abhishreshthaa
Abhijeet S
AT&T Inc. is the largest provider of fixed telephony in the United States, and also provides broadband and subscription television services. AT&T is the second largest provider of mobile telephony service in the United States, with over 92.8 million wireless customers, just behind Verizon Wireless' 93.2 million, and more than 210 million total customers.[4]
As of 2010[update], AT&T is the 7th largest company in the United States by total revenue, as well as the 3rd largest non-oil company in the US (Behind Walmart and Bank of America). It is the 3rd largest company in Texas by total revenue (Behind ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips) and the largest non-oil company in Texas. It is also the largest company headquartered in Dallas.[5] In 2010, Forbes listed AT&T as the 13th largest company in the world and the 8th largest non-oil company in the world, the largest company in the world not associated with banking or oil, as well as the world's largest provider of telecommunication services.[6]
Southwestern Bell Corporation was founded in 1983 as a Regional Bell Operating Company following the break-up of the original AT&T as a result of the United States v. AT&T antitrust suit. The company changed its name in 1995 to SBC Communications Inc. and again in 2005 to AT&T Inc. after it purchased its former parent company, AT&T Corporation. The newly merged company took on the iconic AT&T logo and T stock-trading symbol (for "telephone").
The current AT&T reconstitutes much of the former Bell System and includes ten of the original 22 Bell Operating Companies along with one it partially owned (Southern New England Telephone), and the original long distance division.[7] The company is headquartered in downtown Dallas, Texas.[8]
Political Factors
Primarily, the company started their strategy by making the brand more profitable. This is to build a strong financial foundation. The main changes that had happened are from the accounting practices of the company. During the said changes and process of restructure, there are different political factors that might be considered. One of this is the environmental issues. As of now, more and more individuals and organizations are focusing on different issues regarding the environment. The fact that the company will be outsourcing from other countries, there are different international as well as local laws that must be considered in order to maintain the continuous process of the development. The trade restriction and tariffs are also another of the most important political factors that must be considered. This is due to the fact that the company already followed the strategy of Adidas and Nike in outsourcing their production in Asia. The primary reason for outsourcing of production is because, most of Asian countries offer lower labor cost and other taxes compare to Europe and America. In terms of political stability, due to the fact that the company is a multinational company that produce as well as sell their products in different parts of the world, there different political issues and events in other local partners that can affect the overall performance of the company.
Economic Factors
The said situation in the political factors, are somewhat connected with the different economic factors that might affect the development process of the company. Primarily is the situation of the home economy or the economic situation of Germany, in terms of monetary issues, stock exchange and the likes. The economy trends of happenings in the home economy are also important, so as the economic situations and trends of the partner countries. This is due to the fact that, this political factor has a great impact to the social mentality of the possible customers. The different employment laws in different countries must also be considered, this is due to the fact that different countries has their different cultures that might affect their beliefs as well as regulations regarding the human resource aspect of any company.
Social Factors
There are more social factors that might affect the development process of the company more than any other factors. This is due to the fact that social factor has the most important impact or effect to the taste or demand of the customers regarding one product or service. The fact that more and more people are into sports is a big chance or advantage for the company, because there will be a huge market for them. Another important thing is that sport is considered as one of the most important sector in the tourism industry, which considered as the most successful industry nowadays. On the other hand, sports are also considered as a form of exercise, for those who wants to have fit and healthy body.
One of this is the lifestyle trends; there have been a big change in the sports sector of the world. The sports sector has been constantly evolving in terms of personal tastes, popular games as well as technologies (Plunkett Research, Ltd 2008). There are different sports that are gaining popularity such as different extreme sports. The popularity of those new sports such as diving, skateboarding and extreme bike must be considered as one of the most important factors in the strategy-making and management of the company. It is also important to consider more the needs of women in sports wear, this is due to the fact that more and more women are going to sports this past few years. This can be seen in the dramatic floodtide of talented women athletes onto the American playing fields alone. In the USA, there are over 33% of female students in high school play sports. Furthermore, the population of those women who participates in the university sports has increased thrice. As of now, women are competing in almost every sport (US Diplomatic Mission to Germany 2008).
