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E23!10!180 Final Revison
E23!10!180 Final Revison
E23!10!180 Final Revison
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction..........................................................................................................................3
2. Volvo’s Operational Strategy to Sustain Competitiveness...........................................4
2.1 External Analysis of Volvo............................................................................................5
2.1.1 PESTAL Analysis........................................................................................................5
2.1.2 Five Forces Framework..............................................................................................8
2.2. Internal Analysis of Volvo Car Group......................................................................10
2.2.1 VMOST Model...........................................................................................................10
2.2.2 4V’s Topology............................................................................................................11
2.2.3 Five Performance Objectives....................................................................................12
3. INTEGRATION OF DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY
WITH OTHER KEY DECISION AREAS..........................................................................14
3.1 Development and Organization..................................................................................14
3.2 Supply Strategy............................................................................................................15
3.3 Capacity Strategy.........................................................................................................17
3.4 Process Technology......................................................................................................18
4. DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY AND LONG-TERM
COMPETITIVENESS...........................................................................................................19
4.1 Practices, tools, and techniques for supply strategy.................................................19
4.2 Proposed Practices based on the example of TESLA...............................................21
4.3 Measurement of Development Organizational Strategy..........................................22
5. Conclusion...........................................................................................................................24
6. Reference list.......................................................................................................................25
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1……………………………………………………………………………………….9
Figure 2………………………………………………………………………………………10
Figure 3………………………………………………………………………………………11
Figure 4………………………………………………………………………………………15
Figure 5………………………………………………………………………………………16
Figure 6………………………………………………………………………………………19
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1………………………………………………………………………………………5
Table 2……………………………………………………………………………………..11
Table 3……………………………………………………………………………………..13
Table 4……………………………………………………………………………………..18
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1. Introduction
Volvo Car Group is a prominent automotive corporation with its headquarters situated in
Sweden. The corporation has gained recognition for its manufacturing and dissemination of
high-quality automobiles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. Volvo Cars operates
as a subordinate entity inside the broader corporate structure of the Volvo Group, including
other divisions such as Volvo Trucks, Volvo Buses, and Volvo Construction Equipment.
Volvo Cars is well acknowledged for its steadfast dedication to safety, innovation, and
The operations strategy plans a corporation's customer support and commercial enterprise
objectives and plans to achieve them. These strategies make sure that the company has the
right approaches and technology to prevail. Strategic planning ought to evaluate the delivery
chain, clients, rivals, strengths and weaknesses, organization facilities, and current procedures
and technology. An examination of these elements must determine how they help or impede
the enterprise plan and how to maximize their usefulness and confirm operational
competencies. According to Bichou and Gray (2004) every product and carrier, new and
antique, needs strategic strategies. These techniques can also help corporations comprehend
the manufacturing strategy and the way it relates to the sales approach at every stage of
product improvement. This guarantees cost optimization and decreases the likelihood of
priorities and improve their products and offerings whilst new information is available.
Tracking competitors' offers may also help organizations detect their very own and their
competitors' vulnerabilities. Organizations can also alter their plans for the usage of this
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The implementation of a well-defined company strategy may contribute to the attainment of a
Ensuring quality: It entails that the proper aesthetic, the way products and services
appear and feel, is met on every occasion. This reduces charges associated with
discussions around customers, their expectancies, and how to meet and exceed those
expectations. This allows for standardized customer reviews so that no one seems like
techniques lies in placing a widespread and retaining it. Proper reliability relies on
proper testing, and operational strategies must encompass precise instructions about
the trying out and studies that ought to be finished at every development level, as well
Table 1
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Political Factors
The operations of Volvo Car Group are subject to the effect of political considerations,
including government rules and policies that aim to encourage the widespread use of electric
cars and establish benchmarks for emissions and fuel economy. The implementation of these
laws may influence the development and commercialization of Volvo's automotive products.
In a similar vein, the worldwide supply chain and export/import of cars and components for
Volvo may be influenced by tariffs and trade restrictions. The cost of manufacturing and
sales for Volvo Car Group may be influenced by changes in trade policy. The presence of
political stability in the areas in which Volvo Car Group works is crucial for the company's
subsidies, may also play a significant role in bolstering the viability and acceptance of
Economic Factors:
Volvo sales depend on the economy. GDP growth, inflation, and consumer spending may
affect Volvo sales. Strong economies and consumer spending power may boost Volvo sales
by increasing car demand. Exchange rates and currency values may affect Volvo's sales and
profitability. Currency exchange rates affect imported component costs and exported car
prices for Volvo Car Group internationally. Volvo's market competitiveness may suffer.
