ASSIGNMENT

MAY 2023 SEMESTER

SUBJECT CODE : MCC711

SUBJECT TITLE : CORPORATE COMMUNICATION

LEVEL : MASTER’S LEVEL

STUDENT’S NAME : LUMANTI TAMRAKAR

MATRIC NO. : M60109220221

PROGRAMME : MBA

ACADEMIC FACILITATOR : SUJAN SUBEDI

LEARNING CENTRE : VIRINCHI COLLEGE

INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS

1) This assignment consists of TWO (2) Part. Answer ALL questions in Part A and Part B.
2) This assignment carries a 100% weightage towards your final grade. There shall be no
examination for this paper.
3) Your assignment will be examined based on the followings:
• a complete working solution
• ability of using methods available in the learning materials
• Presentation (synchronous or asynchronous method)
4) Plagiarism in all forms is forbidden. Students who submit plagiarised assignment will be
penalised.
5) The submission date of this assignment is BEFORE OR ON JULY 30, 2023. Submission must
be via MyPLS attached with Turnitin similarity report.
THERE ARE 5 PAGES OF QUESTIONS, EXCLUDING THIS PAGE.
DECLARATION BY STUDENT

I certify that this assignment is my own work and is in my own words. All sources have been acknowledged and
the content has not been previously submitted for assessment to Asia e University or elsewhere. I also confirm that
I have kept a copy of this assignment.

Signed: _________Lumanti Tamrakar_______

INSTRUCTION: Answer ALL questions in Part A and Part B (100 marks)

PART A

Case Study: Apple Inc.'s Corporate Communication and Reputation

Apple Inc., a global technology giant renowned for its innovative products and sleek design,
has established itself as a leader in the consumer electronics industry. The company's success
is attributed not only to its cutting-edge products but also to its effective corporate
communication strategy and continuous focus on creating customer value.

Apple Inc. has consistently prioritized clear and compelling communication to connect with its
diverse stakeholders. Through carefully crafted messaging, impactful advertising campaigns,
and a strong brand image, the company has effectively conveyed its vision, values, and
product superiority to consumers, investors, and the general public.

Furthermore, Apple Inc. emphasizes customer value creation by delivering products that
seamlessly integrate hardware, software, and services. The company's commitment to user
experience, reliability, and intuitive design has cultivated a loyal customer base that eagerly
anticipates each new product release.

Question:

A. Analyse the influence of Apple Inc.'s corporate communication strategy and customer
value creation on its reputation.

B. Discuss how the company's communication efforts, including marketing campaigns

and brand messaging, have contributed to building and maintaining its reputation as
an industry leader.

C. Evaluate the effectiveness of Apple's customer-centric approach, product innovation,

and user experience in enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

D. Provide recommendations on how Apple Inc. can further strengthen its corporate
communication strategy and customer value creation to sustain its reputation and
competitive advantage in the ever-evolving technology landscape.

[Total 40 Marks]

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Solution:

ANSWER A

Apple is an American company that creates and distributes computer hardware, software,
personal computers, and portable electronics on a global scale (Steyn,2000). One of the
businesses putting powerful tactics into practice to dominate the market is Apple. Its reputation
as a preeminent international technology business has been greatly influenced by Apple Inc.'s
corporate communication strategy and customer value development. The following are the
ways in which these elements affect Apple's reputation:

1. Corporate Communication Strategy:

The corporate communication function and corporate strategy are said to be separated by
a corporate communication strategy, which is recommended to fill this gap. When it comes
to corporate communications, Apple Inc. constantly outperforms the competition, which
benefits its reputation. The goal of the company's communication strategy is to reach out
to all of its stakeholders, including clients, shareholders, and the general public, with
compelling and clear messaging. Apple's communication strategy includes a few important
components, such as:

• Vision and Values:

Through its marketing initiatives, keynote speeches, and public pronouncements, Apple
successfully conveys its mission of developing cutting-edge and user-centric products.
Apple has built a strong brand identity and a reputation for being at the forefront of
innovation by focusing on its basic values of simplicity, elegance, and cutting-edge
technology. Apple also ensures that each employee is aware of the organization's vision
and principles.

