Competitor Analysis and Competitive Intelligence

Competitor Analysis and Competitive Intelligence © Shutterstock.com | bizvectorFor those who are yet to harness the power of competitor analysis or competitive intelligence to get that edge, read this article to know about these aspects: 1) what is competitor analysis, 2) difference between competitor analysis and competitive intelligence, 3) three approaches of competitive intelligence, 4) cycle of competitive intelligence, and 5) examples of competitive intelligence analysis techniques.WHAT IS COMPETITOR ANALYSIS?A competitor analysis, which is an essential element of corporate strategy, is a technique used to assess outside competitors (potential and current). The study seeks to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these competitors and use the knowledge gained, to improve endeavors within the company. Its goal is to create a profile of the kind of strategy changes each rival may take, each rival’s possible reaction to possible environmental shifts and industry changes, and each rival’s probable response to the variety of probable strategic moves other firms or companies could make. Thus, your competitor analysis should enable you to come up with the tactics and strategies essential for ensuring profitable and consistent transfer of market share from particular competitors to your company or firm.The competitive analysis gives a defensive and offensive strategic context to spot both opportunities and threats. Profiling combines all of the pertinent sources of competitor analysis into a single structure in the support of effective and efficient strategy formulation, implementation, adjustment, and monitoring.One frequently used yet useful technique of competitive intelligence is developing a competitor array, the steps of which include:Delineating your industry â€" nature and scope of the industryFinding out who your competitors areFinding out who your customers are and the advantages they expectFinding out what the chief success factors in your industry areRanking each of the success factors by gi ving it a weighting â€" when the weightings are added together, the total should be oneGiving each competitor a rating based on the chief success factorsMultiplying the factor weighting with each cell in the matrixDIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPETITOR ANALYSIS AND COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCEThough the term “competitive intelligence” is often regarded as similar in meaning to competitor analysis, that belief is not correct. Competitive intelligence may be defined as the action of delineating, collecting, studying and distributing intelligence pertaining to competitors, products, customers and any facet of the environment required to support managers and executives making strategic decisions for a business. This is similar to competitor analysis. However, competitive intelligence does more â€" it also involves improving the competitiveness of the business or organization relative to its whole environment and stakeholders: competitors, customers, technologies, distributors and macroeconomic d ata.THREE APPROACHES TO COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCECompetitive intelligence is carried out under three key approaches in the CI framework, all of which are discussed below:Tactical intelligenceThis approach is on a smaller scale and usually operational, not focusing much on being predictive. Some examples of tactical issues are competitors’ plans for modifying the manner by which they distinguish one, two or multiple products from yours, their price policies and terms of sale. Some of the key users of this approach are middle-level sales and marketing managers because they have a desire to know how to be a winner each day.Strategic intelligenceThis approach mainly has to do with acquiring comprehension of a competitor’s current strategy, future goals, capabilities â€" diagnostic components and conjectures with respect to itself and the industry. Intelligence pertaining to the firm’s partners (in research and development or marketing alliances), suppliers and chief customers is fr equently also of strategic value.Counter intelligenceCounter intelligence involves protecting company secrets. Just as you are interested in knowing your competitors’ plans, they may be interested in knowing your plans, possibly even more interested than you in theirs. Frequently, this area of effort would incorporate information technology and security. Others such as firing and hiring strategies are frequently overlooked so that competitor opportunities can be contained within the firm.CYCLE OF COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE 1. Planning and directionThis step is characterized by the involvement of the management and settling on what intelligence it requires, and the competitive intelligence practitioner deciding which direction to pursue to successfully accomplish his task. A CI project is scoped out by answering these questions: What knowledge do we need? What do we already know? When do we need to be aware of this knowledge/intelligence? Why should we have this information? How much would it cost us to get that information? How much would it cost us if we did not have that information? How would we put the intelligence we have gained to use?This step may also be regarded as the other end of the intelligence cycle. The reason for this is that once specific intelligence is given to the decision maker, his ensuing actions which are based on the intelligence received would trigger more intelligence needs. The firm’s situation would thus, certainly change on the basis of those subsequent actions.2. Collec tion and researchAt this step or stage, the