Lojack and the Micrologic Alliance free essay sample

Financially, sales are climbing, but year over year growth is declining. The distribution system through auto retailers seems stuck to new car sales. The Lock strategy at the present time consists of several discrete variables. Lock has elected to expand into new geographic areas and markets which is a logical growth strategy for the firm which has established an enviable reputation in terms of asset recovery systems.This company has developed a new tracking unit that permits it to move Into new segments such as trailers while simultaneously reducing costs for such units, therefore, establishing itself as a cost leader in the sector. This combined with a strong differentiation of product through law enforcement networks ivies Lock a strong competitive advantage. These are strengths that cannot be quickly or easily duplicated and because of the proprietary technical aspect of this product.Competitors would have to try and find substitute products to compete directly with Lock. We will write a custom essay sample on Lojack and the Micrologic Alliance or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Competitive Environment If we use Michael Porters 5 forces as a measure of the competitive environment, we see the following: New Entrants Telemeter and other competitors were on the market prior to Locks entrance and other competitors are entering the market through GAPS based systems such as Instars. These systems are not a onetime purchases but Incur monthly fees to maintain service and may require the use of a cell phone. Absolutes Just as with GAPS, there is a threat of substitute products coming on-line through new technology, but this threat should be mitigated by Locks network with local law enforcement agencies. Suppliers Suppliers are also a threat as the auto industry is developing its own telemetric OFF accelerate the design cycle. Further, their inability to deliver state-of-the-art entertainment, communication, navigation, and other telemetric (navigation, driver- airing, and communication systems) clearly highlights the manufacturers reluctance at relying on these sta ndards.The good news is that the automakers appear to have realized their errors and limitations and are participating in the development of new network standards for both mission-critical and convenience or entertainment systems. (Wright, 1999) Lock must continue to market its law enforcement advantage to thwart off this threat. Buyers At this stage, buyers have relatively limited buying power due to the lack of alternative technology. However, the threat is the heavy reliance on car dealers to sell he product.If there is no incentive to do so, then the buyer may lack the knowledge that would drive the purchase. Intensity of Rivalry Although the product is in its growing stages, and there is no clear competition, the increased activity in this sector could be conducive of a threat to achieve a large enough market share to make the implementation worthwhile. S. W. O. T. Analysts INTERNAL STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Impeccable consumer franchise ; Brand strength Proven track record Law enforcement network ; Proprietary technology ; Reliance on alliances for distribution ; backbone outsourcedReliance on automotive industry Limited distribution systems New Markets Expanded distribution channels Leverage strong brand Strategic alliances Expand existing technology ; New Entrants Substitute products ; Local bureaucracy (political environment) Shift in alliances Telemetric OPPORTUNITIES THREATS EXTERNAL Perspective on network level strategy Technical Both Lock and Microcosmic embrace the embedded organizational structure. While these technologies. Locks technology would not have been possible without the alliance with local law enforcement agencies, Motorola, and Microcosmic.Microcosms existence, until recently, had been to partner with organizations to leverage its technical creativity to further develop the companies that it works for. It would take an equi ty stand in these companies and take a long term approach. In order for Microcosmic to be successful in this venture, it would need to rely on Locks distribution and marketing systems. Not only to sell its products but also to ensure its own financial stability. And if Lock is to review its long term strategy, it must understand that research and development are not at the core of its operation.Motorola is a key component to both Lock and Microcosmic and has been a strong partner providing vital assistance. However, moving forward, they cannot be relied on to only provide this technology to Lock. They are a much larger company and will look to broaden their reach. In the fall of 1999 Motorola was already working to become a driving force in the telemetric industry and moved to position itself with the major car companies. Who can you count on to bring the promise of telemetric to the world? The same people who have been changing the way we communicate on-the-go since 1928. Motorola is driving innovation with telemetric -? the newest way to take your world with you. Come to think of it -? is Motorola reinventing the car radio for the Internet? (Boroughs, 1999) Motorola is designing the 3rd generation Lock, and it should be available in the fall however a continued alliance with Motorola could combine Locks strong results with another up and coming