• Brand Image:

A product's brand is what distinguishes it from competing goods of a similar nature. Apple's
products are known for their distinctive design, superior quality, and user-friendly interfaces.
Apple has established a powerful and identifiable brand that is in great demand among
consumers through successful branding throughout its product selection, marketing
materials, and retail shops.

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 • Advertising Campaigns:

Apple's marketing campaigns are recognized for their originality and capacity to evoke
strong emotions in viewers. Apple efficiently communicates with its target audience and
fosters a favourable perception of the brand through effective advertisement informing
customers about the special features and advantages of their goods.

Apple's reputation as a progressive and customer-focused firm is largely thanks to its

consistent and effective corporate communication strategy. The company's reputation has
improved as a result of its contribution to the development of stakeholder credibility and trust.

2. Customer Value Creation:

When value is created for customers, the entire value-creation process is within their
control. conduct in which customers create value (Yi,2014). Apple's continued emphasis
on delivering value to its customers has been a major factor in shaping its reputation. The
business aims to create goods that seamlessly combine hardware, software, and services,
resulting in a comprehensive and exceptional user experience. Apple creates value for its
customers in a number of ways, including:

• User Experience:

Apple gives a lot of thought to creating devices that are both attractive and easy to use.
The user experience is improved overall through thoughtful design, functional integration of
hardware and software, and attention to detail. As a result of Apple's dedication to the user
experience, it has developed a devoted following of customers who value the reliability and
excellence of its goods.

• Quality and Reliability:

Apple goods have a reputation for being high-quality and reliable. To ensure that its
equipment live up to high standards, the company makes significant investments in product
development and quality control. Apple's reputation among consumers has been improved
by this dedication to quality, which has made it a trusted brand.

• Innovation and Differentiation:

Apple differentiates itself from rivals by putting a constant emphasis on innovation. The
business continuously adds novel functions and technology, giving its goods distinctive

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 selling points. This dedication to innovation strengthens Apple's position as an industry
leader and helps it maintain a competitive edge.

A large part of Apple Inc.'s reputation may be attributed to its corporate communication
strategy, which is defined by concise messaging, a powerful brand image, and effective
advertising campaigns. The business has also improved its reputation by building customer
loyalty and trust through its efforts to create value for its customers, which include a focus on
user experience, dependability, and innovation. When taken together, these elements have
established Apple as a preeminent worldwide technology corporation renowned for its cutting-
edge goods and exceptional value for customers.

ANSWER B

In order to establish and uphold its position as an industry leader, Apple Inc.'s communication
activities, which include marketing campaigns and brand message, have been crucial. In the
field of consumer electronics, Apple has made a name for itself as a reputable and admired
brand. Apple Inc, has provided strategic marketing plans recommendation for its future
development (Nigam). The following are the main ways that Apple's reputation has been
enhanced by these communication efforts:

• Building a Strong Brand Identity:

A corporation must continually provide customers with goods or services that meet or
exceed their expectations if it wants to build a successful brand. The development of a
distinctive and recognized brand identity has received significant investment from Apple.
Apple has made a name for itself as a premium and cutting-edge brand by using consistent
branding throughout all of its marketing materials, goods, and retail locations. Apple has
contributed to the success of the Apple brand by using materials of superior quality and
creating products with a streamlined appearance. Apple's status as a major player in the
global technology industry is largely due to this company's distinctive brand identity, which
has helped it stand out in a crowded field.

• Impactful Advertising Campaigns:

Apple is well known for its emotionally resonant and innovative advertising campaigns.
Along with emphasizing the qualities and advantages of their products, these ads also
arouse feelings and appeal to consumers' ambitions. Apple has created a deep emotional

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 connection with its audience through memorable and motivational advertisements,
fostering enhanced brand loyalty and favourable word-of-mouth.

• Continuous Innovation:

The main focus of Apple's marketing initiatives is to demonstrate its commitment to staying
at the cutting edge of technology and its ongoing innovation. By being more effective than
the conventional cost leader, the organization has simultaneously become the cost leader
while achieving serial innovation, excellent design, and superior offers and business
models (Heracleous, 2013). Apple continues to solidify its position as a market leader in the
consumer electronics sector by delivering cutting-edge features and technologies in its
products.