actual collection of raw information for intelligence purposes, is completed. The sources of information used are those which are publicly accessible which means that as long as the person knows where to look, he can access that information. This is what makes competitive intelligence ethical and legal (daring to be unethical is not just uncalled for but can also result in harsh consequences). Some examples of such sources are periodicals, books, annual reports, broadcasts, databases, and speeches. The nature of information gathered and research carried out would depend on decisions to be informed or KITs. Pertinent data may already be in hand from secondary sources, whether by purchase or available for free. Other pertinent data may be present in the firm’s different information coffers. To get more data or information, it may be necessary to collect it personally, by way of observations, interviews or other kinds of primary research.Th e research objectives of a CI project would frequently involve areas such as: analysis of joint ventures and/or alliances that competitors entered into, the competitors’ manufacturing capabilities, their product lines, their future plans and strategies for particular markets, reasons for changes in the business unit or corporate strategy.The collection and research stage is also characterized by processing of information or data so that it may be transmitted and stored electronically if needed. In electronic form, the information can be changed into a form that enables its analysis.3. Analysis and productionAnalysis, synthesis, and distillation are at the core of CI, where distinct bits of information are converted into actionable intelligence. Analysis is regarded as the most difficult aspect of the intelligence cycle. It requires considerable guts and skills because it calls for the analyst to weigh information, see if there are any patterns, and come up with various scenarios d erived from what he has learned. In spite of the fact that, an analysis is based on hard and logical information, analysts should, from time to time, ‘fill in the blanks’ and make well-informed guesses about potential outcomes.The next job of CI analysts is to synthesize different patterns and separate industry happenings to expose the bigger picture and identify suitable actions.4. Dissemination and deliveryThis is the final stage in the competitive intelligence cycle and has to do with distributing the intelligence product to the people who requested it. At this stage, analysts would recommend probable courses of action based on the intelligence. In addition to articulating their recommendations, the analysts should be able to defend them using logical arguments. The further intelligence that results would also be passed on to others in the company who can put it to use.Intelligence should be packaged in formats suitable to the intelligence, the extent of actions to be taken, and the decision makers. At times, this means a comprehensive hard-copy report, other times, email exchanges and still other times, an in-person presentation. Any CI report in written form should start with a brief executive summary that centers on findings, conclusions, and suggestions.EXAMPLES OF COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS TECHNIQUESPorter’s five forces © Flickr | Greg EmmerichThe credit for this framework or technique goes to Michael Porter of Harvard Business School. The technique utilizes Industrial Organization economics to obtain the most vital five factors that establish a market’s competitive intensity or profitability. These factors are threat of new entrants, threat of established rivals, bargaining power of supplies, bargaining power of customers and the threat of substitute products. This five-force framework provides a checklist to study the industry’s degree of competitiveness based on the balance of power. With the help of this analysis, companies can de cide on how best to leverage market forces to boost profitability. The next step includes delineating that strategy would increase the chances of success: differentiation, cost structure or integration.SWOT © Wikimedia commons | XhienneThis technique is intended to have a look at the company’s strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Though it is a great point from which to start a competitor analysis, its narrow focus can result in an inclination to pigeonhole information, and frequently, missed information. The competitor data should be information gathered from your own business. For example, it may be your wish to compare the liquidity so that you know if your market share runs the risk of any threats from other market players. SWOT should consider both industry players and external markets. What’s more, though the SWOT analysis is helpful in organizing information, it is definitely not, when it comes to strategic decision-making. For additional insights, it should be done along with the TOWS matrix.Supply and demand curves © Wikimedia commons | FecoFrom the point of economics, supply and demand is a model for fixing price in the market. The conclusion of this model is that, in a cutthroat market, the unit price for a specific good would change until it stays at a point where the quantity demanded by consumers (at the present price) is the same as the quantity provided by producers (at the present price), thereby creating an outcome of economic equilibrium for quantity and price.Critical success factor analysisThis model looks at the goals a business must satisfy so as to succeed. This analytical technique may be applied to a number of competitors so as to determine the most frequent markers of success or failure in your market.Value chain analysisA value chain analysis entails