Weak Flanks

In marketing weak flanks can appear, for instance:

• when there are gaps in a products portfolio,

• when logistics fail,

• or when new products are insufficiently protected by patents, to name but a few.

Weak flanks: US auto market

An example of was in the American automobile market. The American automakers were used to producing large, flashy, gas-guzzling cars. But then the Germans and Japanese recognized an unserved consumer segment and entered the American market successfully with small, fuel-efficient cars.

Weak flanks appear for instance when a firm introduces a new product but is unable to fulfil an (unexpected) growing demand, resulting in increased delivery times.
In such cases competitors are given an opportunity (i.e. the time) to take a segment of the market.

Weak flanks: Senseo Crema

When Philips introduced the Senseo Crema coffeemaker in 2001 a appeared.
The demand was so high for this fashionable method of making coffee that long waiting lists unexpectedly developed.

Another danger looms to the flanks when a product line is too narrow, giving the competition an opportunity to conquer a niche at the bottom or top of a product line’s market.
To protect the flanks, firms can create high entry barriers by introducing similar but lower priced products using other brand names.

Proctor & Gamble produces its brands in several sizes and forms to satisfy varying consumer preferences.
This gives its brands more shelf space and prevents competitors from moving into unmet needs of the market.

When setting up a strategic plan it is important to identify the flanks, have instruments in place to watch them continuously, and devise means to protect them.

Auction:

Audi : A6 Audi A6 3.2 Audi A6 3.2 Quattro With Tiptronic

Audi : A4 Cabriolet LOW MILES! ONE OWNER! S-Line Cabriolet SPORT PKG, NAV, CONVENIENCE PKG, IPOD,

 

My suggestion:

 

 

 

Click Here!