Honda Corporate Jet Department
Departmental Analysis: Honda Corporate Jet Department

Background of Honda Aviation Department

The department of Honda Jet bears its beginnings in Honda Aviation. The journey to the aviation industry began when engineer Michimasa Fujino, initiated the vision in 1986 of Honda's participation in research and development in advanced airborne Honda (Honda, 2012). Close to four decades later, the vision is almost a realization as Honda Jet is now in its developmental and implementation stage. Therefore, Honda Jet is an apprehension of a decade long dreams that inspired innovation in aircraft design. The main aim of the development of Honda jet is the need for a light jet that is more efficient, advanced, and elegant (Business Wire, 2012). Through experiments, research, and exploration, Honda engineers now see the Honda Jet come to realization in the next year. The company's research and development team, along with engineers for the aviation industry are…...

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References

Business Wire (2012, Oct 29). Honda Aircraft Company Begins Honda Jet Production: Highlights Program Progress at NBAA 2012. Press Release: Business Wire. Retrieved 7th October, 2012 from  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/honda-aircraft-company-begins-hondajet-production-2012-10-29 .

Honda (2012). Honda Jet. Retrieved 7th October, 2012 from https://hondajet.honda.com/news/Index.aspx.

Honda-Current Brand Strategy
Honda has taken numerous actions to achieve new growth as it moves towards the fast changing era in the world. Its re-branding campaign is a progressive initiative, which has increasingly gained momentum over the years. This paper will focus on Honda's re-branding and brand equity strategies as reviewed in case studies and scholarly writings. Honda has maintained to be the most successful automotive import company in Japan. According to various automotive and financial analysts, Honda is geared towards becoming the leading automaker across the world. Currently, General Motors Corporation holds this position. This posits new challenges to Honda and its brand image. Honda launched brand equity and re-branding campaign to show its impact on the Japanese economy. This study looks at the possible success of Honda's re-branding and brand equity strategies.

e-branding

e-branding can be defined as how a brand is re-born. In most cases, a company utilizes the re-branding…...

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References

Gelder, S.V. (2009). Global brand strategy: Unlocking brand potential across countries, cultures & markets. London [u.a.]: Kogan Page.

Heneric, O., Licht, G., & Sofka, W. (2009). Europe's automotive industry on the move: Competitiveness in a changing world. Heidelberg: Physica-Verlag.

Kay, J.A. (2011). Foundations of corporate success: How business strategies add value. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Roll, M. (2010). Asian Brand Strategy: How Asia Builds Strong Brands. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Honda Case Study
Honda Motors the iconic Japanese automobile and engine manufacturer was the definitive example of the 1980's and early 90's surge of Japanese dynamism and economic muscle. Only 25 years after the firm entered the automobile industry, the 'industry of industries', Honda had become one of the world's top ten producers (Mair, A. 1997). Over the last two decades though Japan has been mired in a morass of economic stagnation however, Honda continues its long run success by capitalizing on its ability to adroitly navigate the competitive global automobile landscape with innovation, economic prowess, and a focus on Total Quality Management; a set of management practices throughout the organization, geared to ensure the organization consistently meets or exceeds customer requirements (Free Management Library. N.D.).

The continued focus on producing superior products and technology has propelled the company to the seventh position in global vehicle sales with three million units in…...

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"Superior operations, proactive care and maintenance, a focus on functional flexibility, wellness and reliability and healthy manufacturing; this is the essence of Honda" (Arnold, P.N.D.). Honda's achievement of this quality standard rests on dismissing the notion of tradeoffs as the only viable strategic solution to polar opposite positions in areas such as: "buyer-supplier relations, work organization, product development processes, and product quality, cost, and delivery" (Mair, A.). The "Honda Way" describes an ongoing process of thought which seeks to develop a best of both worlds solution to problems long considered irreconcilable and mutually exclusive. Of particular interest in the case study is the discussion on positioning vs. developing internal resources dichotomy which has broad implications in "strategic approach to manufacturing, marketing, and product positioning (Mair, A. 1997). Analysis of this overarching dichotomy is best explicated by looking at two instances detailed in the case study; product strategy and production and logistics.

