Examine what is meant by Competitive Advantage a Case Study
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the case, students should be able to:
- Understand what competitive advantage is and why it's important for businesses, also understand how businesses can sustain a competitive advantage over time
- Identifying the different types of competitive advantages, such as cost advantage, and differentiation advantage among so many others
- Learn how to create a competitive advantage through strategies like innovation and marketing
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Competitive advantage is that outstanding advantage that an organization may have over its competitors. Competitive advantage refers to the ability of a business to offer products or services that outperform its competitors in the market. It means that the business is able to offer better value to its customers compared to the competitors, by providing higher quality products or services at the same price, or by offering lower prices for the same quality. Competitive advantage is a source of sustainable profitability and growth for a business, as it creates a loyal customer base and a strong market position. It is the reason why customers choose one business over another and why some businesses are more successful than others.
The main objective of this assignment is to clarify and understand what is meant by the term competitive advantage in an organization, and also identify the main types of competitive advantages and competitive strategies. It answers questions like What is the meaning of competitive advantage? What are the 4 sources of competitive advantage? Competitive advantage can come in many forms, such as cost advantage and differentiation advantage,
A cost advantage is when an organization has the ability to produce goods or services and supplying them at a lower cost compared to other organizations in the same market. Cost advantage may be achieved through economies of scale, where a business is able to produce goods in large quantities, which reduces the cost per unit. It can also be achieved through efficient operations, such as using technology to streamline processes and reduce labor costs. A business with a cost advantage is able to offer lower prices to customers, which can attract more business and increase market share.
Differentiation refers to a situation where an organization is able to offer a unique product or service that is different from what its competitors are offering. This can be achieved through innovation, where a business creates a new product or service that is not currently available in the market. It can also be achieved through marketing, where a business creates a unique brand image that sets it apart from its competitors. A business with a differentiation advantage is able to charge higher prices for its products or services, as customers are willing to pay more for something that is unique or of higher quality.
In order to create a competitive advantage, businesses need to understand their customers and their competitors. They need to know what their customers want and what their competitors are offering. This requires market research and analysis, which can help businesses identify opportunities for growth and innovation. Once a business has identified its competitive advantage, it needs to communicate it to customers through marketing and branding efforts.
However, it is quite challenging to sustain a competitive advantage as the market is changing continuously. Therefore organizations need to be able to get used to changes in the market and continue to innovate in order to stay ahead of their competitors