identifying each segment of the value chain and determining areas where improvements can be made whether from a cost perspective or production standpoint to make certain that consumers are getting maximum value for their money. When consumers get maximum value from the product for the lowest cost, businesses gain in the long run.BCG MatrixCreated in the 1980s, the BCG matrix framework is meant to assist with decision making on current product lines. It has been utilized to assess how a company should reflect on their portfolio on the basis of two benchmarks: the market growth rate and the product’s relative market share.Win-loss analysisThis is an analysis that uses the customer’s perspective to find out why the provided sales opportunities are won or lost. The process usually involves carrying out detailed telephonic interviews with new customers or lost prospects. With the candid feedback gained, senior leadership can continuously tweak their strategies and processes in product development, customer service, marketing and sales to ensure optimum performance and maximize the competitive advantage.Monte Carlo simulationThis is a computerized mathematical technique that permits people to justify the ris k in decision making and quantitative analysis. The method is used by professionals in such widely different fields as project management, finance, manufacturing, energy, research and development, engineering, transportation, insurance, the environment and oil and gas. Monte Carlo simulation carries out risk analysis by developing models of probable outcomes by substituting a variety of values â€" a probability distribution for any aspect that has inherent uncertainty.Assessing uncertaintyA four level McKinsey framework of uncertainty may be helpful to choose the right combination of strategic tools. These four levels are as follows:Level #1: Predictable future â€" recognizable trends (such as market demographics). Little bit of residual uncertainty, reasonably accurately basis for strategy. Execute the classic strategy tool kit.Level #2: Alternative futures â€" discreet scenarios (such as those associated with competitors’ actions and regulatory changes). Probabilities may apply. Examine each strategic result separately. Keep watch for trigger points.Level #3: A range of futures â€" A limited number of variables (such as adoption rates in upcoming markets) determine results that are not discreet, but still within an expansive range. Execute scenario analysis.Level #4: True ambiguity â€" A number of uncertainty dimensions cause difficulty in delineating a variety of outcomes. One example is the nascent mobile internet market. Maximize your identification of indicators and variables as much as you can and take “no regret” moves.A formalized competitor analysis and competitive intelligence program can:Predict the actions of competitorsPredict changes in the marketplaceDiscover prospective or new competitorsHelp you learn from the right steps and mistakes of othersIncrease the quality and range of acquisition targetsHelp you learn about political, regulatory or legislative changes that may impact your businessHelp you learn about new product, processes and technologies that impact your businessHelp you enter new businessesHelp you execute the most recent management toolsHave an open manner of analyzing your business practicesThe eventual benefits to your bottom line include better market knowledge, more confidence in coming up with strategic plans, better cross-functional relationships in the organization and enhancements in product quality against the competition. These benefits can be summed up in three words â€" “better business performance” by doing things better, and this, is worth the effort.As mentioned before, it is worth remembering that competitive intelligence is fully justified as long as it conforms to ethics and the law. When it doesn’t, it takes the form of corporate espionage that is an unfair approach for gaining a competitive advantage.

An Analysis of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave and the...

In The Republic, Plato introduces a philosophy that transcends the exclusivity of the contemplative and the active lives. He defines the ultimate truth as â€Å"aletheia†, which literally translates to mean â€Å"unhidden† or â€Å"that which does not remain unnoticed†. Through his use of the term and his allegory of the cave, Plato makes the strong implication that philosophers must actively seek to discover the absolute truth, rather than relying on traditional methods of contemplation and the persuasive tone of rhetoric to prove its existence. To better explain his reasoning, Plato constructs a metaphor between the sun and the ultimate good. He argues that â€Å"the soul is like the eye† in that it requires an exterior force to establish clarity of†¦show more content†¦He writes, â€Å"when turned towards the twilight of becoming and perishing, then [the soul] has opinion only, and goes blinking about, and seems to have no intelligence† (Book VI, p. 25). By establishing opinion as the opposite to the ultimate good, and by definition, the ultimate evil, he criticizes the use of rhetoric and persuasion while praising to his long-winded, circuitous form of writing. By continually asking questions and telling parables, Plato avoids direct advocation of his beliefs and allows his readers to discover the truth for themselves, rather than to be coerced through eloquent language. Plato expands this analogy in the allegory of the cave. The prisoners, who have lived in the cave since their childhood, â€Å"have their necks chained so that they cannot† turn their heads (Book VII, p. 1). From the beginning, their range of sight has been restricted, symbolizing their lack of