Product strategy for Honda is the continuous development and refinement of technological innovation for their customers. Technological innovation broaches the long held dichotomy of cost vs. benefit, to what extent will capital spending "deliver direct and immediate competitive advantage" (Mair, A. 1997) The development of the CVCC (compound vortex controlled combustion engine) and the VTEC (variable valve timing and lift electronic control) are striking examples of the "refusal to accept taken-for-granted trade-offs to technological change" (Mair, A. 1997). Product strategy is seen also in the design of Honda's automobile line, specifically speed of development process and model replacement. Again the transparent theme of these examples is the reconciliation of long held bifurcations. Development lead times for products which historically took five to six years were reduced by Honda to two years, all without sacrificing quality or increasing costs of production (Mair, A. 1997). Too, model replacement reconstituted the traditional approach between "complete model change in which the whole design process starts from scratch, and the 'facelift' in which only a small number of components are redesigned" (Mair, A. 1997). Honda's approach instituted a hybrid of the two positions with a "rolling or iterative model change program with significant and regular changes to each model (and hence a regular boost to consumer interest)" (Mair, A. 1997)

The logistics and production of Honda's operations reveal the

Honda case, Honda simultaneously developing hybrids, diesel, natural gas, fuel cell cars. a. Why Honda chosen strategy? Is characteristic company industry? Should Honda pick focus efforts important Honda pursue synergies ( preserve options) developing promoting multiple technologies? b.
Honda Motor Company Ltd.

The diversification strategy and the environmentally friendly automobile

Honda is a long established and powerful presence within the international automobile industry. Throughout the past recent years, the company has become focused on a determined diversification strategy which strives to respond to the various needs of vast consumer palettes. The manifestation of this diversification strategy has materialized in the creation of four categories of vehicles -- hybrids, diesel, natural gas and fuel cell cars.

A question is being posed relative to the reasons which might have driven the Honda executives to implement this strategic approach. Two primary reasons could be offered at this stage. The first is constituted by the changing needs of…...

Until very recently, GM was not being publicly traded; after its bailout by the U.S. government, the company was required to pay down its debt and essentially purchase itself back from the taxpayers before issuing stock. This stock has now been issued, and the debt was very recently paid off, giving the company a current debt/equity ratio of .36 (GM 2011). This means that the company is primarily being financed through the ownership funds of the company rather than through borrowing, which likely means fewer short-term gains but longer financial stability. Honda, on the other hand, has a debt/equity ratio of .71, meaning that a greater percentage of the company's operations are being financed through borrowed funds rather than through ownership funds (Honda 2011). While this might lead to more short-term advantages, it is a less desirable position to be in during volatile economic and industry times.
Finally, there is…...

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References

GM. (2011). General Motors Company and Subsidiaries Supplemental Material. Accessed 7 February 2011.  http://media.gm.com/content/dam/Media/gmcom/investor/2010/Q3-Financial-Highlights.pdf 

Honda. (2011). Consolidated financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended December 31, 2010. Accessed 7 February 2011.  http://world.honda.com/investors/financialresult/2010/2010_3rd/Financial_Result_2010_3q_E.pdf

Major markets are saturated with products. Because of high fixed costs in the industry, exit barriers are high. Competition has kept margins relatively low, so Honda must move volume since they do not have sufficient differentiation to leave the mass market category. Overall, the outlook for the automotive industry is weak for the coming years.
One environmental consideration however is with respect to higher fuel costs. hile this represents a threat to most industry players, Honda has been at the front of the curve in terms of developing automobiles that utilize alternative fuels. They also have a core competency in developing automobiles with excellent mileage. Indeed, Honda's initial success in the North American automobile market was in marketing its fuel-efficient compact cars in the wake of the oil crisis in the early 1970s.

