sun zi assignment panasonic

30

Click here to load reader

description

sun zi assignment panasonic - full set

Transcript of sun zi assignment panasonic

Page 1: sun zi assignment panasonic

1.0 Introduction

Panasonic Corporation is one of the largest electronic product manufacturers in the

world which comprised of over 634 companies. Their head office is located at Osaka, Japan

and lead by Kazuhiro Tsuga, current president of Panasonic Corporation. The history of

Panasonic goes back to when Konosuke Matsushita founded Matsushita Electric Housewares

Manufacturing Works in 1918. The company is operate from March 1918 and incorporated in

December 1935 and until today.

Panasonic Corporation’s Basic Management objective was formulated in 1929 by the

company’s founder, Konosuke Matsushita. The objective is “Recognizing our responsibilities

as industrialists, we will devote ourselves to the progress and development of society and the

well-being of people through our business activities, thereby enhancing the quality of life

throughout the world.” It is Panasonic’s business philosophy that embodies their mission and

devotion to the progress of society and the well-being of the people worldwide through

business activities.

The vision of Panasonic is aim to be the No.1 Green Innovation Company in the

Electronics Industry in 2018, the 100th anniversary of their founding. They will make the

“environment” central to all of their business activities and take the lead in promoting the

“Green Revolution” and bring forth innovation. They will work with two “innovations” to

realize their vision. They are Green Life Innovation which is offer better living by providing

people around the world with a sense of security, comfort and joy in a sustainable way. The

other one is “Green Business Innovation” which is a concept that the ideal goal of a

manufacturer is to realize “zero cost, zero time, and zero inventory”.

The Panasonic brand name was created in 1955. It is a combination of the words

“Pan” and “Sonic” sound and has a meaning of bringing sound their company creates to the

world. Since 2008, it is used as the corporate brand representing the company, products and

services. The Brand slogan is “Panasonic, ideas for life” and the Brand promise is “Panasonic

generates ideas for life…today and tomorrow. Through innovative thinking, we are

committed to enriching people live around the world.”

Page | 1

Page 2: sun zi assignment panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is comprised of various business domain companies, from AV

to home appliances, to industrial solutions and other consumer electronic products. Each

domain companies have their distinct Research and Development, production and sales

functions that satisfy consumer need worldwide. There are four main business areas which is

consumer, devices, solutions and other, each area is divided into several sectors that have

difference business content.

Page | 2

Page 3: sun zi assignment panasonic

2.0 Contents

2.1 Issue 1: October 2007 - Announcement of the “Eco Ideas Declaration” - Eco Mind-

set

In 2007, there are many issues relevant to the pollution of environment and the

problem of atmosphere due to over release of carbon dioxide, CO₂. Many company start to

do research and development to develop new product that environmental friendly. Hence,

Panasonic Corporate also work hard and put many effort to following the trend and create or

improve their product to attract consumer and increase profitability and growth of sales.

Hence, in October 2007, Panasonic Corporate announced the “Eco Ideas Declaration”

which bringing an Eco Mind-set to people of the world. They commit to the acceleration of

environmental management. The corporate announced that there would be a Group wide

commitment to the goals of “accelerating countermeasures to prevent global warming” and

“the global promotion of environment management”.

The most important goal of Eco Mind-set was the reduction of CO₂ emissions in

manufacturing activities. The corporate has placed CO₂ emissions as a key management

indicator along with sales, operating profits, inventory, CCM, and others. The first of

multiple environmental management tasks of the Eco Ideas Declaration is the reduction of

CO₂ emissions.

The commitment of corporation to environmental management was far reaching and

included three approaches:

(i) “Eco ideas in craftsmanship in manufacturing” by reducing CO₂ emissions and

saving resources through enhanced productivity, initiatives concerning waste materials.

(ii) “Product related eco ideas” by exhaustive efforts at coming up with more energy-

saving products, recycling initiatives.

(iii) “Eco idea outreach” by going eco with the local community, initiatives that goes

beyond national borders.

The president Ohtsubo stated that he would like to see and every one of the member

of Panasonic awareness and pursue for reaching initiatives in order to realize environmental

management that is second to none.