knowledge. A fire, which resembles a lesser form of the sun, provides the cave with its main source of light, but instead of illuminating objects for the prisoners, the light serves as a backdrop for the shadows that marionette players displa y on the wall that the prisoners are allowed to see. These shadows understandably become realities for the prisoners, but their belief in pictures made from darkness further emphasizes their ignorance. When one of the prisoners is released, Plato describes his journey to enlightenment as aShow MoreRelatedRhetorical Analysis of Platos the Allegory of the Cave2111 Words   |  9 PagesEden Scharer Darrin Broadway English III-4 5th December, 2010 From Darkness to Sunlight: An Analysis of the Allegory of the Cave Imagine yourself sitting inside a dark, damp, cave where the only thing you can see are moving shadows on the cave wall in front of you. You can’t move anywhere or see anything besides the shadows, and these are the only things you’ve seen for your entire life, so these moving dark images are the most real things you’ve ever known. At some point in our childhood we

Mkt 500 Enhancing the Marketing Plan Essay - 2022 Words

Enhancing the Marketing Plan As part of the Impressions Salon Spa’s marketing plan, the following sections provide details of the current market situation by analyzing: Competitors, strengths, and weaknesses; roles in the marketplace; plan to differentiate the business; environmental issues, and; the most significant trend that impacts the company. The Company’s Competitors, and the Strengths and Weaknesses A competitor’s capabilities can be analyzed according to its strengths and weaknesses in various functional areas. The competitor’s strength defines its capabilities (Competitor’s Resources and Capabilities, 2010). One common and useful technique is constructing a competitor array. The steps include: †¢ Determine who your†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ Our facility is designed to serve as a peaceful retreat to customers who want to escape the stress of their day. †¢ We offer a vast array of massages that focus on removing tension and stress. †¢ Our staff is well trained and friendly to all who grace our doorway. Our goal is to make our customers feel at home and to educate them on how best to improve your well being. †¢ We offer Impressions Gel Ampoule or Impressions Oil Ampoule to help rejuvenate your skin during our most popular facials. Competition is a healthy and important part of doing business. It keeps everyone on their toes so to speak. Differentiating your business means defining your company in relationship to the competition. It means continuously making improvements and reinventing yourself. If you want to differentiate your business, you need to look at your business from your client’s point of view. By educating our clientele concerning the use of organic products that leave your skin and hair feeling vibrant and young, Impressions Salon Spa has taken steps to set ourselves apart from our competitors. Some points of differentiation include: quality, performance and leadership, superior service, and customer support. Creating a differentiation strategy is to develop a Unique Selling Proposition. The Unique Selling Proposition is the biggest marketing weapon and is the key to differentiating your business from others like you. IndustryShow MoreRelatedAssignment 1-Marketing1689 Words   |  7 PagesAssignment #1 Market Segmentation and Product Positioning Noaman Siddiqui Marketing Management-MKT 500 Dr. Shirley McLaughlin April 21st, 2011 Abstract This paper will introduce a product and service which operates in the U.S. with the intent to expand within foreign markets eventually. 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Saya Robot Free Essays

SAYA ROBOT ABSTRACT This Article describes an electronic mechanical machine with a Tele-operated android robot named SAYA. A robot is an electro- mechanical device which maybe appears as humanoid and it can performs tasks automatically. It may be done by using a remote control or a computer interface. We will write a custom essay sample on Saya Robot or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Branch of Technology that deals with Robots is called ROBTICS. It was found in the daily lives for example; the pet-type robot named AIBO, and a mental therapy robot and its effectiveness for elderly people. But the first uses of modern robots have been built by William Grey Walter in 1961s as industrial robots. THE ANDROID ROBOT SAYA After 15 years of research by Saya’s developer Hiroshi Kobayashi, the Professor at Tokyo University of Science; Saya is being tested as a teacher and it is being trialed at a primary school in Tokyo. After working as a receptionist and secretary. Also the robot Saya already used as traffic wardens and one is even being developed to provide company to Alzheimer’s sufferers. She can speak multiple- languages; also can express some basic emotions like surprise, disgust, smile, sadness. Because her face has simple structure and basically consists of mechanical frame and facial skin. SAYA THE ROBOT TEACHER In the classroom, there are Saya and some control equipment and the control system of Saya requires a compressor and electronic equipments. In the other side, there’s an operation room with two monitors one of them is used for the control, and the other one used for the observation. Saya is able to assign tasks to students, as well as perform facial expressions to denote her current mood. She also able to catch students passing notes in class, as well as plagiarizing one another’s homework. The operator is able to hear students from the speakers and respond to students as well. THE MAIN PURPOSES OF SAYA ROBOT The robot’s main purpose was to encourage children to be interested in science and technology; it’s also expected to contribute to children’s motivation to learn, in addition; it would benefit schools suffering from a shortage of human teachers. The robot was originally developed for companies who want to cut costs by replacing office workers such as secretaries and receptionists with an android. BIBLIOGRAPHY LIST – cdn. intechweb. org/pdfs/19461. pd – http://www. news. com. au/news/saya-robots-new-job-as-a-schoolteacher/story-fna7dq6e-1111119087968 How to cite Saya Robot, Papers