By the end of that decade, Honda has won enough market share to open a manufacturing operation in…...

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Works Cited

MSN Moneycentral. Retrieved March 9, 2009 at  http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor/invsub/results/statemnt.aspx?Symbol=HMC 

Honda Motor Company website. Retrieved March 9, 2009 at  http://corporate.honda.com/about/ 

2008 Honda Annual Report. Retrieved March 9, 2009 at  http://world.honda.com/investors/annualreport/2008/pdf/ar2008.pdf 

2009 Third Quarter Fact Sheet. Honda Motor Company. Retrieved March 9, 2009 at  http://world.honda.com/investors/quarterly/2009/FY09_Q3FactSheet.pdf

Acura was launched in the mid 1980s, and it was the first Japanese produced luxury car, however it lacked many of the features that customers were looking for in high end vehicles and Acura went through almost five years of net losses before Honda finally figured out their design and distribution methods. Honda depends too much on their ingenuity and ability to adjust once a product enters the market, and as a result, they often make hasty and faulty decisions that they must then spend millions and years to fix.
Honda has significant opportunities in the near future to become the premier manufacturer in the world. The biggest opportunity lies in their technology advantage, as the frontier leader within fuel economy, they have had years of research to help them build motors that are highly fuel efficient. This applies to every single market that they operate in and with the…...

Results

The results of the cost and benefit comparisons were fairly straightforward. Regardless of the cost of fuel and the number of miles driven, the buyer of a hybrid consistently posts a net loss. Even assuming fuel costs of four-and-a-half dollars per gallon (the most expensive fuel scenario modeled) and an annual mileage of twenty-thousand miles (the highest mileage scenario modeled), the buyer is still at a net loss of nearly eighteen-hundred dollars. Combining the state benefit in increased sales tax and the public benefit from environmental benefits creates a surplus of less than two hundred dollars, and the federal losses from taxes on fuel are over three hundred dollars in and of themselves.

This is the scenario that creates the greatest benefit to the buyer in terms of fuel savings (the more expensive fuel is and the more the buyer uses, the more the savings when compared to a conventional car),…...

Downstream glass manufacturing is local, because each market has its own characteristics, it is low scale production and it is the most important success factor is good customer relationship. This step was seen as successful by some and unsuccessful by others. During the diversification in the automotive industry the company also acquired other business of similar profile, which was seen as successful. Later on, Pilkington entered the ophthalmologic and contact lens industry, which was characterized by every analyst as failure and the manufacturer abandoned these projects. However, during this last diversification, the company didn't disinvest immediately after the management realised that it wouldn't pay off. After acquiring the ophthalmologic capabilities and being faced with unsuccessful results, the manufacturer tried to find solutions to get back on the track that would maintain the investment. Consequently, the company moved forward to contact lenses area. Pilkington had both successes and failure in…...

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Reference List

Duarte, C.L. And E. Garc'a-Canal. 2004. "The Choice Between Joint Ventures and Acquisition in Foreign Direct Investments: The Role of Partial Acquisitions and Accrued Experience," Thunderbird International Business Review, vol. 46(1): pp. 39-58.

Hamel, G. And Prahalad, C.K. 1994. Competing for the Future. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.

Kogut, B. And H. Singh. 1988. "The Effect of National Culture on the Choice of Entry Mode," Journal of International Business Studies, vol. 19(3): pp. 411-432.

Lewis, H. And J.D. Richardson. 2001, forthcoming. Why Global Commitment Really Matters! Washington, D.C.: Institute for International Economics, October.

In this order of ideas, they request the assistance of specialized auditors, from both within and outside the institution. "To ensure objective control of the Company's management, outside directors and outside corporate auditors are appointed to the Board of Directors and the Board of Corporate Auditors, which are responsible for the supervision and auditing of the company. Honda has also introduced an operating officer system, aimed at strengthening both the execution of business operations at the regional and local levels and the supervision by the Board of Directors" (Honda Motor Corp. 2008 Annual eport).
A more comprehensive take on the four control mechanisms implemented by Honda can be achieved by looking at the following lines. They are a comparative analysis of the strategic approaches to control, revealing both positive and negative impacts of each mechanism, as well as the impacts they are likely to generate upon the four functions of…...