Furthermore, there are more and more girls and women who are participating in different sports that have traditionally been seen as out of bounds for women such as soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, wrestling as well as rugby (US Diplomatic Mission to Germany 2008). In terms of age distribution and demographics, it is also important to consider the demand of those young kinds who are playing sports in their schools, more particularly in the field of soccer (see Appendix A).
The behavior/attitudes as well as opinions of the customers are also important. It is important for the company to know what went wrong during their first implemented strategy, where in they tried to produce low quality as well as low price of products that lead to low sales and failure of the brand itself. It is also important for the company to consider the change of customer behavior as of now. More and more customers are oriented towards different high-value and lifestyle-oriented products. It means that more and more people are availing luxury products. The main reason behind the said phenomenon is that customers believe that the higher the price a product, the higher its quality. Another thing is that customers want to feel comfortable, and that is considered as one of the most important criteria of many customers in buying products and availing services.
Media views are also another important; the views of the business and the media are different on some very essential issues. That is why it is important for the company to implement with business strategy that will deal with the media that will recognize as well a deal with the difference, rather than changing the views of the journalist (Evans 1987, p. 160). Another important factor that must be considered under the media is the presence of the Internet where in people and organization can put anything that they want to say. The said thing can affect the brand and image of the company. The product or service of a company is what it is and what the customer think it is. Company may have the services that are being offered in the market but a customer won’t avail anything if he or she thinks that someone else out there is better (BAFA n.d.). Due to the fact that the company had already established its name in the market, and it had a history of giving their customers quality product, it wasn’t that hard for Puma AG to reestablished its name in the industry. On the other hand, it is hard to regain, in quick manner its prior company image.
In the process planning and implementing specific business strategy it is important to use fashion and role models that will help the brand to spread and rise brand awareness to the possible customers. The image of the models of the brand is also important; this is due to the fact that those artist or individual can be considered as part of the brand itself. Seeing famous individuals from different fields of sports wearing the products of the company can help them to reestablish the image of the brand. With connection to that, major events can also influence the behavior of the customers towards the products. Like sponsoring different famous individual, sponsoring major events can also improve the awareness of the customers regarding the brand. The destination’s brand image becomes linked and related to the event’s brand image, and the event’s brand image becomes linked to that of the destination brand (cited in Ritchie & Adair 2004, p. 239).
Ethical issues pertain to the corporate social responsibility or CRS of the company. It is the activity that helps the company to connect with the different ethical values, transparency, human resource relations, compliance with legal requirement as well as their respect for the communities in which they operates and works (cited in University of Miami n.d., p. 2). As of now, more and more companies are focusing on their activities and plans regarding CSR as part of their marketing strategy. This is due to the fact that according to the study of the Economist Intelligence Unit or EIU, in cooperation with the Oracle Corporations, CSR has a great impact to the relationship and connection between the company and its important stakeholders such as investors, clients, vendors, dealers, workers, communities and more importantly, the government (Economist Intelligence Unit 2005, p. 3).
The EIU conducted their online survey during October of 2004; using data from its respondents that is consist of 136 executives and 65 investors. The outcome shows that 85% of the respondents believe that CSR is considered as important part of their investment decision. The result doubled compared to the result of the study during 1999. In addition, 88% believe that CSR is vital in the decision-making process. The study also showed that the most important benefits of CSR is brand enhancement (61%) (Economist Intelligence Unit 2005, pp. 3 - 4).
Technological Factors
In terms of the technological factors, it focuses on the series of R&D activities as well as applications of automation and new technologies, most especially those that are connected to the Internet. Another important thing that might affect the development is the maturity of the technology; this is due to the fact that technology is considered as restless in terms of development. Furthermore, the global communication is also another important aspect, this is important because the company is operating in different part of the globe. It is also important to consider the different laws like the intellectual property issues.
