1. Riordan Environmental Scan 1
Riordan Environmental Scan
For a company to make it in today’s business environment, it needs to be ready to
face any given situation within the environment due to issues, perceptions, chances, and
resources. “Equally important, ESs provides an opportunity for an organization to envision and
plan for its future, given these contexts and shifts” (“Environmental Scans”, 2008). Riordan has
plants in Pontiac, Michigan, Hangzhou, Chine, San Jose, California, and Albany, Georgia. For
Riordan to survive they must be ready to overcome the trials and tribulations of a constant
shifting environment. Accomplishing an environmental scan (ES) will increase their
chances of success and improve their ability to distribute their resources effectively.
Riordan Manufacturing produces plastics worldwide. They produce beverage containers and
plastic fan parts from China. As mentioned above, Riordan expanded to China where they
employee over 300 employees. Riordan is considering operations, the economy, and cultural
diversity when looking forward. Finally, Riordan has is a Fortune 1000 company and has a
history of success.
Riordan Competitive Strategies
After review, Riordan tracks its sales based upon history. Where the issue arises is their
sales database needs to be electronic and provide access to the marketing department.
Computers allow employees is sales and administrative offices the ability to provide better
customer service. Many companies use tracking to understand the customers’ need that the
company serves. An aspect of doing business that is often overlooked is the relationship between
the business and the customers. In any discussion of a business strategy, how you take care of
the customer before, during, and after the sale is important. Customer service must always be a
2. Riordan Environmental Scan 2
factor when discussing the way ahead for any business. A program that allows employees to see
the sales history provides a greater opportunity to predict future sales and allow for higher sales
volumes. Customers and even future customers should also be able to see Riordan’s progress
and historical data. In doing this, it could foster future ventures and maintain those customers
already doing business with Riordan.
Sustainability and Innovation
Riordan diversity in its production lines allows them to provide consumers a larger
variety of products. As Riordan expands to China, they will be able to provide reliable products
with a reduction in overhead. Additionally, Riordan is thinking about moving its Hangzhou
plant to Shanghai, China due to its costal ports and proximity to major shipping lanes. Although
being close to shipping lanes is important, Riordan must also consider a number of other related
factors. For example; international laws like settling disputes, jurisdiction, contractual
agreements, and free trade agreements.
Global Marketing
As mentioned previously, as Riordan expands into the China market they will have to
become familiar with local laws, customs, and political situations. These are important issues to
address as the company goes through changes. It is imperative for Riordan to embrace and
continually develop cultural diversity. Riordan can do this by recognizing issues as they present
themselves. Riordan’s strategic plan needs to take into account the business “battle field” will
constantly undergo changes. If management sees the need to change based on the global market,
they must be prepared to do so quickly.
3. Riordan Environmental Scan 3
In conclusion, a competitive advantage represents something that creates greater value
and ultimately aides in taking a larger market share or better yet, dominating the market.
Organizations, in this case Riordan, can use the information to ensure business goals are reached,
and they establish themselves as a market leader instead of a follower.
