13 Discussion Competitive AdvantageIn his interview
1.3 Discussion: Competitive Advantage
In his interview at the 2011 Paris airshow, Mr. Albaugh alluded to Boeing's competitive environment. How do manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, or companies in other industries, create a competitive advantage? Include an example in your response.
Business Dictionary.com (2014) states:
A superiority gained by an organization when it can provide the same value as its competitors but at a lower price, or can charge higher prices by providing greater value through differentiation. Competitive advantage results from matching core competencies to the opportunities.
A first step in creating a competitive advantage is branding; until a company has made a good name and reputation for itself it cannot have a lasting competitive advantage. In his interview, Mr. Albaugh made a very good point when he stated that Boeing is “looking at the market, talking to customers, and understanding technology… and taking a very good airplane and making it better”. Boeing has already established themselves as a top aircraft manufacturer. Now, they are looking to the future. Boeing strives, not only to meet current wants and needs of their customers, but, to foresee future wants and needs and meet them too. With their “Partnering for Success” program, Boeing is meeting these wants and needs and reducing expenses. This is a combination that will result in a strong competitive advantage, as long as quality is not forfeited for reduced costs. A great example of a company that looks to the future and has a competitive advantage is Google. Google is consistently looking to the future to offer groundbreaking technology. Google looks at problems as opportunities. They do not shy away from these opportunities; rather they meet them head on and “do something about it” (High, 2013).
(2014). Business Dictionary.com: Competitive Advantage. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/competitive-advantage.html Scott, Alwyn. (March 3,
In his interview at the 2011 Paris airshow, Mr. Albaugh alluded to Boeing's competitive environment. How do manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, or companies in other industries, create a competitive advantage? Include an example in your response.
Business Dictionary.com (2014) states:
A superiority gained by an organization when it can provide the same value as its competitors but at a lower price, or can charge higher prices by providing greater value through differentiation. Competitive advantage results from matching core competencies to the opportunities.
A first step in creating a competitive advantage is branding; until a company has made a good name and reputation for itself it cannot have a lasting competitive advantage. In his interview, Mr. Albaugh made a very good point when he stated that Boeing is “looking at the market, talking to customers, and understanding technology… and taking a very good airplane and making it better”. Boeing has already established themselves as a top aircraft manufacturer. Now, they are looking to the future. Boeing strives, not only to meet current wants and needs of their customers, but, to foresee future wants and needs and meet them too. With their “Partnering for Success” program, Boeing is meeting these wants and needs and reducing expenses. This is a combination that will result in a strong competitive advantage, as long as quality is not forfeited for reduced costs. A great example of a company that looks to the future and has a competitive advantage is Google. Google is consistently looking to the future to offer groundbreaking technology. Google looks at problems as opportunities. They do not shy away from these opportunities; rather they meet them head on and “do something about it” (High, 2013).
(2014). Business Dictionary.com: Competitive Advantage. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/competitive-advantage.html Scott, Alwyn. (March 3,