Page | 3

Page 4: sun zi assignment panasonic

2.2 Issue 2: February 2012 - Panasonic hit by huge losses

In February 2012, Panasonic is bracing up to a very difficult year after heavy losses

have been forecasted based on recent figures. The figures involved are indeed huge because

the corporate has forecast a loss of 780 billion yen ($10.2 billion dollars) based on figures

relating to March 2011. Panasonic is making it clear that the reasons behind the huge deficit

are based on the strong yen, major acquisition costs, and huge losses which were incurred

after the devastating floods in Thailand.

According to the chief executive in Tokyo at Fukoky Capital Management, Yuuki

Sakurai commented that “We can’t see the market for consumer electronics improving

anytime soon.” and “There’s a mismatch between the products they make and what

consumers want”. The mismatch is a strong word and the changing nature of the electronics

sector means that companies can soon fall behind.

Therefore, the President of Panasonic, Fumio Ohtsubo, faces major restructuring

problems because core areas like rechargeable batteries and solar panels are very competitive.

He commented that “We’re in the midst of a transformation into an environmental innovation

company; we’ll focus on carrying out reforms so that we can realize a V-shaped recovery”.

However, workers at main office Osaka may face the brunt of restructuring because it is

apparent that Panasonic will further look to new initiatives outside of Japan.

Panasonic had stated in November 2011, that a new plant would be built in Malaysia

with regards to solar cells and modules. Also, the procurement base is going to shift from

Osaka to Singapore. Therefore, they are hoping to lay the foundation for greater stability and

revitalizing the company which faces stiff competition from companies. The company last

year began cutting its workforce, eliminating 17,000, or almost 5 per cent, of its staff. In

addition to the TV business, it is scaling back its semiconductor operation and shifting its

focus, from low-margin general-purpose chips to specialized products such as image sensors.

Like other Japanese groups, Panasonic has struggled to cope with disruptions caused

by severe flooding last year in Thailand, a country that has become a leading manufacturing

and parts-supply hub for Japan’s electronics and automobile companies. The floods,

Thailand’s worst in decades, shut down factories and forced some groups to delay the launch

of new products. Panasonic estimated the adverse effect on its profits for the year at Y60bn.

Page | 4

Page 5: sun zi assignment panasonic

Overall, Panasonic face major internal problems and issues like the floods in Thailand

should have been backed up by contingency plans. However, the strong yen is a different area

which was unforeseen by most forecasters several years ago.

2.3 Issue 3: February, 2013 - Panasonic's Superior Green Products Label Covers 316

Models this Financial Year

Panasonic, in line with its commitments to the environment, established its original

criteria according to five themes, there are global warming prevention, chemical substances

management, and effective use of resources, water and biodiversity. It has been

manufacturing and providing eco-conscious products and services with these themes in mind.

Of those, Panasonic accredits products that achieve particularly high environmental

performance as Superior Green Products (GP).

Since the launch of Superior GP in the financial year 2005 with 19 certified models,

the criteria have been enhanced to promote expansion of the scope of covered models. As a

result, the number of certified models has grown annually, and the total reached 316 products

worldwide for the financial year of 2013 as of December 2012. Panasonic strives to further

promote eco-conscious products by expanding the number of Superior GPs and providing

customers with a wider range of Green Products to select from.

Aiming for all their products to become GPs, they globally promote environmentally

conscious manufacturing which produce many type of green products such as eco-conscious

products, energy-saving products, energy-creating products, energy-storing products,

comprehensive energy solutions, resources recycling through products, water conservation

through products, management of chemical substances in products and factor X. In order to

reduce environmental impact from daily lives by having more customers use their products,

Panasonic is making efforts to convey information on the products ‘environmental

performances in an easy-to-understand manner by environmental labels.

Page | 5

Page 6: sun zi assignment panasonic

GPs that are particularly superior in environmental performance are certified as

Superior GPs. There are 316 models of superior GPs product in different product category,

superior GP category, regions sold and also product groups. The product category divided

into digital AV, business solutions, home appliances, lighting fixtures / electric equipment,

health & beauty, environmental systems, equipment and building material for the home,

housing equipment and building material, mobile phone, car AV & navigation system,

electronic devices / industrial machines and others.

Superior GP divided into four categories; there is energy conservation, resource

conservation, management of chemical substances, biodiversity and water conservation. The

products divided into two group, consumer group and business group. All the superior green

products are sold in many regions such as Japan, North America, Europe & CIS, China,

India, Northeast Asia, Latin America, Asia/Oceania (Other than India) and Middle East &

Africa.