Interest rates and borrowing costs affect Volvo Car Group's financial and investment choices.
High-interest rates may raise borrowing costs for companies and individuals, hurting vehicle
sales. Volvo's sales may drop if buyers are less inclined to finance their automobile purchases
Social Factors:
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Volvo Car Group's product development and marketing tactics may be affected by client
preferences for electric automobiles, sustainability, and safety. The company must update its
goods and services to meet customer needs. Demographic factors including population
growth, urbanization, and ageing may affect Volvo's target market and automotive product
Safety has always been a Volvo Car Group priority. Volvo's concentration on electric
vehicles and sustainability may influence customer worries about safety and environmental
Technological Factors:
Volvo Car Group is adjusting to new automotive trends, notably electric cars. The firm
realizes it must develop and provide breakthrough electric car technologies to thrive in the
increasing industry. Battery technology and charging infrastructure must improve. Volvo Car
Group has possibilities and challenges from fast autonomous driving technology
development. To compete and satisfy customers, the corporation must lead autonomous
driving innovation. This needs continually improving driver assistance and exceeding the
competitors in autonomous driving. Vehicle connection and digitization offer Volvo several
options in the digital age. The organization knows digitization and networking boost
customer drive. Connected automobiles may provide new services and gather user data.
Digitalization and connectivity may help Volvo dominate the car industry and satisfy
customers.
Legal Factors
Volvo Car Group relies on government rules and safety requirements in a highly regulated
business. The corporation must follow car safety, pollution, and product liability laws.
Following these rules is not only legal but also vital to preserve consumer confidence. In the
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automobile business, where innovation and technology are crucial to competitiveness,
intellectual property rights must be protected. Volvo Car Group must protect its patents and
IP to preserve its market position. Data privacy and consumer protection are becoming more
crucial as automobiles become more linked. Volvo Car Group must comply with consumer
protection legislation and secure client data. The organization must also prioritize data
security and safeguard client data from breaches and abuse. Volvo Car Group can stay legal
Environmental Factors:
Concerns about climate change and sustainability have led to the widespread adoption of
electric automobiles, Volvo Car Group recognizes environmental issues and prioritizes
sustainability. Volvo is intentionally aligning its goals with the global effort to reduce carbon
emissions and promote sustainability. Due to its heavy consumption of raw materials and
energy, the car industry has negative environmental impacts. Volvo Car Group is using
sustainable manufacturing and renewable energy to reduce its environmental effects. These
activities address vehicle industry resource constraints and environmental issues. A circular
economy, which reduces waste and optimizes reuse and recycling, is gaining popularity.
Volvo Car Group is committed to circular business practices, including component and car
repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. This pledge reflects the growing importance of
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2.1.2 Five Forces Framework
Figure 1
The Five Forces Framework, established by Michael Porter, analyses industrial competition.
Companies may assess their industry position and make educated choices to retain or
Car Group competes with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi in a very competitive
Buyer bargaining power refers to consumers' ability to influence price and conditions.
Due to the availability of alternatives and the opportunity to evaluate pricing and
features, vehicle purchasers have a lot of leverage. Volvo Car Group must satisfy
customers to be competitive.
Supplier Bargaining Power: Suppliers' ability to influence price and terms. Volvo Car
Group uses several suppliers for parts, materials, and technology. The organization
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must maintain solid supplier connections to establish a steady supply chain and
New Entrant Threat: This force addresses the potential for new rivals in the market.
advances including electric and driverless automobiles may draw new market
participants.
Substitute Threat: Investigate alternative goods or services that meet client wants. In
alternative mobility. Volvo Car Group must innovate and distinguish to avoid
replacements.
Figure 2
The abbreviation VMOST represents the five key components of an organizational
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methodology for conducting an internal study of a corporation. VMOST is employed by
Figure 3
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The 4Vs topology, as delineated by Slack and Brandon-Jones, serves as a conceptual
organizational contexts. The primary focus of this study revolves around four fundamental
volume. This dimension pertains to the magnitude of resources or activities implicated in the
quantities.
