Interviewing for a position as the director of strategic planning for a Fortune Global 500 company

Scenario
You are interviewing for a position as the director of strategic planning for a Fortune Global 500 company. To prepare for the interview, you research the company to understand its business and customer base. You want to be able to recommend tangible strategies the company can use to improve its market share or revenue. So, you decide to delve a little deeper into the company’s vision and long-term strategic goals and identify some obstacles the company may face in reaching these goals.

Prompt
First, choose a Fortune Global 500 company from the following list.

Sanofi S.A.
Total SE
Deutsche Bank AG
Toyota Motor Corp.
Randstad N.V.
Comcast Corp.
Airbus SE
United Parcel Service Inc.
Use the Company & Industry Information section of the MBA Library Research Guide the company’s website, and other resources to learn more about your chosen company.

Then, write a journal to describe the background and basic business information related to the company. Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

Provide a brief company overview. Identify the company’s global headquarters and the primary products and services it offers.
Describe the company’s customer base. Does the company primarily serve businesses or individuals? Explain how.
Using events from the past year, identify at least one obstacle the company is currently facing or might face in the future that could impact its success.
Explain how this obstacle might impact its revenue or market share.

Full Answer Section

        Obstacle: Supply Chain Disruptions One significant obstacle that Toyota has faced in recent years is supply chain disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic and global semiconductor shortages have led to production delays and limited availability of certain vehicle models. These disruptions have impacted Toyota's revenue and market share, as well as the overall automotive industry. Impact on Revenue and Market Share: The supply chain disruptions have resulted in lower production volumes and reduced sales for Toyota. This has impacted the company's revenue and market share, particularly in regions where the availability of certain models has been limited. Additionally, the disruptions have led to increased costs due to supply chain inefficiencies and the need to source components from alternative suppliers. Conclusion Toyota Motor Corporation is a leading global automaker with a diverse customer base. However, the company has faced significant challenges due to supply chain disruptions in recent years. These disruptions have impacted Toyota's revenue and market share, highlighting the importance of resilient supply chains in the automotive industry.  

Sample Answer

       

Journal Entry: Researching a Fortune Global 500 Company

Company: Toyota Motor Corporation

Overview: Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Japan. The company is one of the world's largest automakers, offering a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and hybrids. Toyota is known for its focus on quality, reliability, and environmental sustainability.  

Customer Base: Toyota primarily serves individuals and families. The company offers a diverse range of vehicles to cater to different customer needs and preferences, from budget-friendly models to luxury vehicles. Toyota has a strong global presence and serves customers in various markets around the world.