Panasonic do many effort in expand product line in different aspect to achieve their

vision of to be the No.1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry in 2018, the

100th anniversary of our founding.

Page | 6

Page 7: sun zi assignment panasonic

3.0 Discussion

3.1 Sun Zi’s Art of War Theories, Concepts and Assumptions

Panasonic Corporate faced many issues in difference segment that either brings

benefits or losses to their corporate. The issues can be solve or improve by using Sun Zi’s Art

of War theories, concepts or assumptions. Sun zi said that the five factors which are moral

influence, the weather, terrain, generalship, and doctrine and law should be analyzed, study

and compare them carefully against so as to understand the changing conditions and

circumstances and to assess the chances of victory and success. These factors will be related

to SWOT analysis which will be discussed later.

For the first factor, Sun Zi said that moral influence refers to measures and policies

that align the people with the sovereign so as to be in complete agreement and harmony with

each other. In this way, the people will be prepared to co-exist with as well as die for the

sovereign without any fear of dangers. Nowadays, Panasonic Corporate as a largest electronic

product manufacturer in the world should continue to improve and maintains their

characteristics, character, ethics and the way they manage and take mention to their followers

and customers to influence their loyalty by respect and trust the products of Panasonic.

Panasonic should continue their effort to maintain their characteristic to reach their

vision as the No.1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry in 2018. The

corporate should manage their corporate in ethics way not only in external issues such as

environment problem and competitive, but also internal issues such as arrangement of

resources and capital and relationship with employees. For the environment issues, Panasonic

can continue their effort in Eco Ideas project and produce and extent their product lines for

Panasonic's Superior Green Products that environmental friendly.

For the second factor, Sun zi said that terrain refers to whether the route to be taken is

long or short, whether the ground is treacherous or safe, wide or narrow with regard to ease

of movement, and whether the ground will determine the death or survival. In this theory it

mainly discuss on four aspects that are land or ground which means raw material, destination

that stand for market or target market, situation or position and also environment place which

is place and market under control.

Page | 7

Page 8: sun zi assignment panasonic

From this theory, Panasonic should arrange and manage their raw material carefully.

They can continue have a new plant to be built in other country beside Malaysia with regards

to more solar cells and modules by increases the raw material by own manufacture. Besides,

to lay the foundation for greater stability and revitalizing of the company which faces stiff

competition from companies, the procurement base can shift from Osaka to Singapore and

also other countries.

For destination that stand for market or target market, Panasonic can improve their

product line of Superior Green Products by add on more segments beside in different product

category, superior Green Products category, regions sold and also product groups. They also

can extent the sub group in each of the segment to fulfil more market and target market that

different in nowadays.

For the situation or position, Panasonic must know their position either is position in

competitive situation, position of their resources and capital level and also their position and

role in consumer products. This will help corporate able to make planning, organizing,

leading and controlling in the external and internal situation with more specific and correct

decision. Further, it can prevent from huge losses that can’t estimate which causes by the

strong yen, major acquisition costs, and the devastating floods in Thailand.

For the environment place which is place and market under control, Panasonic should

improve their management and controlling on their market which is already under their

control such as rechargeable batteries, solar panels, plasma TV and also Superior Green

Products. By this, it will overcome problem of competitive between competitors.

For the third factor, Sun Zi said that the general ship of a commander refers to his

qualities of wisdom, trustworthiness, benevolence, courage and discipline. As a leader, five

minimum requirements which a leader should have is wisdom – IQ, trustworthiness – trust,

benevolence - kind-hearted or humane, courage - brave to take risk and making decision and

discipline - strict to the rules and regulation or fairly. As a leader, one must know how to

reward your follower’s contribution and take care of them and willing to change.

Page | 8

Page 9: sun zi assignment panasonic

Kazuhiro Tsuga, current president of Panasonic Corporation which leading the

corporation to continue reach a higher achievement and reach their vision and mission. He

should be trustworthiness to make the employees and follower more confidence and trust on

him. By this, every one of the member of Panasonic will follow his instruction to be more

awareness and pursue for reaching initiatives in order to realize environmental management.

The last factor which is doctrine and law, Sun zi said that it refer to organization and

control, management systems and procedures, and the command and control structure for the

deployment of resources. Panasonic should have own policies and rules which apply to their

culture. The rules and regulations, structure of corporate should be flexible and tailor it

according to situation or environment that keeps change in nowadays era.