The dimension of variation in demand pertains to the degree of fluctuation in the demand for
the outputs of the operation over a certain period of time. Operations that exhibit a high
degree of variation in demand are subject to considerable changes in demand levels, whereas
operations characterized by low variation tend to have more stable and predictable demand
patterns.
interactions, whereas low-visibility activities entail less customer contact and are
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2.2.3 Five Performance Objectives
Table 3
Quality
This aim emphasizes the significance of offering reliable, error-free products and services
consistency, and meeting or exceeding client expectations. The firm has a solid product
vehicle quality.
Speed
Quick turnaround and on-time delivery define a fast operation. Increasing process efficiency,
reducing wait times, and lead times. This includes satisfying customer expectations quickly
and reducing delays. Volvo Car Group is speeding up manufacturing, delivery, and customer
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service. Volvo wants to improve its speed in all areas to serve customers quicker and increase
efficiency.
Dependability
deadlines, minimizing disruptions, and building customer trust. Timely delivery, trustworthy
outcomes, and customer trust are all part of it. The firm routinely delivers automobiles on
schedule and meets client expectations. Volvo strives for reliability by consistently delivering
Flexibility
Flexibility is the capacity to adapt to market changes and preferences. Multiple product
versions, fast production switchovers, and personalized service help achieve this.
Manufacturing adaptability and customer demands are considered. Volvo Car Group offers a
variety of car types and customisation choices to satisfy client needs. Volvo wants to increase
Cost
Costs must be reduced for efficiency. To reach this aim, processes must be simplified,
resource utilization optimized, and waste eliminated while meeting or surpassing all other
performance standards. This aim involves reducing costs, maximizing resources, and
reducing waste while achieving or surpassing performance goals. Despite its high-quality and
modern features, Volvo Car Group maintains low pricing. Volvo wants to streamline its cost
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3. INTEGRATION OF DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY
Figure 4
According to the Henderson-Clark paradigm an incremental innovation will build upon
the realm of storage media are increases in magnetic disk capacity and disk rotation speed.
Modular advancement is the alternative scenario. Information of the architecture itself may
be reused, but fresh information will be needed for one or more parts of a modular system.
Modular innovation may be seen in the fact that most hard disk manufacturers began
replacing ferrite read/write heads with thin-metal heads in the 1980s. The antithesis of
modular innovation is the architectural innovation. This sort of innovation will have a
profound effect on how parts are connected to one another, but individual part knowledge
won't change.
The original mainframe computers were jam-packed with 14-inch disks, and throughout the
years the industry has produced 8-inch, 5.25-inch, 3.5-inch, and 1.8-inch disk drives, among
others. When the hard drive became smaller, our understanding of the interconnections
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between its parts grew, but the individual parts continued to use much the same technology;
revolutionary breakthrough will be one that completely alters our understanding of both
components and buildings. The shift from magnetic to optical technology in the hard disk
business is another example of a revolutionary change. New components were needed, and
the arrangement of existing ones within hard disks was altered, when the laser was introduced
Figure 5
These boxes indicate various buyer-supplier relationships and imply alternative sourcing
techniques. Low-risk goods have little influence on organizational profitability. This section
uses office stationery the most. Although necessary for workers, pens and paper do not harm
the firm or pose a danger. Stationery bothers purchasers. It wastes time on tangential issues.
The sourcing tactics used here prioritize efficiency and administrative load reduction. E-
auctioning and catalogues are great ways to delegate tasks to suppliers or internal customers
reordering items.