As of 2010[update], AT&T is the 7th largest company in the United States by total revenue, as well as the 3rd largest non-oil company in the US (Behind Walmart and Bank of America). It is the 3rd largest company in Texas by total revenue (Behind ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips) and the largest non-oil company in Texas. It is also the largest company headquartered in Dallas.[5] In 2010, Forbes listed AT&T as the 13th largest company in the world and the 8th largest non-oil company in the world, the largest company in the world not associated with banking or oil, as well as the world's largest provider of telecommunication services.[6]
Southwestern Bell Corporation was founded in 1983 as a Regional Bell Operating Company following the break-up of the original AT&T as a result of the United States v. AT&T antitrust suit. The company changed its name in 1995 to SBC Communications Inc. and again in 2005 to AT&T Inc. after it purchased its former parent company, AT&T Corporation. The newly merged company took on the iconic AT&T logo and T stock-trading symbol (for "telephone").
The current AT&T reconstitutes much of the former Bell System and includes ten of the original 22 Bell Operating Companies along with one it partially owned (Southern New England Telephone), and the original long distance division.[7] The company is headquartered in downtown Dallas, Texas.[8]
Political Factors
Primarily, the company started their strategy by making the brand more profitable. This is to build a strong financial foundation. The main changes that had happened are from the accounting practices of the company. During the said changes and process of restructure, there are different political factors that might be considered. One of this is the environmental issues. As of now, more and more individuals and organizations are focusing on different issues regarding the environment. The fact that the company will be outsourcing from other countries, there are different international as well as local laws that must be considered in order to maintain the continuous process of the development. The trade restriction and tariffs are also another of the most important political factors that must be considered. This is due to the fact that the company already followed the strategy of Adidas and Nike in outsourcing their production in Asia. The primary reason for outsourcing of production is because, most of Asian countries offer lower labor cost and other taxes compare to Europe and America. In terms of political stability, due to the fact that the company is a multinational company that produce as well as sell their products in different parts of the world, there different political issues and events in other local partners that can affect the overall performance of the company.
Economic Factors
The said situation in the political factors, are somewhat connected with the different economic factors that might affect the development process of the company. Primarily is the situation of the home economy or the economic situation of Germany, in terms of monetary issues, stock exchange and the likes. The economy trends of happenings in the home economy are also important, so as the economic situations and trends of the partner countries. This is due to the fact that, this political factor has a great impact to the social mentality of the possible customers. The different employment laws in different countries must also be considered, this is due to the fact that different countries has their different cultures that might affect their beliefs as well as regulations regarding the human resource aspect of any company.
Social Factors
There are more social factors that might affect the development process of the company more than any other factors. This is due to the fact that social factor has the most important impact or effect to the taste or demand of the customers regarding one product or service. The fact that more and more people are into sports is a big chance or advantage for the company, because there will be a huge market for them. Another important thing is that sport is considered as one of the most important sector in the tourism industry, which considered as the most successful industry nowadays. On the other hand, sports are also considered as a form of exercise, for those who wants to have fit and healthy body.
One of this is the lifestyle trends; there have been a big change in the sports sector of the world. The sports sector has been constantly evolving in terms of personal tastes, popular games as well as technologies (Plunkett Research, Ltd 2008). There are different sports that are gaining popularity such as different extreme sports. The popularity of those new sports such as diving, skateboarding and extreme bike must be considered as one of the most important factors in the strategy-making and management of the company. It is also important to consider more the needs of women in sports wear, this is due to the fact that more and more women are going to sports this past few years. This can be seen in the dramatic floodtide of talented women athletes onto the American playing fields alone. In the USA, there are over 33% of female students in high school play sports. Furthermore, the population of those women who participates in the university sports has increased thrice. As of now, women are competing in almost every sport (US Diplomatic Mission to Germany 2008).