Panasonic management team can improve their organization system and organization

chart to improve their performance to more effective and efficiency. They can use the system

in planning, organizing, leading and controlling the organization. So, the corporate will

become more efficient, high cohesive and creative and gain more profit and increase welfare

for customers.

Besides the four factors mention by Sun Zi, he also said that when victory is long

overdue, weapons will be blunt and the morale and motivation of the troops will be adversely

affected. In business activities, if the products take a long period of time to prepare or to enter

the market, financial and capital will be affected. Organization may face the risk of financial

problems in that time.

Besides, when the product is long period in the market without improvement, it will

be left behind due to some reasons like technology, competitive and trend and behavior of

consumers. A set of system called Product Life-Cycle (PLC) should be consider and plan by

Panasonic to avoid the problem above happen.

The cycle divided into five stages that is development, introduction, growth, maturity

and decline. Panasonic can applied this cycle in develop and produce product of Panasonic's

Superior Green Products from 316 models in current to more in future. He also said that those

who are skillful in warfare can ensure that they will not be defeated by the enemy, but will

not be able to ensure victory over the enemy.

Page | 9

Page 10: sun zi assignment panasonic

All the products of Panasonic have their own life cycle. Panasonic should be more

creative, innovative and continuous improvement in their products to enable origin product to

continue its life span and sales and old products will eventually be replaced by it.

Sun Zi also said that he (the general) who is adept in warfare does not require

additional conscription of soldiers or multiple replenishments of food and supplies. Capital

and financial are important sources for the organization. To sustain in the market, Panasonic

must have strong rolling capital and to reduce the payback period of any investment. A strong

capital and financial level will help Panasonic to survive in economic downturn. It also can

help the corporate to discover faster from losses. Panasonic can increase their shareholder and

extent their business in more country to increase their capital and financial status.

In the issues of changing trend of consumer’s behavior, Sun Zi said that the person

adept at warfare seeks victory from the battle situations and conditions and does not rely

solely on the efforts of his officers and men. As such, he is able to select the right men and

trust them to exploit the battle situations and conditions. When external environment change,

which is the changing nature of the electronics sector that will cause companies soon to fall

behind, Panasonic have to change their strategy and use their strength to sustain and survive

in the market and not to blame the market trend.

Sun Zi’s Art of War theory is very useful and important for all business organization

to improve their current status or help them to solve the problem or issues faced.

Page | 10

Page 11: sun zi assignment panasonic

3.2 SWOT Analysis

3.2.1 Strengths

One of the strength in Panasonic Corporation is brand names. Panasonic best known

by its brand name and is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of

electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. It is

recognized around the world as one of premiere electronic providers. Their brand has

excellent top of the mind presence due to advertising and sponsorship of events. It leading

market position garnered on strong brand equity. It is among the top five TV producers and

top 20 semiconductors manufacturers and is one of the largest Japanese electronics

producers, alongside Sony, Toshiba and Canon.

Besides that, Panasonic have a strong workforce in its corporation of over 330,767

people. At Panasonic, the workers have always been their first priority. For years, they’ve

been holding on to one of the fundamentals of management philosophy that believe has taken

to where they are now; “Make People before Making Products”. Panasonic Group of

Companies (PGC) has taken the initiatives to provide the opportunity and the platform for

education and training for the staffs. Some of the trainings and initiatives taken to develop

individual’s self-improvement at Panasonic are: Offering staffs courses to improve the

Middle Management through dissemination of specialized knowledge, providing technical

skills and computer training and improving communication power through language training.

Panasonic Malaysia is supported by a wide dealer network of more than 140

Panasonic shops and over 750 authorised dealerships. To maintain customer's satisfaction,

Panasonic has set many outlets and service centre in every country they invest. For example,

Panasonic Malaysia has a total of 8 Panasonic Service Centres and 236 dedicated Panasonic

Service Networks throughout Malaysia. Today, its operation has rapidly expanded with a

total of 11 branch offices nationwide which employing a total workforce of more than 400 in

Panasonic Malaysia. Furthermore, Panasonic has a good supply chain system. Every

Panasonic company's supply chain depends on getting goods, services and information to the

right places at the right times. When customers rely on their precious cargo, they can rely on

Panasonic products. Panasonic solutions help to deliver results on designed, manufactured

and tested to meet rigid performance standards. For example, direct store delivery.