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References

Faulkner, D., de Ron, M., 2000, Cooperative Strategy: Economic, Business and Organizational Issues, Oxford University Press

Mito, S., 1990, the Honda Book of Management: A Leadership Philosophy for High Industrial Success, Continuum International Publishing Group

2009, Honda Motor Corp 2008 Annual Report, Retrieved at   January 12, 2009http://world.honda.com/investors/annualreport/2008/on 

2009, Honda Motor Corp., Hoovers, -- /free-co-factsheet.xhtmllast accessed on January 12, 2009http://www.hoovers.com/honda/--ID__41867

GM v Honda
In FY 2010, General Motors earned revenue of $135 billion and earned profit of $6.17 billion on this. The 2010 FY figures are distorted because of the impact of the government bailout, but in prior years GM was losing over $30 billion per year, despite recording higher sales ($177 billion in 2007 and $147 billion in 2008). Sales hit their nadir in 2009 with just $104 billion, so part of the company's success in 2010 was that sales began to rebound. Sales thus far in fiscal 2011 are higher again, with the company on pace for around $149 billion. Net income is also stronger, the company having recorded almost $8.5 billion in net income in the first three quarters of fiscal 2011.

Honda's revenue and profit figures show a similar trend, where the company had stronger profits in 2007 and 2008, only to slump in 2009 and 2010. The…...

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References:

MSN Moneycentral: General Motors (2012). Retrieved February 6, 2012 from  http://investing.money.msn.com/investments/stock-price?Symbol=GM 

MSN Moneycentral: Honda ADR. (2012). Retrieved February 6, 2012 from  http://investing.money.msn.com/investments/stock-income-statement/?symbol=HMC 

Shephardson, D. (2012). Analyst: GM may buy out retiree pensions. Detroit News. Retrieved February 6, 2012 from  http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120112/AUTO01/201120408

According to an article entitled " New Manufacturing System Gives Honda Flexibility" The flexible manufacturing process created by Honda gives the company an advantage over competitors. The article explains that close cooperation between Honda's production and R&D departments allowed the company to create the first ever production line in North America upon which SUV's and Trucks could be produced together. On this production line Honda's popular minivan the Odyssey and its luxury SUV the Acura MDX are produced. The article asserts that using what the automaker has dubbed its "New Manufacturing System...will increase speed by reducing the time needed to bring a new model to mass production or add an existing model to a different plant. It also will increase efficiency by cutting much of the investment normally needed for retooling (right).
In addition the author explains that Honda's manufacturing system utilizes new general welding equipment. This equipment allows for…...

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Works Cited

GM, Ford, Chrysler All Cutting Back on Production."2001. Brandweek.  http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_mOBDW/is_1_42/ai_68965323 

Kurtus., R. 2002. Variability reduction and the Taguchi Approach in Manufacturing.  http://www.school-for-champions.com/tqm/taguchi.htm 

Ford's Competitive Advantage Based on Time Driven Change." 2002. http://www.gartnerg2.com/cas/cas-1002-0008.asp

Wright, L. 2000. Ward's Auto World.  http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3165/is_2000_Sept/ai_68325994

Ford v. Honda
Ford's SOT Analysis:

Strengths

eaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

Brand recognition

Low quality scores (LeBeau, 2011)

Chinese market (Forbes, 2011)

Competitors

Distribution

Management retirements (Muller, 2012)

Hybrids/fuel efficiency

eak economic conditions

New Products

Pensions/legacy costs

US recovery?

Rising costs

Renewed consumer interest

Distributor issues?

