Discussion and 2 replies

 

Capital Project Successes and Failures

1. For your first topic in this discussion, briefly review from either your personal experiences and/or research an actual capital project/product success and the reasons attributed to the success. This can be a new product line, additional locations, new facilities, or any other expansion project. Please briefly describe the project, the pertinent company and demographic information, and what made this a success financially and operationally.

2. Now, flip that coin, and discuss a product or project flop. There are many available in a web search, or you can discuss any product/business failures you are personally familiar with. Again, briefly describe the product/project, the pertinent company and demographic information, and what made factors contributed to this failure?

3. Discuss generally and specifically to these examples what factors contribute to the success of capital projects, expansions, or new product development?

In your responses to other students, further discuss their examples, compare to your findings, and provide additional commentary as to what contributes to the success or failure of capital projects.

Post by classmate 1

   

Hello Everyone,

1. The business project that came to mind is when well established celebrities or influencers come out with a product line, whether its merchandise, a book, kitchen appliances, perfume/cologne, a clothing line, etc.. The thing here is that these people do not necessarily have to have back ground in business or marketing because their fame will sell. The reason these projects will always prosper is because they know the types of people with in their fan base. For example, I am a huge Ariana Grande fan and she has recently come out with a make up line and I happen to buy a few things from it. Ariana Grande knows her what demographics to cater too, in this case it is young people, mainly women and people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and with knowing just this little bit of information she and her team know what products will sell and will resinate with her fan base.
2. The business failure that comes to mind in Blockbuster. The movie renting franchise that failed in 2010. Now there are many factors that play into why this company failed. The first one being the rise and development of technology, as computers and phone were becoming for savvy to the point where people could rent or buy movies straight from their phones, tablets, or computers there was no need to goo out to a Blockbuster and rent a movie. The second reason is the rise of RedBox, the movie renting service that allowed people to rent movies for $1 a day. People found that this method was much easier and cheaper than renting from a Blockbuster. 
3. I think the factors that need to be considered here are the ideas of development and demographic. These are the things that seem to matter in both cases. also growing and expanding when needed is important in both aspects. For example, 5 years ago Ariana Grande would not have been able to successfully create a makeup brand because most of her fan base was too young. However, as her name grew and her fans grew with her she knew what would work.   

Post by classmate 2

 

1. For your first topic in this discussion, briefly review from either your personal experiences and/or research an actual capital project/product success and the reasons attributed to the success. This can be a new product line, additional locations, new facilities, or any other expansion project. Please briefly describe the project, the pertinent company and demographic information, and what made this a success financially and operationally.

Product: Nintendo Switch

Nintendo created the Nintendo Switch. This console appealed to a wider customer base due to its hybrid capabilities. Someone can use this as a traditional at-home console or take it on the go. Nintendo has sold 103 million units, making it their most selling home console (Campbell, 2022). 

2. Now, flip that coin, and discuss a product or project flop. There are many available in a web search, or you can discuss any product/business failures you are personally familiar with. Again, briefly describe the product/project, the pertinent company and demographic information, and what made factors contributed to this failure? 

Product: Colgate Kitchen Entrees

Colgate tried to expand into the frozen food industry and failed terribly. Colgate is known for its oral hygiene products and toothpaste. So when they entered into the frozen food industry, It was just against their brand identity. 

3. Discuss generally and specifically to these examples what factors contribute to the success of capital projects, expansions, or new product development?

I think what contributes to new product development is understanding what additional features will help your existing customers. When we analyze the success of Nintendo Switch and the failure of Colgate Entrees, this is one thing that separates them. Nintendo is known for its game consoles. So, they created a console that caters to customers who use both portable and traditional consoles. Colgate is known for their oral hygiene products and they create frozen food? It just doesn't cater to their current audience. 

Campbell, K. (2022, February 3). The Switch is now Nintendo’s best-selling home console of all time. For The Win. https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/02/nintendo-switch-best-sel