Page | 11

Page 12: sun zi assignment panasonic

The other strength of Panasonic is it diversified business operations which the

company makes a variety of products and sells them in a variety of locations. Their broad

product portfolio encompassing a wide spectrum of consumer electronics. Panasonic

Corporation is comprised of various business domain companies, from AV to home

appliances, to industrial solutions and other consumer electronic products. Each domain

companies have their distinct Research and Development, production and sales functions that

satisfy consumer need worldwide. There are four main business areas which is consumer,

devices, solutions and other, each area is divided into several sectors that have difference

business content.

High and constant focus on research and development also is strength of Panasonic.

The corporate devotes significant attention and resources to R&D. They have technological

innovations and product development capabilities. Their high R&D enables them to enjoy

and receive many benefits such as innovation and unique products, having an online growth,

have many loyal customers, as a market share leadership, as a strong management team with

strong brand equity and strong financial position, largest supply chain, good in pricing,

reputation management and others. Besides, Panasonic also have a strong balance sheet

which finances both transparent and show low debit equity ratio. Panasonic also have cost

advantage because of asset leverage and effective communication.

3.2.1 Weaknesses

Panasonic Corporation is one of the largest electronic product manufacturers in the

world, comprised of over 634 companies. However, there are few weaknesses that face by

Panasonic Corporation.

One of the weaknesses is financial performance. Operating conditions throughout

fiscal 2012, the period from April 2011 to March 2012, were extremely harsh in Japan and

overseas. This was attributable to a variety of factors including disruption in supply chain that

affected by flooding in Thailand. Under these circumstances, consolidated group sales for

fiscal 2012 had decreased by 10% to 7846.2 billion yen. This decrease in sales was largely

owing to poor results in digital AV products including flat-panel TVs and mobile phones.

Sales were generally down across all regions.

Page | 12

Page 13: sun zi assignment panasonic

Besides that, quality of the products it offers to the market is inconsistent is also one

of the weakness of Panasonic. The customers do not know what to expect that reducing the

confidence they have on company’s product. There is a common complain that the electricity

offered by the Panasonic are not innovative, not diversified and low R&D in the market.

Other than that, the employee productivity also is a weakness of Panasonic. The total revenue

per employee is low compared to other competitors and the unfunded employee post-

retirement benefits which pensions costing more than projected for retired workers.

Panasonic also facing some weaknesses in ethics which is outsourcing labour to China

where work conditions are not as desirable. Furthermore, the brand also faces intense

competition from leaders and also faces trouble from fake replicas.

3.2.3 Opportunities

The opportunity of Panasonic Corporation is growing global consumer and industrial

electronics market. The need for electronics is never ending increasing. In Indian, the use of

household appliance market is showing strong growths. Panasonic commenced its operations

in India in the year 1972 and has shown a 200 per cent growth in the past three years and

visions to become India’s largest electronics and durables brand by 2018.

For developing countries, as the countries continue to develop the demand for these

electronics will increase. Panasonic have the change to improve and extent more products for

consumer and industrial user with difference types of segments and target market to grow and

increase the number of customer.

Nowadays is the age of technology, electronics never ending industry with endless

room for improvement and innovation. Current society portrays high tech electronics as

popular and trendy. In 2006, Panasonic announced that it would stop producing analogy

television, in order to concentrate on digital televisions. Panasonic keep going to improve

their product to fulfil the customer needs.

Page | 13

Page 14: sun zi assignment panasonic

Besides that, Panasonic also produce many types of electronic, such as air-

conditional, laptop, cell phone, LCD projector, Digital cameras and others. These electronics

are expensive and consumers are willing to pay high dollar to get them because electronic

become daily necessities for human being nowadays. Panasonic already build in the high

technology in their products but they still can make improvement on it and develop higher

technology in the products to reach their vision of become the No.1 Green Innovation

Company in the Electronics Industry in 2018.

Panasonic Corporation had produced the eco-line products and they will focus on it to

drive future growth. Panasonic produce the eco-line products with the concept of smart

energy and Smart Appliances. For smart energy, which helps save energy comfortably and

smartly is introduced together with compatible home appliances such as air conditioners, IH

cooking heaters, Eco Cute water heaters and energy creation-storage linked systems.

