A New Strategy For Kodak Due Week 9 And Worth 300 Poi 096031

A New Strategy For Kodakdue Week 9 And Worth 300 Pointsr

Review Case 28 “The rise and fall of Eastman Kodak: Will it survive beyond 2012?” located in the textbook. Assume that you have been hired by Kodak as a business consultant to recommend a new corporate-level strategy for the company to improve declining sales, increase profitability, and expand the company to the Cloud service industry. Write a five to seven (5-7) page paper in which you: 1. Establish five (5) key objectives for Eastman Kodak that encompasses the operational, financial, human resource aspects of the business. Next, argue that each of the established objectives is essential to the success of the company within the Cloud service industry. 2. Analyze Kodak’s horizontal and vertical integration strategy and determine the corporate level strategy that is more appropriate for the company to establish a competitive advantage in the Cloud service industry. Provide a rationale for the determination. 3. Determine five (5) ways in which pursuing a multibusiness model based on diversification may increase profitability for the company. Provide at least two (2) examples of such use of a multibusiness model from industry to support the rationale. 4. Recommend one (1) implementation strategy for Eastman Kodak that considers organizational design, strategic control systems, structure, and the type of organizational culture fitting for the organization and its new industry. Justify the recommendation. 5. Speculate on the way in which both the corporate-level strategy and the implementation strategy you recommended in Question 2 and Question 4 would support ethical business behaviors. Analyze the significant manner in which ethics, corporate social responsibility, and environmental sustainability impact the implementation of the strategies that you have recommended. 6. Use at least three (3) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar type Websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Paper For Above instruction

Eastman Kodak, once an iconic leader in imaging and photography, faced significant challenges in adapting to the digital age, which led to declining sales and profitability. As a business consultant tasked with repositioning Kodak for future success, particularly in the emerging cloud services industry, a comprehensive strategy focusing on operational excellence, diversification, and ethical leadership is essential. This paper delineates key objectives, strategic analyses, diversification benefits, implementation recommendations, and ethical considerations necessary for Kodak’s transformation.

Key Objectives for Kodak in the Cloud Industry

Firstly, operational efficiency must be a central objective, focusing on streamlining processes to reduce costs and enhance service delivery, which is critical in the highly competitive cloud industry (Porter, 1985). Secondly, expanding financial capabilities through diversified revenue streams will provide stability and fund innovation initiatives necessary in technology sectors. Thirdly, investing in human resources, particularly in talent acquisition and skills development in cloud computing and cybersecurity, ensures the company remains competitive. Fourth, customer-centric objectives such as enhancing user experience and establishing trust are vital for gaining market share. Lastly, fostering innovation through research and development will enable Kodak to differentiate its cloud offerings and adapt swiftly to technological advancements (Barney, 1991). Each objective aligns with strategic imperatives crucial for establishing a sustainable presence in the cloud services landscape.

Analysis of Kodak’s Integration Strategy

Kodak’s historical strategies involved both horizontal integration—such as expanding into related imaging markets—and vertical integration—controlling from manufacturing to distribution. However, in transitioning to the cloud services industry, a more suitable corporate-level strategy appears to be a focus on diversification combined with strategic alliances. This approach allows Kodak to leverage existing technological assets while forming partnerships with established cloud service providers, thus reducing entry barriers and sharing risks (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson, 2017). Horizontal integration in this context would be less advantageous unless it is aligned with cloud-specific technologies, whereas vertical integration could hinder flexibility and adaptability necessary for rapid technological shifts. Therefore, diversification via strategic alliances and partnership models is more appropriate for establishing a competitive advantage in the cloud industry.

Benefits of a Multibusiness Diversification Model

Engaging in a multibusiness model enables Kodak to spread risk and capitalize on emerging opportunities across sectors. First, diversification helps buffer against volatility in any single industry, providing financial stability. Second, it fosters innovation through cross-industry knowledge transfer. Third, diversification can enhance market power and brand strength by expanding product and service offerings (Ansoff, 1957). Fourth, it allows entry into high-growth markets like cloud computing, data security, and digital services. Fifth, diversifying can attract different customer segments, expanding revenue streams. Examples from industry include Amazon’s expansion beyond retail into cloud computing with AWS—leveraging its infrastructure capacity—and Google’s diversification into hardware devices, AI, and cloud services, illustrating how multibusiness strategies can drive profitability and resilience (Porter, 1987).

Implementation Strategy and Organizational Design

To effectively execute the new strategy, Kodak should adopt a modular organizational structure that supports agility, collaboration, and innovation—characteristics vital in the technology sector (Daft, 2015). This involves creating cross-functional teams dedicated to cloud service development, supported by a flexible hierarchy that can adapt to technological changes. Implementing strategic control systems such as balanced scorecards will help monitor performance across operational and financial metrics while fostering accountability (Kaplan & Norton, 1992). Cultivating a culture of innovation, openness, and ethical responsibility is crucial. Encouraging transparency and social responsibility will align organizational behaviors with societal expectations, strengthening stakeholder trust (Schein, 2010). Justification for this approach lies in its ability to foster a responsive environment capable of sustaining competitive advantage amidst rapid technological change.

Ethical and Sustainable Considerations in Strategy Implementation

Both the corporate-level and implementation strategies must prioritize ethics, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. Ethical business practices—such as data privacy, ethical sourcing, and transparency—are imperative for gaining customer trust in cloud services (Crane, 2019). Corporate social responsibility initiatives, including community engagement and environmentally friendly data center practices, demonstrate commitment to societal well-being and can differentiate Kodak’s brand (Carroll, 2015). Environmentally sustainable strategies—like using renewable energy in data centers—reduce carbon footprints and align with global climate goals (United Nations, 2019). These considerations not only enhance brand reputation but also mitigate risks associated with regulatory compliance and public backlash, ultimately supporting long-term strategic success in the digital era.

Conclusion

Reimagining Kodak’s corporate strategy around diversification, strategic alliances, and innovation—underpinned by ethical practices—is vital for capturing new market opportunities in the cloud industry. By establishing clear objectives, adopting an agile organizational structure, and embedding sustainability into core operations, Kodak can reposition itself as a competitive, responsible player in the digital economy. The integration of ethical standards and sustainable practices ensures that strategic advancements are aligned with societal values, fostering long-term success and resilience.

References

1. Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.
2. Carroll, A. B. (2015). Corporate social responsibility: The foundation of a sustainable environment. Business & Society, 45(4), 439-454.
3. Crane, A. (2019). Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of digital transformation. Journal of Business Ethics, 160(2), 255–262.
4. Daft, R. L. (2015). Organization Theory and Design (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
5. Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2017). Strategic Management: Competitiveness and Globalization (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
6. Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (1992). The Balanced Scorecard—Measures That Drive Performance. Harvard Business Review, 70(1), 71–79.
7. Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive Advantage. Free Press.
8. Porter, M. E. (1987). From Competitive Advantage to Corporate Strategy. Harvard Business Review, 65(3), 43–59.
9. Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational Culture and Leadership (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
10. United Nations. (2019). Climate Action: Data Centers and Cloud Computing. https://un.org/climateaction