Table of ContentsQuestion 2Buying PowerRivalry Among Existing CompaniesQuestion 3Buyer PowerRivalry Between Existing CompaniesQuestion 4ThreatsOpportunitiesQuestion 5StrengthsWeaknessesQuestion 6Question 7According to Schilling (2014), the general environment refers to all factors existing within a society that are capable of influencing the functioning of a business or even the outcome and overall performance of an industry. In the case of Dell Company, two main segments of the environment that could greatly influence its operations in the technology industry are the technological factors and the demographics of the niche it serves. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original EssayAccording to the 2017 MD&A, Dell Company is currently in the process of introducing some of the solutions to the market Most Amazing Computers in the World (Form 10-K, 2016). Such efforts have been evident in the company's relentless efforts to introduce robust technological gadgets that are increasingly gaining brand recognition in the market. The Dell Company continues to research and innovate with the goal of introducing more efficient and user-friendly computing devices (Form 10-K, 2016). Additionally, the Company continues to engage in price optimization mechanisms to promote its brand in the market. Therefore, Dell management knows that technology is the primary driver of competition in the industry. Therefore, it is vital for the company to continue to innovate and come up with new processes and products that meet and exceed consumers' computing needs (Schilling, 2014). Another environmental segment that would take first place within the Dell company is its market demographics/population. . Some of the important attributes that Dell Company will focus on to better serve its market population will include the geographic distribution of its most loyal brand customers (Schilling, 2014). In addition, the company will take into account other attributes such as the age, gender, ethnic and racial composition of its potential customers, their income level as well as their education (Cox, 2015). Therefore, it is essential that Dell management develop a comprehensive geographic profile of its various customer categories to help it obtain as much information as necessary to better serve these segments. Question 2 Porter's five forces model is widely used as a strategic analysis tool by many companies to evaluate their performance in relation to the industry and environment in which they operate. This five forces model proposed by Michael Porter includes supplier power, buyer power, rivalry among existing firms, threat of substitution, and threat of potential entrants (Johnson, 2014). Nevertheless, compared to the technology market, it is full of different technology players promoting their core portfolio, while diversifying their brand into other markets. However, for Dell Company, it is mainly computer manufacturing (Dell Inc., 2018). Therefore, the two most important competitive forces that Dell Company should be concerned with should include responding to buyer power and rivalry among existing companies in the technology sector. Buyer PowerThe bargaining power of buyers in the technology market will ultimately dictate commodity prices, as well as introduce other dynamics such as feesnecessary to meet the quality desired by the consumer, as well as taste and preference in their offerings (Johnson, 2014). As such, the Dell Company has continued to work towards revitalizing its consumer strategies to ensure that customers purchase more of their product compared to other brands in the market. For example, Dell in 2013 declared its strategy to promote a sustainable environment through conservation efforts. As such, it has continued to design and implement eco-friendly methods to reduce carbon footprint emissions that may result from its gadgets, for example the PC recycling program introduced in 2012 (Form 10 -K, 2016). Furthermore, during the same year, Dell decided to join the green movement by adopting an eco-friendly approach in most of its operations. For example, in 2013, the Dell Company introduced its first green supply chain, a green energy alternative, and eco-friendly labeling and packaging methods to comply with global consumer demand for what they call sustainable businesses around the world (Dell Inc., 2018). Dell Company recognizes consumers as the most important asset to survive and triumph in the market. Therefore, its corporate ethics strategies and CSR initiatives aimed to ensure that customers are more predisposed to purchase Dell PC products based on the type of mutual relationships the company seeks to establish with the company. Such tactics were ideal for allowing the company to reposition itself and build a stronger reputation among consumers (Cox, 2015). Rivalry among existing companies There are several other competitors in the technology market that continue to promote quality and lower prices for brands. . However, Dell is still cited as being very competitive in this market (Form 10-K, 2016). An analysis of some of the strategies deployed by Dell to thrive in the market reveals its strategy of tailoring its products to meet the needs of its diverse users. Unlike its competitors, Dell continues to manufacture computers that meet the needs of the most marginalized people, such as the blind (Dell Inc., 2018). As stated in its corporate value and objectives, Dell always emphasizes the need to adhere to the stipulated code of ethics in its production processes. Apart from its sustainability efforts and CSR strategies, the company continues to upgrade its technology to prepare for tougher competition. For example, in 2014, Dell illustrated its strategy of perfecting its computers to meet the complexities of e-commerce needs. In 2015, Dell recorded the highest PC sales of over 40.5 million compared to the previous year of 22.7 million PCs. Sales were second highest behind Lenovo, despite having a market share of only 15% at the end of 2014. A likely factor in Dell's PC sales increase in 2015 was due to its stated support of B2B and B2C needs of the global market (Form 10-K, 2016). Apparently, there are dozens of PC and laptop manufacturers around the world pursuing different niches using different pricing and non-pricing strategies. Such prospects make PCs and laptops a staple product for individuals and businesses. Therefore, companies like Dell must look to align their offerings with lower cost strategies to survive competition from companies like HP and Lenovo, which are currently the most dominant brand in the computer markets.computer technology (Cox, 2015). Question 3 From the third question discussed above, it appears that the