GAPS capabilities, and Lock could potentially lose its strong brand if it became a part of a larger offering. Recommendations Short Term Lock should look to form a loose alliance with Microcosmic. This would allow forLock to expand into the new market of construction equipment where need exist and no clear provider exist. An alliance between these two organizations has a proven track record and a proven product that can be marketed. The first step in the alliance would be to tackle the construction equipment market. This is a market that has a strong need for a location and asset management technology there i s no clear market leader. The combination of Lock;s proven solution for tracking and the ability of Microcosmic to develop strong asset management software would allow for strong penetration in his market.As in the past, both organizations should look to work in their core areas of expertise. Lock understands how to market and distribute the products and Microcosmic should immediately assume the RD function. This will allow both companies to continue to drive down cost. Lock currently has enough cash on hand to assist the need for cash with Microcosmic. At this point, the cash infusion should be done as a low or no interest loan to Microcosmic. The partnership work well in the beginning, and over time, Microcosmic can determine if this is their core business. If to, they will be able to sell this product back to Lock Just as it did the first time and move in a different direction or become a subsidiary. Motorola is currently working on the 3rd generation Lock and Microcosmic should work directly with Motorola on Medium Term Once a clear hold on the construction market is secured, then the alliance will have the opportunity to move into the trailer market. A proven track record in auto recovery and construction equipment asset management will allow strong credibility and should allow Lock and Microcosmic to become the market leader.During this take both organizations will need to determine the structure of the company and if they are able to grow construction equipment sales to the same rate as existing auto sales then Lock would be in a position to either absorb Microcosmic into the existing organization (assuming this is agreeable to both parties) or turn Microcosmic into a subsidiary. Long Term Emerging markets will be critical to the l ong term success of Lock. With a strong foothold on the construction market this area would be a logical first step into emerging markets as contraction equipment would usually surpass new car sales.Immersing markets will provide the strongest revenue growths for the company and is possible this may need to be moved into the mid-term focus depending on the success for the technology. Critical Success Factors Industry critical success factors need to include a standard platform for technology on both the asset management device and vehicle retrieval systems. If too many technologies exist, it will become confusion for consumers, and they may abandon products all together. The following list the critical success factors for a Lock Microcosmic alliance in terms on timing each holds the same importance.The two companies must have a willingness and desire to form an alliance 2 Microcosmic must be able to finish the work on asset management software in the short term and it must be fully compatible with the existing Lock technology it must come in-line with existing cost estimates 3 Lock will need to develop a strong marketing and distribution plan to enter the construction market and a strong foothold must be established to keep back competition 4 The technology in the construction market must be compatible with trailer and fleet market needs 5 Current US distributio n systems must be compatible with overseas markets alack just be able to understand and successfully maneuver in immersing markets and it needs first mover advantage to establish itself as the market leader.Financial Financial projections are highly dependent on the critical success factors being met and I will only give a small example to the entrance into the construction market as it exists today. With 170,000 to 200,000 pieces of construction equipment being produced in the US each year, I believe that we could start by collecting 5% of that market in the first year and the 10% the following year and leveling out at 15% for the bequest 3 to 5 years. There are approximately 180,000 pieces of equipment in rate as new sales. Lock is currently running at a 43% profit margin and had an 8 year high of 53%. We will use the high (53%) for a cost as there will be quite a bit more expenses in rolling out a new product. The unit should sell at the $1,000 used price point and a $50 per month management fee.Based on these conservative projections, the yearly revenue in this market would level out at $mill with and a net income of $4. 7 mil per year, assuming all cost stay in line with current financial. This would add 14% in E. P. S. The first year and 200% the following year finally leveling out at 100%. Implementation Because of the history of the two parties and the nature of the work, progress could begin immediately. The matter of a cash infusion for Microcosmic should be resolved quickly as well as the nature of the strategic alignment. Lock should continue to develop the third generation with Motorola and determine their role, with Microcosmic, moving forward.