For smart appliances, that is the new functions and energy-saving features of

Panasonic's ECO NAVI technology are presented with a focus on the latest ECO NAVI-line

refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines. Panasonic can continue improve the

product line of their Panasonic's Superior Green Products.

Apart from that, Panasonic had emerging markets and expansion abroad, such as

India, United State, Singapore, etc. Panasonic funds that emerging markets of Asia and Latin

America presents business expansion opportunities. This action can increase the sales of the

electronic and gain more and more profit to the business because electronic is daily

necessities for human being nowadays.

3.2.4 Threats

Unfortunately, Panasonic Corporation has to face the problem of economic

slowdown. Current U.S. and global economic situations make it hard to see growth. Because

of this, more and more Americans prefer to buy the electronic from American based

companies with products made in America. This will decrease the sales of Panasonic

products.

Page | 14

Page 15: sun zi assignment panasonic

Government Regulations also is the problem that Panasonic Corporation should face.

Human health and safety laws have to follow in this tough environment. Panasonic create the

activities that harmful to environment will only get a fine of more expensive and stricter

punish. Although the products of Panasonic most are environmental friendly, but some

negative effect also will occur by the higher technology of production.

This is cannot escaped that Panasonic should face with the some biggest competitors

such as Samsung, LG and Sony, etc. This is because these all electronic company are

providing the similar service and product to the consumer. Besides that, they are always

competing with each other through produce and promote a new product to attract the

consumer from all walk of live to win a place in the mind of them. They act like this

deliberately is because want to outstanding with each other.

Other than that, commodity prices also will have an impact on the operating costs of

the company. In addition, Panasonic may get affected by lower cost competitors or another

imports product. Because of this reason, there are many similar products in the market so that

it will course the consumer compare to each other. To cover this situation, Panasonic will

always produce the new product with cheaper price to attract more consumers.

Lastly, the customers tend to become price sensitive, and it has a great impact over of

the buying behaviour of the customers. Behaviour of customers always changes due to

influence of surrounding environment. Panasonic should take note on this and prepare and

planning well to face this problem.

Page | 15

Page 16: sun zi assignment panasonic

4.0 Recommendations

4.1 Strong Capital and Strong Financial Level

One of the weaknesses of Panasonic is poor financial performance. In the period from

April 2011 to March 2012, there were extremely harsh in economics of Japan and overseas.

This was attributable to a variety of factors including the strong yen, major acquisition costs,

and disruption in supply chain that affected by flooding in Thailand. The group sales for

fiscal 2012 had decreased by 10% to 7846.2 billion yen. To overcome this type of problem,

Panasonic should have a strong capital and strong financial level. They can increase their

distribution of share in market in whole the world. By this the capital of corporate will

increase and the level of financial will increase simultaneously. By having strong capital and

financial level, corporate are able to recover back to normal operation when they are facing

losses or deficit causes by changes in internal and external environment. Besides that, strong

capital and financial level enable the Panasonic to have more research and development in

producing new products because of large amount of resources

4.2 Eco Mindset

Nowadays, there are many issues relevant to the pollution of environment and the

problem of atmosphere due to over release of carbon dioxide, CO₂. Many company start to

do research and development to develop new product that environmental friendly. Hence,

Panasonic Corporate also should work hard and put much effort to following the trend and

create or improve their product to attract consumer and increase profitability and growth of

sales. Panasonic should put more effort in research and development activity to produce more

environmental friendly product to achieve their vision aim to be the No.1 Green Innovation

Company in the Electronics Industry in 2018. Panasonic should put more effort in reducing

CO₂ emissions and saving resources in their production activity and process through

enhanced productivity and initiatives concerning waste materials. They should also do some

exhaustive efforts at coming up with more energy- saving products and recycling initiatives.

Besides that, Eco idea should be reach to all member of Panasonic and also whole global by

going eco with the local community, initiatives that goes beyond national borders. By this,

environmental problem such as pollution can be reduce effectively and efficiency. By

following the current trend of eco mind-set, number of customers and users of Panasonic will

increase and corporate will gain more benefit.

