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Category: Business and Industry
Date Submitted: 01/04/2012 11:42 PM
Evolution and Revolution in the Hi-Fi Sector
Professor Robert MacIntosh
1. Introduction
The Hi-Fi case is a short case which explores the strategic choices facing specialist hi-fi
manufacturers as the market around them changes. The UK has a strong presence in the
specialist Hi-Fi sector, and is home to many of the best hi-fi manufacturers in the world. Many
of these firms have already experienced one round of upheaval as the industry moved from vinyl
to CD as the dominant recording medium. They now face far bigger challenges with the growth
of online, digital and portable music sources. The case offers students the opportunity to reflect
on a number of themes such as the segments of the market under consideration, the competences
required to compete in new areas, the business model required and the basis of competitive
advantage. However, the primary focus of the case is around the barriers facing small players in
global markets.
2. Position of the Case
The case study is concerned with the strategic choices facing small, independent specialist hi-fi
manufacturers. It is positioned to support the material on industry dynamics in Chapter 2 and
business level strategy in Chapter 6
3. Learning Objectives
The case is intended to help students to develop the ability to:
�� Critically evaluate changes in an industry.
�� Translate environmental and technological changes into specific implications for individual
firms.
�� Develop strategic options for firms facing rapidly changing markets.
4. Teaching Scheme
This short case can be used in two ways. First, it can be used as a break out session in class
where individuals or groups are asked the discussion questions below on the basis of their first
reactions. Second, the case can be used in more traditional form where the students take the
position of different types of firms (traditional hi-fi manufacturers, AVI, hi-fi retailers,
computing firms, or other potential new entrant firms such as...