Data Bases • Custom Term Papers • Free Term Papers • Free Research Papers • Free Essays • Free Book Reports • Plagiarism? Links • Top 100 Term Paper Sites • Top 25 Essay Sites • Top 50 Essay Sites • Search 97,000 Papers @ DirectEssays.com • Search 101,000 Papers @ ExampleEssays.com • Search 90,000 Papers @ MegaEssays.com Free Essays • Term Paper Sites • Chuck III's Free Essays • Free College Essays • TermPaperSites.com • My Term Papers • Get Free Essays • Essay World • Planet Papers	Search Lots of Essays Back to Subjects - Miscellaneous King of Cork King of Cork While the champagne and wine cork stopper production is the basis of the cork industry, cork serves a diverse array of purposes including, but not limited to: footwear, insulation, and floor and wall paneling. The cork industry has a bright future and Corticeira Amorim is ensuring the industries potential be realized by conducting smart acquisitions, continuous research and development, as well as environmentally friendly practices. Cork is derived from a cork tree, which is native to Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Not only is this raw material limited in its supply, but it is not protected from the effects of the natural world as well. While this does not appear to be a major concern, it is not a risk that goes without recognition and in the case that this does become a major issue, competitors could potentially gain headway. Also, taking into account our natural environment, the extensive use of cork will no doubt motivate defense of the cork tree forests' development-favorable for the natural resources of Earth. In terms of the economic environment, it was shown in the case study how an unfavorable decline of earnings in the cork industry could be attributed to the slowdown of sales in the automobile industry. Just as it is typical of any recession, the recession in the early 1990s hit the auto industry fairly hard and the fate of the industry was at the mercy of the Fed and their decisions made in terms of the monetary policy. When in search for new markets, you are looking to diversify your product as well as the market. In this development process, I think it is important to first be well known for quality assurance, especially in the more developed countries where technical capability and quality are increasingly important competitive advantages. Corticeira Amorim has extended its markets to include nearly 30 countries. This globalization strategy , based on the acquisition of distribution channels in new markets, has allowed Amorim to become internationally recognized as a highly successful and progressive company. It is my recommendation that the Corticeira Amorim organization attempt a multifocal strategy, which would allow the company to adapt the product or redefine the market according the needs and politics of specific regions. A strategy with a multifocal emphasis allows for the advantages of worldwide integration, while being receptive to the changing needs from country to country. Corticeira Amorim is surely acquiring cork distributors and is currently in the process of setting up a joint venture in the People's Republic of China in an effort to gain power over cork prices and the industry as a whole. I think that it would be a good idea to look into forming a strategic alliance with the Norwegian company, Corex. While Corex claims to offer a superior competitive product, cork is still the only substance that can regain its original form after being compressed-it is my feeling that the partnership would be mutually beneficial. Corticeira Amorim adheres to the importance of innovation and its direct impact on an organization's competitive advantage. More specifically in terms of the Diamond of National Advantage, Amorim emphasizes the importance research and development as well as the implementation of product vertical structures. Also, Amorim is initiating a joint venture with the People's Republic of China. Bibliography: Word Count: 571
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