouses as well as distribution channels.
* Baidu
Baidu is not like the other e-commerce companies because it started as a search engine but has so far worked to create a demand for certain services and products in store...
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