Other BRICS

High gas prices

Mulally is a good leader

No global mfg platform

Smaller vehicles

US competitors are backed by gov't

In order for Ford to address these issues, the following strategic concepts should be implemented. The company needs to improve its innovation pipeline, but it also needs to improve its production practices so that quality is restored. The customers want Ford to succeed, but poor quality reviews are going to hurt the company's turnaround. High gas prices and rising costs elsewhere may wipe out the benefits of a U.S. recovery, so Ford needs to shift its focus to emerging market growth. That said, if it can adapt to new technologies like hybrids, there is room for success. The company's brand, however, does remain strong, especially for market-leading products like…...

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Works Cited:

Forbes. (2011). Ford hits $14 with China growth, fuel efficiency focus. Forbes. Retrieved April 15, 2012 from  http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2011/11/29/ford-hits-14-with-china-growth-fuel-efficiency-focus/ 

Forbes. (2011). Honda recovery rolling slowly with weak global growth. Forbes. Retrieved April 15, 2012 from  http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2011/08/22/honda-recovery-rolling-slowly-with-weak-global-growth/ 

LeBeau, P. (2011). Ford quality tumbles in JD Power survey. CNBC. Retrieved April 15, 2012 from http://www.cnbc.com/id/43511239/Ford_Quality_Tumbles_in_J_D_Power_Survey

Muller, J. (2012). Key leaders in Ford turnaround to retire; Mulally not going anywhere. Forbes. Retrieved April 15, 2012 from  http://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2012/02/09/key-leaders-in-ford-turnaround-to-retire-mulally-not-going-anywhere/

New Honda City
There is a new look and feel to urban life in Australia. Simultaneously, there is a new look and feel to the recently released Honda City model made for Australia. The sleek corners, stylish cafes and major metropolitan areas Down Under are ideal for perusing through in the 2014 Honda City, which has a number of specific features for the urban Aussie traveler navigating the increasingly modern and technologically advanced realms of Australian inner city life.

City owners will never have to worry about gas mileage as its 1.5 liter, i-VTEC engine consumes a mere 5.7 liters for every 100 kilometers traveled while pumping out 88 kW of thrust. The engine is sufficiently fortified with two choices of transmission: a five-speed manual for those who prefer the race car driving feel, or Honda's new Continuously Variable Transmission Technology. The latter eschews the typical gear approach for a revolutionary drive…...

It has wide and comfortable front seats and the rear seat passengers also have enough space qualifying as a true mid-size sedan. Easy front and rear door openings render it easy to get inside and come out of the car. It is a splendid family sedan, at or near the top of its class in all degree. It offers a soft, calm ride quality, and a gorgeous interior having front and rear seats which are spacious and cosy. Driving it enthuse confidence and its VTEC engines are even, powerful and capable. This adds to Honda's reputation for quality, durability and reliability. (2000 Honda Accord: The benchmark for mid-size sedans)
The Honda may be the best mid-size cars for the masses, however the Nissan Maxima is debatably the most excellent for the people who view cars as more than transportation devices. It is priced at $25,200 as the tested price. It…...

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References

Get quotes on the 2000 Honda Accord Sedan.

Retrieved at   on January, 14, 2005http://www.shopping.com/xPR-Honda_2000_Honda_Accord_Sedan~RD-1335249Accessed 

Nissan Maxima. Hispana News.

Retrieved at   Accessed on January, 14, 2005http://www.hispanianews.com/archive/1999/December03/04.htm 

Community Luminaries: Unsung Leaders Transforming Neighborhoods

Amidst the tapestry of urban and rural landscapes, countless individuals tirelessly dedicate themselves to making a profound impact within their communities, often operating beneath the radar of mainstream recognition. These lesser-known changemakers, driven by unwavering passion and commitment, are the unsung heroes whose efforts ripple through their neighborhoods, fostering positive transformation.

1. Ayanna Johnson: Cultivating Urban Gardens in Chicago

In the heart of Chicago's impoverished Woodlawn neighborhood, Ayanna Johnson has been instrumental in establishing a network of community gardens. Through her organization, Growing Home, she empowers residents to cultivate their own food, promoting health, self-sufficiency, and a....