Furthermore, there are more and more girls and women who are participating in different sports that have traditionally been seen as out of bounds for women such as soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, wrestling as well as rugby (US Diplomatic Mission to Germany 2008). In terms of age distribution and demographics, it is also important to consider the demand of those young kinds who are playing sports in their schools, more particularly in the field of soccer (see Appendix A).
The behavior/attitudes as well as opinions of the customers are also important. It is important for the company to know what went wrong during their first implemented strategy, where in they tried to produce low quality as well as low price of products that lead to low sales and failure of the brand itself. It is also important for the company to consider the change of customer behavior as of now. More and more customers are oriented towards different high-value and lifestyle-oriented products. It means that more and more people are availing luxury products. The main reason behind the said phenomenon is that customers believe that the higher the price a product, the higher its quality. Another thing is that customers want to feel comfortable, and that is considered as one of the most important criteria of many customers in buying products and availing services.
Media views are also another important; the views of the business and the media are different on some very essential issues. That is why it is important for the company to implement with business strategy that will deal with the media that will recognize as well a deal with the difference, rather than changing the views of the journalist (Evans 1987, p. 160). Another important factor that must be considered under the media is the presence of the Internet where in people and organization can put anything that they want to say. The said thing can affect the brand and image of the company. The product or service of a company is what it is and what the customer think it is. Company may have the services that are being offered in the market but a customer won’t avail anything if he or she thinks that someone else out there is better (BAFA n.d.). Due to the fact that the company had already established its name in the market, and it had a history of giving their customers quality product, it wasn’t that hard for Puma AG to reestablished its name in the industry. On the other hand, it is hard to regain, in quick manner its prior company image.
In the process planning and implementing specific business strategy it is important to use fashion and role models that will help the brand to spread and rise brand awareness to the possible customers. The image of the models of the brand is also important; this is due to the fact that those artist or individual can be considered as part of the brand itself. Seeing famous individuals from different fields of sports wearing the products of the company can help them to reestablish the image of the brand. With connection to that, major events can also influence the behavior of the customers towards the products. Like sponsoring different famous individual, sponsoring major events can also improve the awareness of the customers regarding the brand. The destination’s brand image becomes linked and related to the event’s brand image, and the event’s brand image becomes linked to that of the destination brand (cited in Ritchie & Adair 2004, p. 239).
Ethical issues pertain to the corporate social responsibility or CRS of the company. It is the activity that helps the company to connect with the different ethical values, transparency, human resource relations, compliance with legal requirement as well as their respect for the communities in which they operates and works (cited in University of Miami n.d., p. 2). As of now, more and more companies are focusing on their activities and plans regarding CSR as part of their marketing strategy. This is due to the fact that according to the study of the Economist Intelligence Unit or EIU, in cooperation with the Oracle Corporations, CSR has a great impact to the relationship and connection between the company and its important stakeholders such as investors, clients, vendors, dealers, workers, communities and more importantly, the government (Economist Intelligence Unit 2005, p. 3).
The EIU conducted their online survey during October of 2004; using data from its respondents that is consist of 136 executives and 65 investors. The outcome shows that 85% of the respondents believe that CSR is considered as important part of their investment decision. The result doubled compared to the result of the study during 1999. In addition, 88% believe that CSR is vital in the decision-making process. The study also showed that the most important benefits of CSR is brand enhancement (61%) (Economist Intelligence Unit 2005, pp. 3 - 4).
Technological Factors
In terms of the technological factors, it focuses on the series of R&D activities as well as applications of automation and new technologies, most especially those that are connected to the Internet. Another important thing that might affect the development is the maturity of the technology; this is due to the fact that technology is considered as restless in terms of development. Furthermore, the global communication is also another important aspect, this is important because the company is operating in different part of the globe. It is also important to consider the different laws like the intellectual property issues.