MGT302 Discussions 2 Week 1 Strategic Choices

Using the three competitive dimensions of cost, quality, and customer service to explain your rationale for your most recent significant product or service purchase. Consider a consumer goods such as an automobile or a household appliance, a service such as a decision to open an account at a bank or to purchase insurance, or any other product or service that you have purchased in the last two years that cost more than $100. Explain in rank order of importance the three competitive dimensions you considered in making such a purchase. Speculate on the strategic implications of your decisions on the manufacturer or service provider. Prior to the discussion, read Chapter 2 and Chapter 3

The most recent purchase that I made was Toyota Mark X. This purchase happened five months ago after we received news of our second baby. I really liked the purchase. The most competitive dimension that made me choose this product was the quality. Toyota company has a focus which is strongly directed at research and development and this makes them come up with innovative vehicles. The quality of the Mark series is appealing and the properties such as the horsepower and the fuel consumption is ideal which are to my liking. The car also tends to be stylish. With a new addition to the family it would be easy now to travel around in a more stylish and comfortable car.

The second reason for the purchase was the cost. I feel that the cost I paid for the vehicle is deserving considering the service it will offer me. Provided the car remains durable and the fuel prices remain low it is a win. Before the purchase I had spent time doing research on various cars and the fuel consumption rates while pairing their durability rates and found out that Toyota models were the best in the business and for the money that I had and my requirements at the time it was the best option.

The last competitive dimension of the three is the customer care. Car dealers and seller agents do anything to get a commission for their sales. This includes exaggerated information to customers. The agents who sold me the car were pleasant. They were welcoming and sent one to take me through the various models available. The customer service elements of product support, flexibility and reliability in my case I did not find them suitable because the agent was trying to buy me into taking a different vehicle to the one I had in my mind (2017). Yes, I do respect their advice but I believe when someone gets there with a fixed mind it is prudent to hear them out and provide additional information but the final decision should be theirs.

From the three competitive dimensions it is easy to say that Toyota strategy is to produce quality products which are unique and pocket friendly. Their products are high quality and user friendly and lasts longer. In terms of sale the strategy needs to be checked to ensure better customer service.

References

Wisner, J. D. (2017). Operations management: A supply chain process approach. https://content.ashford.edu