• Product Launch Events:

Consumers, investors, and tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipate and assemble to witness
Apple's product launches. In front of the media, the corporation makes a terrific
presentation. Apple's standing as a pioneer in invention is furthered by the extensive media
coverage and internet debates that these events spark.

In order to establish and uphold its position as an industry leader, Apple Inc.'s communication
activities, which include marketing campaigns, brand messaging, and product releases, have
been essential. A key factor in the company's success in the consumer electronics market is
its capacity to forge a distinctive brand identity, emotionally connect with consumers, prioritize
customer value, and highlight innovation.

ANSWER C

Apple regularly engages in research and development to understand the demands of the
market. Customer loyalty and happiness have significantly increased as a result of Apple's
customer-centric strategy, product innovation, and user experience. Let's assess how well
these factors work:

1. Customer-Centric Approach:

The key to Apple's success has been its dedication to knowing what its customers want
and to providing it. In order to build products that satisfy client preferences and

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 expectations, the organization places a high value on user feedback. There are various
ways to see this customer-centric approach:

• Product Design: The intuitive design and user-friendly interfaces of Apple products are
well-known. High consumer satisfaction levels have been influenced by this focus on
design.
• Customer care: To solve any problems or questions that customers may have, Apple has
invested in developing an interactive customer care system. The corporation makes sure
that clients receive prompt assistance when they need it through its online resources,
Apple Stores, and AppleCare services.
• Regular Software Updates: Apple regularly updates the software on its devices, adding
new features but also fixing bugs and addressing security issues. Customer loyalty is
supported by the company's commitment to upholding and enhancing the performance of
its products.

Consumers are more satisfied and loyal in the long run because to Apple's customer-centred
strategy and its successful goods.

2. Product Innovation:

The secret to Apple's success and customers' satisfaction has been its ongoing focus on
innovation. Innovating features and technologies on a consistent basis, the company has
changed the game for the industry. Following are a few significant instances:

• iPhone: The release of the iPhone, which combines a touchscreen interface with a music
player, internet browser, and other features, transformed the smartphone market. The
iPhone is now a very popular product all around the world because to this innovation
• App Store: When Apple introduced the App Store, it created a wide ecosystem of
applications that customers could use to personalize their devices in accordance with
their wants and needs. The user experience and satisfaction with Apple devices have
both been considerably improved by this platform.
• Integration of Hardware, Software, and Services: Apple's seamless integration of
hardware, software, and services guarantees an integrated and improved user
experience. Customers benefit from this connection, which also improves how well Apple
devices function in general.

Apple has sustained its position as an industry leader by continually pushing the boundaries
of technology and offering cutting-edge innovations, increasing customer pleasure and loyalty.

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3. User Experience:

Delivering an amazing user experience across all of Apple's products is very important to
the company. This emphasis on the user experience is visible in a number of ways:

• Integrating the ecosystem: Users can connect their devices, share data, and access
services on various platforms with ease thanks to Apple's ecosystem. This seamless
experience improves the user's digital life and promotes brand loyalty.
• Intuitive Interfaces: An interface that operates exactly as the user anticipates it to is said
to have an intuitive interface. Apple gives special attention to user-friendly interfaces that
make using and navigating their products enjoyable. Customer satisfaction is increased
and user annoyance is decreased thanks to this attention to detail.
• Reliability and Quality: High-quality construction and dependability are hallmarks of
Apple products. Customers are satisfied and loyal to Apple over the long run because of
the performance and durability of their gadgets.

Customer happiness and loyalty have been significantly increased by Apple's customer-
centric strategy, product innovation, and focus on user experience. Apple has built a devoted
customer base that anxiously anticipates the arrival of each new product and is committed to
the brand by consistently meeting customer wants, releasing innovative products and
services, and providing a smooth user experience.