Jails and Prisons

A description of jail’s place in corrections and its role throughout history Jails play a crucial role when it comes to corrections in the United States. To start with, jails receive offenders who are to be arraigned in court later and the offenders who await trial. The other role that jails play in corrections includes the readmission of parole, probation, bail absconders and violators. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Jails and Prisons specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Jails have a place in corrections since they contribute significantly to the temporary detention of juveniles, the mentally challenged persons, as well as individuals who have to be transferred to other facilities (Cole Smith, 2009). The other role played by jails in the context of corrections includes the reduction of offender recidivism. This role is achieved through the use of correctional strategies, which take the form of community ba sed sanctions as well as services. The correctional role of jails also includes a change in the behavior of offenders, especially through vocational courses, which offenders learn while in jail. The vocational courses and training given to offenders are instrumental in helping them live a better life after prison (Seiter, 2011). According to Seiter (2011), â€Å"throughout history, jails have played a crucial role in the improvement of offender outcomes.† Jails have been depended upon for the transfer of inmates to local, state, and federal authorities. Moreover, jails have played a crucial role in housing inmates from state and federal prisons who may have overcrowded in these facilities. In addition, jails have operated programs based in the community whose aim has been to improve the lives of offenders and would be offenders. The other role that jails have played throughout history includes the holding of inmates, especially those sentenced for short periods. A summary o f the history of state and federal prisons The state and federal prisons can hold criminals who have committed similar crimes. The two forms of prisons can be regarded as alike, although there tends to be many differences between these forms of prisons. The federal prison tends to hold individuals whose incarceration can be considered to be long. On the other hand, state prisons hold prisoners incarcerated for short periods. State prisons began in the early 1800s; the Sing Sing State prison was the first state prison to be built. This prison is one of the oldest state prisons that has existed for a long period, and which continues to be existent up to date. The emergence of state prisons took the form of small prisons; these prisons became vital as they held most prisoners and high populations of offenders in America. Advertising Looking for essay on criminology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Since penitentiaries began in e ach of the states in the United States of America, there has been a sharp increase in the number of prisoners in state prisons. Most states have had to provide funding and finances needed to run the prison systems in their respective states. Historically, it has been the mandate of the states to provide for the staff, food, as well as other necessities needed in the state prisons (Keve, 1995). The federal prison system traces its history to the 1890s. However, federal prisons witnessed significant changes in 1930 following the signing of a bill by President Herbert Hoover. The bill signed by President Hoover led to the establishment of a federal prison system, which marked the beginning of the building of federal facilities. The introduction of federal laws dealing with bank robbery as well as white collar crimes led to the growth in the federal prison system (Keve, 1995). A comparison of the similarities and differences between security levels in jails, state prisons, and federal p risons There are a number of security levels in jails, state prisons, as well as federal prisons, which play an instrumental role in the classification of prisoners. The security levels in state prisons are from level one to level four. The other levels of security in American jails are satellite low security levels as well as satellite camps. Satellite camps include small facilities, which may be next or adjacent to large prisons. These camps are instrumental because they give prisoners a place they can go when they want to do some work. Satellite low security refers to facilities, which tend to be attached to large facilities. Low security satellites house criminals who have exhibited desirable behavior over time and can be released from prison (Cole Smith, 2009). Keve (1995) states â€Å"in the federal system of prisons, security levels can be classified as administrative, medium, high, minimum, as well as low.