Riya Sharma owns a confectionery business in Jaipur, specializing in homemade chocolates and candies. Despite holding a substantial market share in…

CA Intermediate · Financial Management and Strategic Management · RTP · May 2024
Riya Sharma owns a confectionery business in Jaipur, specializing in homemade chocolates and candies. Despite holding a substantial market share in the central region, her business has experienced declining sales of these products over the last few years. Concerned about the market dynamics, Riya consults a management expert for guidance. The consultant recommends a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape. Explain the steps to be followed by Riya Sharma to understand the competitive landscape to address the sales decline.

Suggested Answer and Working Notes:

Steps to understand the competitive landscape are as follows: (i) Identify the competitor: The first step to understanding the competitive landscape is to identify the competitors in the firm's industry and have actual data about their respective market share. (ii) Understand the competitors: Once the competitors have been identified, the strategist can use market research report, internet, newspapers, social media, industry reports, and various other sources to understand the products and services offered by them in different markets. (iii) Determine the strengths of the competitors: What is the strength of the competitors? What do they do well? Do they offer great products? Do they utilize marketing in a way that comparatively reaches out to more consumers. Why do customers give them their business? (iv) Determine the weaknesses of the competitors: Weaknesses (and strengths) can be identified by going through consumer reports and reviews appearing in various media. After all, consumers are often willing to give their opinions, especially when the products or services are either great or very poor. (v) Put all of the information together: At this stage, the strategist should put together all information about competitors and draw inference about what they are not offering and what the firm can do to fill in the gaps. The strategist can also know the areas which need to be strengthened by the firm.

Topics: Part-A: Financial Management

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