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Buyers have power when products are profitable yet low-risk, so they use it to get higher
profits. Traditionally, procurement specialists have used this position to cut costs, but more
modern organizations want to unleash their suppliers' innovation. The market dynamics of
this connection depend on abundant, commoditized elements. Since suppliers provide similar
products, they may be simply replaced. Buyers may overplay their hand and bankrupt a low-
Leverage increases risk but decreases reward. Suppliers have the upper hand. Few providers
can raise prices oligopolistically. These vendors take the most time from buyers, according to
Procurement Leaders. Supplier relationships are difficult despite their little influence on
corporate profitability. Market structure drives buyers to accept poor deals. The main tactic is
damage limitation. This area will provide minimal options, thus procurement must realize
this. Buyers will be more imaginative in changing trade arrangements. Creative internal
High supplier risk and profit impact categories include critical suppliers. These are business
essentials. These products only represent a few suppliers, yet a good and stable supplier
relationship is crucial to the purchasing company's future. Managing such suppliers involves
a variety of talents and may consume a lot of executive time in sponsoring and guiding the
relationship. Unlike non-critical things, each contract is unique and emphasizes equal parties'
shared benefits in collaboration. Strategic partners should innovate product and process
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3.3 Capacity Strategy
Table 4
According to Slack and Lewis (2019), capacity refers to the degree of output or service that
an organization can manage within a certain period. It focuses on identifying the best degree
of capacity to fulfil consumer demand while also considering issues like cost, resources, and
flexibility. Volvo Car Group has established a capacity plan that incorporates the construction
of Tech Hubs in key areas to maximize resource usage and efficiency. The corporation
presently has four Tech Hubs, including one in Stockholm and Lund, Sweden, which
development. Another Tech Hub is situated in Bangalore, India, and specialises in software
development and digital solutions. Recently, Volvo Car Group announced the creation of a
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3.4 Process Technology
Figure 6
Process technology refers to the methods, equipment, and systems used to transform inputs
into outputs within an organization's operations. This strategic decision area involves
selecting and implementing the most suitable process technologies to achieve the desired
outcomes. Companies need to consider factors like efficiency, quality control, scalability, and
innovation when making decisions about process technology (YANG and LIANG, 2018).
The primary strategic decision area of the subject under consideration may relate to its
growth and organization. To enhance its growth and organizational structure in alignment
with its strategic objectives, Volvo Cars might concentrate on certain crucial domains such as
allocating resources towards research and improvement and the development of electric and
to promote innovation and versatility and prioritize personnel development and retention
Volvo Car Group's Development and Organization strategic decision area combines, aligns,
and interacts with various other strategic decision areas. The Supply Strategy and
Development and Organization are complementary. Volvo Cars requires a stable and
sustainable supply chain for components and materials to create new automotive technologies
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and features. This involves strong supplier cooperation, manufacturing schedule coordination,
and quality and compliance requirements. It also affects Capacity Strategy. Volvo Cars must
grow manufacturing capacity to fulfil demand as it develops and offers new products and
must enhance its production processes to incorporate new technology and features into its
automobiles.
COMPETITIVENESS
Non-Critical Items
Volvo Car Group standardizes products to improve production and operations. Volvo
achieves economies of scale and lowers manufacturing costs by standardizing vehicle design,
components, and features. This lets the corporation provide uniform product quality and
customer service throughout its vehicle portfolio. Volvo Car Group automates and improves
its buying. Volvo uses catalogues and e-tendering systems to expedite procurement, boost
transparency, and negotiate better supplier terms. This reduces procurement lead times,
optimizes inventory management, and lowers human buying expenses. Volvo Car Group has
plenty of raw materials and components for manufacture. This requires smart supplier
alliances and strong supplier connections. Volvo avoids supply interruptions and maintains
Leverage Items
Volvo Car Group can negotiate better supplier arrangements due to its size and buying
power. Volvo Car Group may save costs and enhance supply chain efficiency by unifying its
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buying needs and negotiating long-term contracts for better price, quality, and delivery.
Volvo Car Group uses targeted pricing and negotiations to maximize profits. It can increase
profit margins and keep prices low by negotiating with suppliers and cutting costs. Volvo Car
Group prioritizes a steady supply of parts and materials for its production processes.
Bottleneck Items
Volvo Car Group relies on outside suppliers for crucial parts and supplies. Supplier network
disruptions may delay operations and raise expenses. Volvo should develop supplier
relationships and improve quality control to stabilize its supply chain to alleviate this issue.