The Story of Semele as Told by Nemesis

The Story of Semele as Told by Nemesis Semele was a daughter of Poseidons grandson, Cadmus, the King of Thebes, and Harmonia. Through Harmonia, Semele was a granddaughter of Ares and the cousin of Aphrodite, and therefore, great-granddaughter of Zeus. Do you remember the genealogy of Achilles? Zeus was his great-great-great-grandfather once and great-great-great-great-grandfather twice on Achilles fathers mothers side. Lusty Zeus even wanted to mate with Thetis, Achilles mother but was scared off when he heard that her son would eclipse his father in fame. Considering the number of times Zeus insinuated himself into the genealogies of the heroes, and the founders of the great cities, youd think he was trying single-handedly to populate Greece. Despite the fact that Zeus was (old enough to be) Semeles great-granddad, Semele, and Zeus became lovers. Hera, jealous as usual - and, as usual, with a cause - disguised herself as a mortal nurse. Working in this capacity at the Theban court of King Cadmus, Hera as nurse Beroe gained the confidence of Princess Semele. When Semele became pregnant, Hera-Beroe put an idea into her mind. You might be more familiar with another variation on the same theme: The most beautiful woman in the world, Psyche, was given as a bride to a mysterious creature (whom she did not know was the son of Aphrodite Cupid) as a punishment for detracting from the worship of the goddess Aphrodite. Life was grand even though Psyche was only allowed to visit with her husband in the cover of darkness. Psyches two jealous sisters did what they could to spoil Psyches nighttime fun. They told Psyche her husband was probably a hideous monster and that was why he didnt want her to see him. Persuaded that they might be right, Psyche disobeyed the rule set down by her divine husband. To get a clear look at him, she shone a lamp on his face, saw the most beautiful being she could have imagined, and dropped a bit of lamp oil upon him. Burned, he instantly awoke. Seeing that Psyche had distrusted and therefore disobeyed him (actually, his mother Aphrodite), he flew away. For Psyche to regain her gorgeous husband Cupid, she had to placate Aphrodite. This included making a return trip to the Underworld. Like Psyches jealous sister, the goddess who is a past-mistress of jealousy, Hera, sowed seeds of doubt and jealousy in Semele. Hera persuaded Semele that she wouldnt know if the man who was presenting himself to her as Zeus was a god unless he revealed himself to Semele in godlike form. Furthermore, Semele wouldnt know if Zeus loved her unless he made love to her in the same way he made love to his wife, Hera. Semele was young, and pregnancy can do odd things, so Semele, who probably should have known better, prevailed upon Zeus to grant her (or rather Hera-Beroes) request. Why did Zeus oblige? Was he vain enough to want to impress the young woman? Was he foolish enough to think it wouldnt hurt? Did he know he could convince anyone that he was under an obligation of honor to do as Semele requested? Did he want to be both mother and father to the unborn child? Ill let you decide. Zeus, revealing himself in his full thunder-bolting glory, killed the frail human Semele. Before her body was cold, Zeus had snatched from it the six-month unborn child and sewed it into his thigh. When the thigh-sewn child was born, he was named Dionysus. Among the Thebans, rumors - planted by Hera - persisted that Zeus had not been his father. Instead, Dionysus was the entirely mortal son of Semele and a mortal man. Dionysus dispensed with any mortal who cast aspersions on his mothers reputation by doubting that her sexual liaison had been divine - although why mating with the philandering Zeus confers honor in mortal circles is beyond me. Whats more, with the permission of Zeus, the dutiful Dionysus went to the Underworld and raised his mother Semele from the dead so that, like Psyche, she could live along with her child, among the gods.