ANSWER D

To compete with other brands, every company must regularly modify its approach. Apple has
an effective global business plan, but there are certain suggestions the company might
consider to enhance that approach even more. Listed below are a few suggestions:

• Develop more affordable products: Apple's merchandise is renowned for its superior quality
and high cost. But the need for more affordable goods is rising, particularly in developing
economies. While still upholding its brand's reputation for superior quality and design, Apple
could produce additional goods that are more reasonably priced to appeal to these markets.

• Increase attention on emerging markets: Although Apple has a significant presence in

developed regions, it should put more effort into emerging areas like Southeast Asia. There
is enormous development potential for Apple in these markets due to their vast populations
and developing economies (“StudySmarter UK,” n.d.).

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• Partner with local businesses: Apple has collaborated with neighbourhood businesses in a
few markets, but more can be done. Apple may be able to better comprehend regional
market realities and consumer preferences by collaborating with local businesses.

• Create sustainability programs: Customers are becoming more interested about

sustainability, and Apple may stand out from the competition by creating sustainability
projects that appeal to local consumers. This may entail lowering its carbon footprint,
obtaining materials in an ethical manner, and aiding regional populations. This can entail
expanding the use of renewable energy in its operations, cutting waste, and creating more
energy-efficient, recyclable products.

• Enhance customer support: Apple has a solid reputation for providing excellent customer
service, but there are international regions where it can do even better. This can be
accomplished by funding regional customer service teams and extending greater regional
help.

Apple can improve its global business strategy, increase its presence in new markets, and
sustain its competitive advantage over time by concentrating on these areas.

PART B
Case Study: Toyota’s Global Competitive Advantage
Toyota’s global competitive advantage is based on a corporate philosophy known as the
Toyota Production System. The system depends in part on a human resources management
policy that stimulates employee creativity and loyalty but also on a highly efficient network of
suppliers and components manufacturers.
Employee empowerment: Average annual results
• More than 700,000 improvement suggestions were submitted by Toyota’s employees.
• That is an average of over 10 improvement suggestions per employee per year.
• Over 99% of suggestions were implemented.
Corporate culture: The fundamental reason for Toyota’s success in the global marketplace
lies in its corporate philosophy – the set of rules and attitudes that govern the use of its
resources. Toyota have successfully penetrated global markets and established a world-wide
presence by virtue of its productivity. The company’s approach to both product development
and distribution is very consumer-friendly and market-driven. Toyota’s philosophy of
empowering its workers is the center piece of a human resources management system that
fosters creativity, continuous improvement, and innovation by encouraging employee
participation, and that likewise engenders high levels of employee loyalty. Knowing that a

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workplace with high morale and job satisfaction is more likely to produce reliable, high-quality
products at affordable prices, Toyota have institutionalized many successful workforce
practices. Toyota has done so not only in its own plants but also in supplier plants that were
experiencing problems. Although many car manufacturers have earned a reputation for
building high-quality cars, they have been unable to overcome Toyota’s advantages in human
resource management, supplier networks and distribution systems in the highly competitive
car market. Much of Toyota’s success in the world markets is attributed directly to the
synergistic performance of its policies in human resources management and supply-chain
networks.
The Focus of Toyota Production System
Real TPS is not just about “flow” or “pull production” or “cellular manufacturing” or “load
levelling”. TPS in Toyota is primarily concerned with making a profit, and satisfying the
customer with the highest possible quality at the lowest cost in the shortest lead-time, while
developing the talents and skills of its workforce through rigorous improvement routines and
problem-solving disciplines. This stated aim is mixed in with the twin production principles of
Just in Time (make and deliver the right part, in the right amount, at the right time), and Jidoka
(build in quality at the process), as well as the notion of continuous improvement by
standardization and elimination of waste in all operations to improve quality, cost, productivity,
lead-time, safety, morale and other metrics as needed.

Five Ss: The Five Ss refer to the five dimensions of workplace optimisation: Seiri (Sort), Seiton
(Set in order), Seiso (Shine), Seiketsu (Standardise), and Shitsuke (Sustain).

