Chapter 3 Guided Case- Columbia

Columbia has relied on its expertise in cold weather outdoor sports for its success and is continually innovating for advances in that same scope. This has been the foundation of success throughout its history. Because of this, Columbia is reliant on two peak quarters of business each year and two valleys. What should be a concern for Columbia and its long-term success?

Core rigidities

Columbia has the ability to differentiate its brand by the quality and unique offerings its products provide compared to its competitors such as Omni-Heat and Omni-Dry. Columbia's offerings are seen as premium products and generate a higher price point that customers are willing to pay. What has Columbia done?

Create value

Columbia is concerned with its seasonality and how a series of warm winters could greatly affect its business. Recognizing that climate change may cause increasingly warm winters, what might you recommend to Columbia to combat this concern?

Develop sportswear that is not winter focused

Columbia has core rigidities concerning its market segment seasonality. What function of Columbia might be utilized to overcome this rigidity?

Human resources

Columbia will need to create a sustainable competitive advantage to be successful in the long term in the warm weather apparel segment. Which criteria are not needed to create a sustainable competitive advantage?

Inexpensive capabilities

Columbia has no experience in the warm weather sportswear market. As a result, its current operations do not have the background and resources necessary to break into the market. For this facet, what strategic decision might Columbia adopt?

Outsourcing

Diversifying product portfolios is not easy. Columbia's brand has always been associated with cold weather gear. Transferring the brand to warmer weather sports may be difficult, but will be less difficult if the company leverages which of the following?

Rare capabilities of innovation

Intangible resources are a superior source of capabilities and core competencies. Based on the case, which of Columbia's intangible resources may be most crucial for success?

Research and development

To begin a strategic management process and explore opportunities for new strategies, the company should begin with analysis. What tool could Columbia use to identify its resources and capabilities specifically?

Value Chain Analysis

Which of the following might constitute Columbia Sportswear's largest external concern?

Weather