† In most cases, the criminals held in the federal prison com prise of a politician or a drug dealer. These prisons hold offenders who have varying offence levels; most of these offences relate to the former political officials, judicial officials, and immigrants found to illegally cross over the United States border for several times. An explanation of factors influencing growth in jails, state prisons, and federal prisons There has been a high growth in the number of people in prisons. This has led to overcrowding in the United States prisons; jails, state prisons, and federal prisons have been affected by this growth. One factor contributing to the growth in jails includes the increasing number of offenders. With time, the number of offenders has increased significantly; this has translated to increase in prisoners, as well as growth in prisons. Another factor that causes the growth in prisons is the increasing rate of juvenile crimes. The prison population has increased significantly since juveniles are being tried just like adults. The g overnment has altered laws, which address the issue of juvenile offenders. As a result, there have occurred some changes in that there tends to be many juvenile offenders who undergo sentencing than in the past (Cole Smith, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Jails and Prisons specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The other factor contributing to the growth in jails, prisons and federal prisons include the increasing number of women offenders. In the recent past, women offenders have increased significantly. This has led to a high number of women in prisons, thus leading to the growth in prisons and federal facilities. The high number of illegal immigrants has also contributed to the growth of prisons. Growth in jails can also be attributed to the rising rates of poverty. Poverty can be termed as a key factor, which accelerates crimes thus leading to a high number of prisoners. The income inequalities, and the gap between those who are rich and the poor can be termed as one of the major causes of poverty. As a result of poverty, the poor opt to enter in crime with the sole aim of ensuring that they are at par with the rich. Consequently, they find themselves in the wrong side of the law (Cole Smith, 2009). References Cole, G. F. Smith, C. (2009). The American System of Criminal Justice. New York: Gardners Books. Keve, P. W. (1995). Prisons and the American conscience: A history of U.S. federal corrections. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press. Seiter, R. P. (2011). Corrections: An introduction (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. This essay on Jails and Prisons was written and submitted by user Marco Lee to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

What factors contributed to the success of Apple Essay Example

What factors contributed to the success of Apple Essay Example What factors contributed to the success of Apple Essay What factors contributed to the success of Apple Essay The preceding analysis of the success factors of the phone leads to lessons that can be learned when developing and launching mobile products and data services. While some of these lessons may be considered specific to Apple, most of them can be replicated by other Smartened manufacturers and potentially even other technology providers: Demographics Target the right group of adopters: Apple targeted young, technology savvy individuals rather than business. While other Smartened and mobile data and Internet services targeted business (e. . , RIM), phone proved there is a strong market in personal use. Rather than assuming an initial target of business, and expecting consumers to follow, it is possible to reverse this, targeting personal usage first with business usage following. User Preferences unreason Ana meet preferences: Apple Touches on entertainment applications Ana services rather than business applications, clearly meeting the needs of their consumers. By fully understanding user preferences and designing content and applications that meet these preferences, there is a large untapped market potential n mobile data and Internet products and services. Culture Find and exploit cultural niches: While culture varies by country and within countries, it is important for the phone to find cultural niches that it could fill. These cultural niches have been filled for the most part through the applications and services provided, rather than the mobile devices, indicating that regardless of the hardware platform, cultural preferences can be met through software and content. Technology Hardware plays a best-supporting role: While phone understood that applications and content were cost important, an element of control over the hardware and technology was necessary for success. The phone achieved success through Apples core competency in product innovation, ensuring that phone was highly functional and capable of producing a rich mobile Internet browsing experience. Thus it is highly important to ensure that technology plays a strong supporting role to applications and content. Business Model Develop a business model based on core competencies: The device-centric business model of the phone [45] has been the strongest factor in the success. The phone launch went against traditional wireless equines models and showed that device manufacturers could successfully control the necessary portions of the value chain and allow all players to be profitable and successful. Marketing Focus on fulfilling consumer needs: For the phone, Apple markets the services provided, rather than the hardware, focusing on what the products and services can do for the consumer, rather than the specifications. Key to success is not focusing on products, but rather the fulfillment of consumer needs. Service Providers Maintain control through content access and distribution: Apple understood that applications and intent are best left for third parties to develop, but maintaining control over access and distribution (including security) were the key elements of the value chain where it had core competencies. It proved that you do not need to perform the tasks in every part of the value chain, but rather coordinate and control the value chain to allow success for all players. Regulatory Make regulations work for you: Rather than working against regulations, Apple has accepted the regulatory factors, and worked within them to launch products and services that comply yet achieve high levels of