7 Principles of Toyota Production Services (TPS):

• Reduced setup times: All setup practices are wasteful because they add no value and they
tie up labor and equipment. By organizing procedures, using carts, and training workers to do
their own setups, Toyota managed to slash setup times from months to hours and sometimes
even minutes.
• Small-Lot production: Producing things in large batches results in huge setup costs, high
capital cost of high-speed dedicated machinery, larger inventories, extended lead times, and
larger defect costs. Because Toyota has found the way to make setups short and inexpensive,
it became possible for them to economically produce a variety of things in small quantities.
• Employee involvement and empowerment: Toyota organized their workers by forming
teams and gave them the responsibility and training to do many specialized tasks. Teams are
also given responsibility for housekeeping and minor equipment repair. Each team has a
leader who also works as one of them on the line.

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• Quality at the source: To eliminate product defects, they must be discovered and corrected
as soon as possible. Since workers are at the best position to discover a defect and to
immediately fix it, they are assigned this responsibility. If a defect cannot be readily fixed, any
worker can halt the entire line by pulling a cord (called Jidoka).
• Equipment maintenance: Toyota operators are assigned primary responsibility for basic
maintenance since they are in the best position to defect signs of malfunctions. Maintenance
specialists diagnose and fix only complex problems, improve the performance of equipment,
and train workers in maintenance.
• Pull production: To reduce inventory holding costs and lead times, Toyota developed the
pull production method wherein the quantity of work performed at each stage of the process
is dictated solely by demand for materials from the immediate next stage. The Kamban
scheme coordinates the flow of small containers of materials between stages. This is where
the term Just-in-Time (JIT) originated.
• Supplier involvement: Toyota treats its suppliers as partners, as integral elements of Toyota
Production System (TPS). Suppliers are trained in ways to reduce setup times, inventories,
defects, machine breakdowns etc., and take responsibility to deliver their best possible parts.
Adapted from: http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/cs_efficiency_toyota
Questions:

1) Evaluate the significance of Toyota's corporate identity and strategy in its global
competitive advantage. Analyse how Toyota's corporate philosophy and values, as
reflected in the Toyota Production System (TPS), have shaped its corporate identity
and reputation.

[20 marks]

Solution:

A competitive advantage enables a company to operate better than its competitors. This
statement describes factors that allow a company to produce goods or services more
efficiently or at a cheaper cost than its competitors, which may lead to higher sales or profit
margins. A company must have a competitive edge that is advantageous to all of its
stakeholders and difficult for competitors to copy in order to succeed.

Toyota's corporate identity and strategy have been crucial in creating its competitive edge on
a worldwide scale. The Toyota Production System (TPS), which embodies the company
philosophy, has been crucial in developing Toyota's corporate identity and reputation. Here is

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a breakdown of how Toyota's corporate identity and strategy contribute to its overall
competitive advantage:

• Strong business Culture: The business philosophy and organizational culture of Toyota are
greatly valued and adhered to. A strong feeling of purpose and direction has been
established inside the organization thanks to the focus on innovation, employee
empowerment, and continual development. This culture promotes excellent production and
customer happiness, which has helped Toyota earn a reputation for producing dependable,
high-quality goods.

• Employee Empowerment: Toyota places a strong emphasis on employee empowerment.

Toyota has developed an engaged culture by inviting employees to offer ideas for
improvement and executing more than 99% of those proposals. This has aided in preserving
positive relationships with the workforce and resulting in high-quality output.

• Continuous Improvement: Toyota has been able to continuously improve its procedures and
goods thanks to the TPS concepts of Just-in-Time and Jidoka, as well as the focus on waste
minimization and elimination. Toyota places a strong emphasis on efficiency and quality,
which has enabled it to create higher-quality goods quickly and at the lowest possible cost.

• Partnership with Suppliers: Toyota views its suppliers as partners. They pay attention to the
opinions of their vendors. Toyota maintains an effective supply chain by involving suppliers
in process development and quality enhancement. This helps the company successfully
respond to market demands.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Toyota's company strategy is firmly centered on the needs of

its customers. Toyota has effectively dominated international markets thanks to its emphasis
on consumer-friendly and market-driven product development and distribution. Toyota has
been able to grow trust and loyalty among its consumers all around the world because to
this customer-centric strategy.