pursuit of purchasing power and rivalry between existing companies are necessary for Dell to survive in the competitive computer technology market. It would therefore be prudent for Dell executives to take certain steps in an effort to address the likely impact of the two main forces. For example: Buyer Power As part of a strategy to address the bargaining power of buyers, it is important for Dell to engage in 4P repositioning strategies in the market. For example, the company should strive to provide exceptional services to consumers, such as energy-efficient computers, and to overcome supply chain complexities. This means that it must pursue strategies at the business level to offer quality and affordability in order to strengthen its relationship with customers. Apparently, this is the step the company continues to take in making its brand affordable and attractive to the global technology market (Cox, 2015). For example, in 2014, Dell resorted to using bamboo in its case rather than polystyrene. The strategy was effective in making their laptops waterproof and against damage due to internal stresses of their laptops. Such strategies should be pursued to achieve a more reputable position for their brand in the market (Dell Inc., 2018). Additionally, Dell should continue to pursue other cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategies to ship its products to consumers and should open its services to serve other remote locations around the world where its brand continues to register a significant presence. The company must also pursue vigorous marketing and promotional strategies to increase its brand recognition and sales in underserved markets such as parts of Africa and Asian continents, as well as other underserved niches. served, for example young people in developing countries (Form 10-K, 2016). Rivalry Among Existing Businesses In order for Dell Company to address the rivalry it creates with its competitors, it is important for it to undertake differentiation strategies in the markets in which it participates (Johnson, 2014). This means that it must differentiate its product offering from other participants/players in the same market. Currently, the computer technology market continues to experience a decline in the prices of its gadgets due to the increasing number of players in the industry (Cox, 2015). Therefore, it will be prudent for Dell Inc. to engage in differentiation strategies aimed at revamping its brand image in order to overcome the cutthroat and unhealthy competition in the market. Dell executives must therefore decide what to offer to the market to distinguish themselves from other players. Management should undertake competitive analyzes to determine the level of rivalry and threat an organization poses to its brand portfolio (Schilling, 2014). The outcome of the competitive analysis process should help the company determine some of the factors that will cause a consumer to forego its product in favor of that of its competitor. Dell must evaluate the reasons for its profitability in the market. Dell is widely recognized and was honored in 2013 for its resilient green strategies (Dell Inc., 2018). Such platforms provide some of the springboards that Dell can leverage to outperform its competitors and stay above and beyond the competition. However, it must also offer other differentiation strategies that will extend itsdominance in the technology market. Question 4 Threats The main threat to Dell Company is increased competition in the technology market (Form 10-K, 2016). In this case, the main source of competition is usually technology. For example, competitors in the market continue to diversify their portfolio by including other smart computing gadgets such as tablets and laptops. The introduction of these gadgets may hamper the growth and demand of Dell laptops and PCs in the near future. It is therefore essential that the company adapts to technological developments, otherwise it risks losing its market (Cox, 2015). Dell must also remain vigilant in the face of growing competition and remain open to the possibility of new players taking the market by storm. Additionally, the company should review its pricing strategies and their responsiveness to different budgetary needs of consumers (Form 10-K, 2016). Such steps can be taken by diversifying its investment portfolio to mitigate the severity of unforeseen risks, as well as implementing price mix strategies to boost sales and consumer responsiveness to its brands' offerings. Additionally, Dell should expand its supply companies to overcome portfolio development risk (Cox, 2015). Opportunities Some of the opportunities available to Dell Company to overcome competition in the computer technology market include: continuing its growth in foreign markets and expanding its brand awareness to underserved niches (Form 10-K, 2016 ). Additionally, Dell management may consider the need to expand its services to include repair and maintenance or even integrate cloud solutions into its services, to grow competitively in the market.(Cox, 2015). The company has several options that it can operate in various sectors of the global economy, for example, education, research, government offices, etc. Additionally, Dell has demonstrated the quality and reliability of its offering, giving it an ideal platform for continued growth in the areas that matter most. established and underdeveloped segments of the market (Schilling, 2014). The company is also financially stable and can pursue merger and acquisition strategies, as well as corporate buyouts to expand in the market. Question 5 on Strength of Dell Company Form 10(k) of 2016 highlights that the strength of the company is shown by its effective costing techniques. Dell Inc. also manages an efficient supply chain to support activities within its business cycles, as well as to motivate after-sales service strategies to its consumers (Form 10-K, 2016). The Company's strength also emanates from its use of robust technologies, as well as resourceful staff who help the company position itself in the technological market. Dell's strength also lies in its ever-growing brand reputation in the market. For example, the Dell brand is commonly associated with a green IT solution, making it a strong contender in the market. Its brand is also revered for its value and quality, as well as its durability. Furthermore, the growth of Dell technology embodies its brand value in the market (Dell Inc., 2018). The company also has the ability to adapt its design to meet the needs of its different categories of computer users. Such innovation was key to its remarkable $40.5 million revenue growth in the 2014/2015 financial year; exceeding, 2015).