Short Block vs. Long Block vs. Crate Engines

Short Block vs. Long Block vs. Crate Engines The engine in a typical car should last a few hundred thousand miles, and some have hit even a million miles, depending on maintenance. However, manufacturing inconsistencies, lack of maintenance, or other circumstances can dramatically shorten the life of an engine, sometimes in spectacular ways. If you need to replace a damaged engine or upgrade your engine, you have a few choices to make. Short block vs. long block vs. crate engines- which should you choose? Not everyone has the time and tools required to fully rebuild or assemble an engine. Malkovstock / Getty Images The basic difference between a short block vs. long block vs. crate engines is their level of assembly. Of course, you could build your own engine, piece by piece, if you have the tools and knowledge or have a friend with a machine shop. If you’re building a race car, that’s a good way to go, but you wouldn’t likely build an engine from scratch for your daily driver. To shorten your vehicle’s downtime and reduce the level of complexity, you might choose a crate engine, long block, or short block. Basic Differences At its most basic, the difference between short block, long block, and crate engines is that each is progressively more expensive but requires less time and expertise to install. We’ll cover some of these differences and similarities, as well as instances when you might choose one over the other. Depending on tools, expertise, and budget, you may spend more or less time rebuilding your engine. MS Phil Speck / USANG Short Block Engine A short block engine is essentially just the engine block with a few major components. A short block engine usually includes, preinstalled, a new crankshaft with bearings and caps, new connecting rods, and new pistons. When installing a short block, you’ll need a master gasket kit so you can transfer parts from your old engine to the new short block, such as cylinder heads, oil pump, oil pan, timing sprockets and pulleys, timing belt or chain, camshafts, and intake and exhaust manifolds, as well as sensors and actuators. Choose a short block if the bottom end is damaged but the top end (cylinder heads) is in good condition and you have the time to swap over all the parts. Long Block Engine Depending on who makes it, the long block usually includes the short block with the cylinder heads preinstalled, most likely including timing components and anything behind them, such as the oil pump and camshafts. When installing a long block, you’ll need to transfer some parts from your old engine, such as the intake and exhaust manifolds, and some of the sensors and actuators. Choose a long block engine if there’s damage in the bottom and top end. Crate Engine Depending on who makes it, crate engines can range from long block to complete, including the oil pan, cylinder heads, intake and exhaust manifolds, sensors and actuators, maybe even the engine main harness. We’re referring to a complete engine, which is a good idea for those looking for a drop-in solution to their engine problems. No parts are transferred to the new engine, aside from the alternator, air-conditioning compressor, and engine mounts, which significantly reduces the time to install. Choose a crate engine or complete engine when time is of the essence or the engine has suffered extensive failures. Crate engines can also be custom-ordered, the weapon of choice for many enthusiasts who want more power from their custom cars. These are the three main categories of new engines you can buy for the typical project, but not the only ones. You might also consider used junkyard engines or remanufactured engines. Junkyard Engine A junkyard engine might be a good choice for your vehicle project. Julien Grosjean / Getty Images A junkyard engine might be a good choice if you are looking to save money. These usually come complete, hopefully with intact wiring, though each facility does things differently. If you have an engine-savvy friend, they can help you inspect the engine before you buy it. You-pick junkyards will require that you remove the engine yourself, so you can take as much care as you want to save the parts you need the most. Choose a junkyard engine if budget is of primary concern, but be aware that it might not come with any warranty and might have already been abused or neglected. Remanufactured Engine These used engines may be available in differing levels of assembly, from short block to long block or complete. The difference between a remanufactured or rebuilt engine is that they’ve been overhauled or at least certified by engine experts. They’re used and may have varying levels of new parts, are usually more expensive than junkyard engines but less expensive than crate engines, and usually come with a warranty. Choose a remanufactured engine if you’re not planning on rebuilding it yourself. Here, an engine is either ready for disassembly or reinstallation. PIXNIO Choosing between these different engines if you must replace or rebuild an engine needn’t be overwhelming. Considering your expertise, available tools, and budget, not to mention existing damage, choose the engine that best meets your needs. Still wondering which is best? Ask an engine-savvy friend or a trusted mechanic.