• Reputation for Quality and Reliability: Toyota's dedication to quality at the source, its
capacity to halt production when flaws are found, and the involvement of workers in
equipment maintenance have all helped to foster its reputation for producing automobiles of
the highest quality and dependability. Customers are more likely to choose a brand that has
a solid reputation for dependability, which has been a big contributor to Toyota's global
competitive edge.

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• Long-Term Perspective: Long-Term thinking and sustainability are key components of
Toyota's corporate philosophy. Toyota has been able to develop a reputation for being a
dependable and stable corporation thanks to its emphasis on long-term success above
short-term gains, further improving its competitive advantage.

Toyota's corporate identity and business strategy significantly contribute to its competitive
advantage on a worldwide scale. The company's production process is a clear reflection of
the company's philosophy and values.

The corporate brand of Toyota places a strong emphasis on dependability and ongoing
improvement. It also encompasses innovation, supporting creativity, and maintaining quality.
It has a solid reputation among customers for being trustworthy and efficient as well as for
offering them high-quality products that satisfy their needs.

The production process and customer interactions are just two examples of how the
company's personality permeates all facets of its operations. Additionally, every employee
has the chance to suggest improvements, and 99% of them are implemented, which fosters
employee empowerment and workplace satisfaction.

2) Discuss how Toyota's focus on employee empowerment, continuous improvement,

and customer satisfaction contributes to its corporate identity.

[20 Marks]

Solution:

Toyota's productivity has allowed it to successfully dominate international marketplaces and

develop a global footprint. Long-term thinking is also reflected in Toyota's corporate identity.
Toyota applies the "lean thinking" principle to many facets of its operations, including its
manufacturing procedure, interactions with clients and staff, and product development. It
places a high emphasis on customer satisfaction, continuing improvement, and employee
empowerment in order to sustain its company identity. Toyota values their each and every
employees as well as their suppliers and customers. These key elements contribute to its
corporate identity by following:

• Employee Empowerment

A comprehensive management concept known as "employee empowerment" grants line

personnel the express power to decide immediately how to address customer issues and

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 complaints (Brymer, 1991). The company's commitment to employee empowerment is a key
part of its corporate identity. Toyota fosters an engaged and ownership-based culture by
inviting staff members to contribute ideas for improvement and involve them in decision-
making procedures. This encourages initiative, innovation, and other positive employee
behaviours that contribute to the success of the business. Employees with high levels of
motivation are more committed to their work. This focus on empowering its personnel
generates a sense of belonging and loyalty, producing a distinctive identity where employees
will feel like they are important contributors to the company's goal and progress rather than
just workers.

It guarantees the emergence of a sense of accountability and responsibility. A process that

is effective, better products, and ultimately increased consumer satisfaction arise from taking
into consideration everyone's ideas and collective expertise.

• Continual Development

One of the essential components for every organization's success is continuous

improvement. Toyota's identity is fundamentally based on continuous improvement.
Toyota's business identity is defined by its readiness to try new things, learn from mistakes,
and advance. They are constantly looking for fresh opportunities. The organization's focus
to improving procedures, getting rid of waste, and continually looking for better ways to do
things is evidence of its dedication to excellence. This focus on Kaizen (continuous
improvement) boosts operational efficiency while also fostering an innovative and adaptable
culture. A new innovation can be created by changing one's methods of completing the work
or adapting to new things in order to achieve an improvement. Toyota doesn't just
concentrate on its own operations; it also concentrates on troubled supplier plants. They
develop programs to advance themselves and outperform their rivals through ongoing
survey and extensive study.

Toyota has maintained its competitive edge in the global market as a result. The company's
dedication to ongoing improvement, which is engrained in its corporate identity, is reflected
in its operational and manufacturing lines, and has tremendously benefited it in adjusting to
shifting consumer preferences and market demands.

