Dell

Dell Computer Corporation is the world’s largest manufacturer of direct computer systems. The company’s revenue in fiscal year 2001 was $31.9 billion and it also established itself as the world’s number one computer company. The company conducts operations worldwide and is managed on a geographic basis. The company’s headquarters are located in Austin, Texas and its manufacturing facilities are located in Nashville, Tennessee, Brazil, Ireland, Malaysia, and China. Dell’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol DELL. Michael Dell is the founder and the CEO of Dell computer corporation. He started the company while attending the University of Texas. He’s been in the computer industry ever since he was a teenager when he bought parts from IBM and made computers at home to sell. He’s a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Computerworld/Smithsonian Awards, and the World Economic Forum Foundation. He has sufficient experience in the industry. Mission Statement: Dell's mission is to be the most successful Computer Company in the world at delivering the best customer experience in markets we serve. In doing so, Dell will meet customer expectations of: • Highest quality • Leading technology • Competitive pricing • Individual and company accountability • Best-in-class service and support • Flexible customization capability • Superior corporate citizenship • Financial stability Vision Statement "Dell is committed to being a good neighbor in the communities we call home. We must continue to grow responsibly - protecting our natural resources and practicing sustainability in all its forms - and improve the communities where we live and work through our financial and volunteer efforts." Nature of business Dell Inc. was founded on a simple concept; that by selling personal computers directly to customers, Dell could best understand their needs and provides the most effective computing solutions to meet those needs. Dell provides computer systems under its enviable "low-cost direct sales model" under which the company maintains full ownership and control over manufacturing, distribution, and customer relationships. Dell has cut out middlemen, disguised as distributors, and the retail outlets from its supply chain, preferring to ship its products directly to customers. Dell’s biggest advantage as compared to its competitors is its manufacturing operations and just in time inventory control. Operational countries The company’s headquarters are located in Austin, Texas and its manufacturing facilities are located in Nashville, Tennessee, Brazil, Ireland, Malaysia, and China. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS SWOT ANALYSIS • Strengths 1. World’s largest PC maker 2. Cuts out the retailer. 3. Customer’s own specification. 4. Relatively cheap labor. 5. Keep track of your delivery. 6. Very good customer service before and after the sale. • Weaknesses 1. Not popular the college market yet as it focuses on corporate and government institutional customers 2. They do not have unique technologies to offer the market. 3. They are dependent on its suppliers. • Opportunities 1. Dell has opportunity to sell computer directly to retailers. 2. Also targeting the college students 3. Introducing new and innovative products • Threats 1. Increasing competition from competitors. 2. New entrants to the market pose potential threats. 3. Price difference between different brands is getting smaller, so since Dell doesn’t have a stock so the customer may choose some other brand. BUSINESS MODEL Dell has a direct business model. It means that they sell directly to the customers. They thus eliminate the middle man and are in direct contact with the customer. They don’t keep stocks. The customer gives the specifications to them online or on phone and they then make it and it reaches the customer in just a week’s time