Page | 16

Page 17: sun zi assignment panasonic

4.3 Extend of Product Line

Panasonic are face with the some biggest competitors such as Samsung, LG, Sony and

others. This is because these all electronic company are providing the similar service and

product to the consumer. Besides that, they are always competing with each other through

produce and promote a new product to attract the consumer from all walk of live to win a

place in the mind of them. Hence, to stay outstanding from the others competitor, Panasonic

should make more effort and work to produce new products line or upgrade and improve

existing products line. Product life cycle system can be used in research and development

process of produce or upgrade products. Panasonic should continue improve the product lines

of Panasonic's Superior Green Products in different segments and aspects that fulfil more

different target market. To extend the products line, they should do more work in marketing

process. They should do research on customer behaviour, set the most reasonable price in

different standard of products for different level of income, and do more advertising to attract

more customers and get a far distance from other competitor.

4.4 Increase Customers Loyalty

Nowadays, customers are tending to become price sensitive, and it has a great impact

over of the buying behaviour of the customers. Behaviour of customers always changes due

to influence of surrounding environment. Panasonic should take note on this and prepare and

planning well to face this problem. Panasonic should work hard to improve the loyalty of

customers not only consumers but also industrial purchaser. They should do more effort to

improve and increase the loyalty of customers from prospect to customer, to client, to

supporter, to advocate and lastly to be a partner. Communication with customer to maintain

and improve the relationship between corporate and customers is very important. Customer

services provided in customer service centre in all branch and outlets should have a good

services to help customer solve the problem faced in the process on purchasing their

products. Besides that, services after purchase are also important in increasing customer’s

loyalty. Panasonic should give more training to their employees in the self-development and

skill-development part to make sure they have a positive thinking and knowledge about the

Panasonic product. This will make sure the employees will able to help customers to solve

problem and maximize the stratifications of customers. Therefore, they will come back

purchase again their products and increase customer’s loyalty.

Page | 17

Page 18: sun zi assignment panasonic

4.5 Expand the Resource Base

Panasonic faced the major restructuring problems because core areas like

rechargeable batteries and solar panels are very competitive. Many competitor are competing

in producing this type of product and this cause the resources also been compete by others.

Panasonic must take action in expanding the resources base to reduce the cost of production.

Panasonic should grow the labour force, which is one of the important resources in

production activity. This can be fostered through expanded numbers of workers, or

improvements in their productivity. Both the quantity and quality of the work force affect the

output and production process. Other strategies to grow the labour force is have more support

for education or on-the-job training programs to facilitate investment in human capital and

more efficient policies in areas such as health care and safety in the workplace for the

employees. The other resource that very important is capital which is a major avenue for

growth. To expand more capital, Panasonic should do their work in the way of saving.

Consuming less than their produce is saving, which allows resources to be channelled into

productive investment. Rapid investment boosts production possibilities in two ways. First,

more capital is available. Second, new capital usually embodies technology that is superior to

that embodied in older buildings and machinery. By increasing in the resources of corporate,

Panasonic are able to make more benefits and performance better.

Page | 18

Page 19: sun zi assignment panasonic

5.0 Conclusion

Sun Zi’s Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise attributed to Sun Tzu, a high-

ranking military general, strategist and tactician, and it was believed to have been compiled

during the late spring and autumn period or early Warring States period. The text is

composed of 13 chapters, each of which is devoted to one aspect of warfare. It is commonly

known to be the definitive work on military strategy and tactics of its time. It has been the

most famous and influential of China's Seven Military Classics. It has had an influence on

Eastern and Western military thinking, business tactics, legal strategy and beyond.

Based on proposition, we found that Panasonic Corporation has the potential to

develop and comprise green practices and Eco-Idea. We discovered that the market

opportunity of Panasonic Corporation is wide and estimate it can make a higher profit in the

future. According to the SWOT analysis that we discovered, we suggest some

recommendations that how the Panasonic Corporation can comprises green practices and

Eco-Idea into their marketing mix and also effort to save the environment with the aim of

reducing operating costs, creating values, increasing sales and minimizing environmental

affects through marketing activities.

In the process, in order to get the information that we need, we have tried various ways

such as browse the internet, ask our friends around. We have faced many problems during the

process of doing the proposition. Fortunately, we can consult our lecturer, Mr. Tee when we

meet any problems.

After doing this project, we learned that a company is not easy to maintain for long-

term business and success to gain high profits. For example, we need to do research to find

out the SWOT analysis of the company to realize it strength. Besides, we need to specify the

market opportunity in accordance the different perspectives such as the problems faced by

company, the trend in certain industry, the needs and wants of the consumers and other

factors. Ultimately, we contribute together and accomplish the proposition on time.

Page | 19