• Customer Contentment

The main goal of the company is to satisfy its clients by providing high-quality goods at prices
that are reasonable and that meet or even surpass their expectations. They uphold the belief
that customers should be heard and their requirements should be met in order to increase

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 customer satisfaction and continually expand their products and services. They have been
successful in forging a close bond and encouraging loyalty with their customers. The
business also makes R&D investments to create new products and meet client demands for
things like safety and fuel efficiency. To create its corporate identity, Toyota consequently
places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, ongoing progress, and employee
empowerment. The business maintains its standing as one that prioritizes the requirements
of its customers by fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity.

Toyota's corporate identity is centred on its commitment to customer satisfaction, ongoing

progress, and employee empowerment. A holistic approach to business is created by Toyota's
corporate identity, which combines customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and
employee empowerment. Toyota places more emphasis on long-term thinking than short-term
thinking. Toyota has been able to keep up its reputation for stability and dependability thanks
to the right concentration on these factors.

3) Examine the role of supplier involvement in Toyota's strategy and its impact on the
company's operational efficiency and reputation. Provide specific examples and
recommendations on how Toyota can further leverage its corporate identity and
strategy to maintain its competitive advantage in the highly competitive car market.

[20 marks]

Solution:

The support of suppliers and trust are important TPS elements. This emphasizes that
partnerships should be the foundation of relationships rather than short-term transactions.
Toyota offers to assist suppliers in resolving issues when they arise, and the suppliers
welcome the offer. Toyota has performed better in recent years than many of its rivals in
surviving supply chain disruptions. The fact that TPS is still operational and has helped Toyota
outperform competitors.

Dual sourcing is frequently viewed by corporations as the main strategy for cost reduction
since it compels suppliers to compete on price. Toyota, on the other hand, views things entirely
differently and thinks that having two suppliers offers them the capacity to be robust.

For one model family, it might only buy steering wheels from one supplier, while for another,
it might only buy steering wheels from a different supplier. The two suppliers would then
engage in continuous competition for the forthcoming design as new models went into

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production, but this time, innovation and capabilities would be more important to them than
pricing. The suppliers are confident that Toyota will have a clear understanding of what a fair
pricing should be, and the price needs to be reasonable.

Toyota places a high value on quality and dependability, and achieving these goals requires
collaborating with suppliers. Toyota maintains regular communication with its suppliers to
make sure they keep the principles of continuous development and comply with stringent
quality standards. Utilizing their expertise, Toyota can ensure that its vehicles are constructed
with high-quality components and materials by including suppliers in the manufacturing
process. This focus on quality has enabled Toyota to develop a reputation for producing
trustworthy automobiles.

Toyota uses the JIT (Just-in-Time) production process, which aims to maintain manufacturing
efficiency while lowering waste and inventory levels. Supplier involvement is required for JIT
to work well. When those components are needed on the assembly line, suppliers must deliver
the materials and parts in small, regular batches (JIT, 2022). Lead times are shortened,
inventory costs are reduced, and operational effectiveness is increased thanks to the level of
coordination and cooperation between Toyota and its suppliers.

The importance of technological advancements and innovation in the automobile industry is

recognized by Toyota. Toyota is able to promote innovation and introduce new technologies
because to its relationships with its suppliers, who are able to share their expertise. Toyota
and its suppliers are able to provide cutting-edge features, more fuel-efficient vehicles, and
vehicles with higher performance through collaborative research and development. This focus
on innovation helps Toyota to maintain its reputation as a forward-thinking, technologically
cutting-edge firm.

Toyota's supplier participation strategy is characterized by long-term partnerships as opposed

to transactional ties. Toyota collaborates extensively with suppliers to foster understanding,
cultivate respect, and align goals. These stable, long-term partnerships enable Toyota to
establish a robust and efficient supply chain. These partnerships foster information exchange,
continuous improvement, and cooperative problem-solving while also fostering a positive
reputation for sustainability and cooperation.

Toyota is already well-known for its distinctive brand and successful strategies in the
automotive industry. However, in order to maintain its competitive edge, Toyota can further
capitalize on its corporate identity and strategy by adopting the examples and
recommendations below:

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• Emphasize Hybrid and Electric Vehicles:

Toyota has been a leader in hybrid technology and ought to make use of its expertise in this
area. Toyota can position itself as a leader in the transition to sustainable mobility by
expanding its hybrid selection and investing more in EV technologies. This will lure clients who
are more interested in reducing their carbon impact, in addition to enhancing its reputation as
being environmentally friendly.

