Mgt 498

* Resources: Riordan Virtual Organization and Environmental Scan Paper

Use the Riordan Virtual Organization and research from last week's Environmental Scan Paper for this assignment.

* MIKE - Decide which competitive advantages Riordan has in common with the companies researched last week,

Competitive strategies are as unique as the firm implementing them. Riordan Manufacturing is in the plastic product business, they manufacture plastic beverage containers, plastic fans parts, and automobile parts. A good competitive strategy, developed around innovation with sustainability could ensure Riordan a place as the leader in the plastic industry. Riordan could implement differentiation strategy to improve innovation and sustainability of business operations both in the United States and in the global market. Differentiation strategy is the ability of a company to provide unique and superior value to the buyer in terms of product quality, special features, or after-sale service (Wheelen & Hunger,  2010).

Differentiation strategy would offer brand loyalty brought on by a superior product or distinguish customer experience. Customers are willing to pay a little extra for a better product or superior service. A good example of these would be Apple and Amazon. Apple makes smarts phones, the product, in the eyes of the loyal customer, is a superior product. Many might not agree that Apples phones are superior but the added cost of million satisfied customer allows Apple to charge a little extra. Amazon is a customer service company, willing to go the extra mile to provide excellent service for an added cost. Many are willing to pay $70 a year for the service provided by Amazon. Charging extra is possible because both of these companies meet and exceed the demands and needs of the customers. Riordan is a world leader in the plastics industry. Differentiation would allow Riordan to offer a unique experience while capturing a larger portion of the plastics...