Staying competitive in the fast-changing automotive sector demands constant innovation and
the capacity to react to client preferences and market trends. To find product substitution and
replacement possibilities, the organization should actively watch market changes and
customer input. If Volvo Car Group cannot satisfy rising car demand, its manufacturing
capacity may become a bottleneck. This results in lost sales and money. Volvo should
Leverage Items
Volvo Car Group has been able to leverage its purchasing power to negotiate favourable
terms with suppliers. This is reflected in the increase in revenue driven by higher volume,
strong mix and pricing. Volvo Car Group has implemented targeted pricing strategies and
effective negotiations to improve profitability. This has positively affected operating income,
as seen in the increase in EBIT. Despite disturbances related to semiconductors, Volvo Car
Group has been able to improve its production rate during the first quarter of 2023. This
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indicates that the company has a relatively stable and abundant supply of necessary
Volvo Cars has the potential to derive valuable insights from Tesla's strategic approach to
development and organizational practices. Tesla has effectively adopted a flexible and
cooperation, facilitating the smooth integration of teams from several departments. According
to YANG and LIANG (2018), Tesla fosters a corporate environment that promotes
innovation and embraces calculated risks, allowing its staff the freedom to explore novel
concepts and transform them into tangible outcomes. Through the implementation of
comparable strategies, Volvo Cars has the potential to augment its developmental and
Based on the example of Tesla, some proposed practices for supply strategy could include:
parts of its supply chain in-house. This allows Tesla to have more control over its
supply chain, mitigating the risks associated with external dependencies and reducing
costs.
Supplier Partnerships: Tesla has established strategic partnerships with key suppliers
involve close collaboration and long-term agreements, helping Tesla to optimize its
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Advanced Technology and Automation: Tesla leverages advanced technology and
automation throughout its supply chain processes. For example, the company utilizes
company expects its suppliers to adhere to sustainable practices and meet specific
environmental and social responsibility criteria. This ensures that Tesla's supply chain
There are several ways to evaluate the aforementioned answer. The time between product
creation and launch may be a good indicator of reduced processes and improved teamwork. A
development cycle time boost operational efficiency and effectiveness, accelerating time-to-
market and customer reaction. Evaluation of department and team cooperation and
measured via feedback surveys, team performance measurements, and project success rates.
depend on employee involvement and inventiveness. Active workers are more motivated,
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think creatively, find ways to improve, and actively innovate operational procedures.
Financial gains, product quality improvements, and competitive advantage may result.
5. Conclusion
Volvo Car Group strives to increase profitability and lower manufacturing costs by
controlling expenses and improving efficiency. The organization optimizes its supply chain
and production processes to save costs and preserve quality. Volvo Car Group is recognized
for dependability and customer satisfaction, therefore safety and quality are top priorities.
Volvo Car Group optimizes logistics and supply chain management for fast delivery.
Managing inventories, lowering lead times, and enhancing supplier and dealer collaboration
help them deliver automobiles. Volvo Car Group seeks to develop a manufacturing system
that can swiftly adjust to changing needs and consumer preferences in a dynamic market.
This adaptability helps businesses handle demand variations and satisfy client expectations.
Volvo Car Group values innovation and invests extensively in R&D to remain ahead of
automotive technology. They specialize in electric and autonomous car products and
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6. Reference list
Bichou, K. and Gray, R. (2004). A logistics and supply chain management approach to port
doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/0308883032000174454.
Group, V. (2023a). Report on the first quarter of 2023. [online] Available at:
https://www.volvogroup.com/content/dam/volvo-group/markets/master/investors/
reports-and-presentations/interim-reports/2023/volvo-group-q1-2023-eng.pdf.
management/operations-strategy/#:~:text=An%20operations%20strategy%20refers
%20to.
Neumann, S. (2019). GRIN - Tesla, Inc. and the world’s transition to electric vehicles. Risks,
strategy-matrix/#:~:text=An%20operations%20strategy%20matrix%20is [Accessed
26 Oct. 2023].
Osland, J.S., B. Sebastian Reiche, Mendenhall, M.E. and Maznevski, M.L. (2023). Advances
Salehi, N. (2023). Business Model Changes in the Automobile Industry - A Single Case
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Slack, N., & Brandon-Jones, A. (2022). Operations Management 10th edition. (10th ed.).
https://www.volvogroup.com/en/investors/reports-and-presentations/interim-
Mode and Its Enlightenment to the Development of the Chinese Electric Vehicle
12(epee). doi:https://doi.org/10.12783/dteees/epee2017/18164.
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