Automobiles made by Toyota are renowned for their dependability and security. In order to
maintain its competitive edge, Toyota must continue to prioritize safety and invest in ADAS
and autonomous driving technology. By incorporating cutting-edge safety technology as
standard equipment across its entire car line-up, Toyota may further strengthen its brand
recognition and draw in customers who are concerned about safety.

• Focus on connected automotive technologies:

Due to the rapid advancement of technology, connected automotive features are becoming
increasingly important. Toyota should make investments in developing cutting-edge
infotainment systems, connection options, and inter-vehicle communication features. By
providing seamless integration with smartphones, smart home appliances, and other digital
platforms, Toyota can set itself apart from competitors and provide its customers with a
superior connected car experience.

• Expand Mobility Solutions:

By venturing outside the conventional auto industry and offering cutting-edge mobility
solutions, Toyota can make the most of its brand identification and business strategy. This
may mean funding ride- or car-sharing companies, developing driverless shuttles or cabs, or
collaborating with mobility companies. Toyota can expand its product line and adapt to shifting
consumer needs to position itself as a full-service mobility provider, ensuring its relevance in
the future of transportation.

• Strengthen partnerships and collaborations:

Toyota has already established connections with other companies, including Subaru, Mazda,
and Denso. Toyota should actively seek collaboration with tech companies, software
developers, and other players in the automotive industry in order to better leverage its brand
and business plan. By forming strategic alliances, Toyota can acquire new technologies,
discover potential market trends, and raise its industry competitiveness.

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Overall, by concentrating on sustainability, safety, technology, customer experience, mobility
solutions, and strategic partnerships, Toyota can continue to employ its corporate identity and
strategy to maintain its competitive advantage in the brutally competitive auto market.

END OF QUESTION

REFERENCES

Brymer, R. A. (1991). Employee empowerment: A guest-driven leadership strategy. Cornell

Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 32(1), 58-68.

Heracleous, L. (2013). Quantum strategy at apple inc. Organizational Dynamics, 42(2), 92-
99.

Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory Management for Your Business. (2022, September 13).
Retrieved from https://www.thebalancemoney.com/just-in-time-jit-inventory-
management-393301

Nigam, I. Marketing Strategies of Apple Inc. IJFMR-International Journal for Multidisciplinary

Research, 5(2).

Steyn, B. (2000). Model for developing corporate communication strategy. Communicate:

Journal for Communication Sciences in Southern Africa, 19(2), 1-33.

StudySmarter UK. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/business-studies/business-case-
studies/apple-marketing-strategy/

What Really Makes Toyota’s Production System Resilient. (2022, November 15).
Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2022/11/what-really-makes-toyotas-production-system-
resilient

Yi, Y. (2014). Customer value creation behavior. Routledge

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A. GUIDELINES
B.

a. You are required to answer ALL the questions and complete the assignment individually.
b. Your ideas that you present in the discussion should come from your original arguments
and support some reference from articles, literature of the field—i.e., the paper should
have citations from studies/ articles from journal articles associated with points you made.
c. You should cite all references to the assignment, written in proper APA style, with good
grammar and writing skills.
d. Assignment format:
• Title page (with title of the paper, your name, course name, course code, and date)
• Introduction (you outline the problem, question, or issue you are discussing)
• Related literature (you cite the experts in addressing the question you pose)
• Your answers (you tie all ideas together and integrate with your findings)
• References.

Note.
1. The assignment should be typed using 1.5 spaces between lines in 11 Arial point fonts or
12 Times New Roman point font.
2. Number of pages are between 10 - 15 pages only (2500 words). The contents of this
assignment must be based on your arguments, opinion, discussion, details, and your
critical thinking.
3. All references must follow APA System format.
4. Any assignment with elements of plagiarism, copying, or similarities of content, or sentence
structure academic dishonours will not be given any mark. Quotes from authors are allowed,
but with acknowledgements to the authors.

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