A firm's internal resources and capabilities are examined using the VRIO framework to determine its competitive advantage. Value, Rareness, Imitability, and Organization make up VRIO. In order to assess a firm's resources, which include financial resources, material resources, human resources, and non-material resources, Jay B. Barney created the VRIO analysis in 1991. He believed the resources should be priceless, uncommon, unique, and unreliable. It is beneficial for a business to list its advantages over rivals. A better variant of the VRIN acronym, which stands for valuable, rare, imperfectly imitable, and non-substitutable, is VRIO analysis. Concerning Nike and its competitive advantage, the current debate will help us understand the tool and its many components.
How is VRIO analysis carried out?
The firm's resources may be evaluated with the use of VRIO analysis. Understanding the firm's resources enables it to improve its weaknesses and achieve a competitive edge. The company uses VRIO analysis to assess its internal environment and identify opportunities for improvement (Lopes, Farinha, Ferreira, and Silveira, 2018). The instrument aids in strategic management and improves company decision-making. Outsourcing should be done when a resource is not adding value. The company is still competitive when the resource is valued but not scarce. When a resource is scarce, precious, and reasonably priced, it still offers a competitive advantage, but only temporarily (Donnellan & Rutledge, 2019). When a resource is scarce, expensive, and precious, it gives a business a competitive advantage, which it must keep to obtain a constant and permanent competitive edge.
What elements make up a VRIO analysis?
Value:
This component of the VRIO analysis aids in determining the resource's worth, availability, ability to be rented or leased, and whether or not it should be acquired. It is preferable to outsource or rent out a resource if it is pricey. If it is determined that the rent is excessive, consider purchasing the property. A thoughtful way to find the resources would be to look at the firm's value chain. It is essential to conduct a thorough analysis of every aspect of the process. A resource is valuable if it can take advantage of various possibilities and protect itself from dangers. Resources gain value as perceived consumer value rises, which may be achieved by lowering the product's price (Carter, 2019). The resource's inability to satisfy the necessary criteria results in a disadvantage for the company. The resources must be regularly reviewed to adapt to the changing circumstances.
This component of the VRIO analysis aids in keeping track of a resource's scarcity or rarity while purchasing. When a resource is valued without being in short supply, it may be advantageous compared to rivals. The company may benefit if the resource is pricey and in short supply. The rationale for this dimension is that more competitive advantage will be provided by increasing scarcity by pushing out the competitors. When resources are plentiful, no company can assert a competitive edge. An organization should always strive to retain its valued assets since doing so helps to stabilize the market.
This VRIO analysis dimension aids in determining the degree of resource imitation that rivals may engage in. When a resource is easily copied, it does not give the company a competitive advantage, but when it is difficult to copy, the company can have one (Donnellan & Rutledge, 2019). Imitating might result in increased prices and lower-quality output. Some businesses may submit patent applications for the materials they make, which offer protection against copying. Direct imitation and creating a replacement for the original resource are the two ways that imitation may be done. According to Barney (1991), there are three causes for the incapacity to copy. The first is a historical circumstance in which resources were created due to specific historical events, making it difficult to imitate owing to the associated costs. The second is causal ambiguity when the business cannot pinpoint the asset that gives the opposition a competitive edge. The final factor is social complexity based on interpersonal and cultural interactions.
This aspect of the VRIO analysis aids in noting where tasks and actions are placed. It takes many resources to make a product, including ordering the materials, negotiating a price, comparing options, and assembling it. Product production must involve every department in a company, and all employees must be aware of their responsibilities and what the company expects of them. Resources must be utilized effectively because merely having them will not give you a competitive advantage (Carter, 2019). A company should always examine the operation of its internal management to guarantee that all the components are fully utilized in the product development process.
The determination of the VRIO above analysis dimensions will help in the realization of the final product. A more significant competitive advantage might result from improved internal management.
Nike VRIO analysis
American firm Nike was established in 1964. It is involved in producing and promoting apparel, accessories, and services. The Nike brand, product innovation, fit technology, and supply chain management will all be subject to examination.
Analyzing Nike's assets, skills, and competitive advantage will be easier with the analysis's help.
Nike is regarded as a major brand, which is its greatest asset. Consumers perceive it as a valued service, which encourages the development of trust and frequent use of the goods and services. Nike regularly sponsors athletes, attracting customers to purchase the brand's goods. Its competitors cannot match its brand image, as seen by customer reviews. Nike delivers quality that lives up to consumer expectations. Replicating the company's image will take a lot of money and effort. Nike has been improving its goods and services based on input from customers, notably athletes. The business works to address the needs of its customers by releasing new items and upgrading its current offerings (Kim, 2019). Its brand reputation contributes to establishing a competitive edge over rivals. The business satisfies every requirement of the VRIO study and is operating above average.
Nike excels in creating innovative goods and services. Nike's staff responds quickly to consumer demand changes, allowing for the speedy introduction of new items to the market. However, there are other businesses like Adidas and Reebok that have been attempting to innovate their goods but are unable to match the advances being made by Nike because of the associated costs (Hofmann, Gold, and Curtin, 2019). Through advancements, the business can keep users and athletes trusting it, giving it a competitive edge. The business satisfies every requirement of the VRIO study and is operating above average.
Fit technology enhances the company's goods and services value. It makes the activity more comfortable for athletes since it keeps them dry and decreases sweating. Adidas and Reebok, however, also have goods that can manage perspiration, so it would be easy for them to copy Nike's style. Nike employs polyester, which is readily accessible and inexpensive. In nations where clothing made of polyester is new or less widespread, it can present new items. The company's innovative technology gives it a competitive edge and aids regular operations.
The Company may produce its goods in China and Vietnam, which lowers its labor costs. When labor is inexpensive, the business may make more significant savings (Kim, 2019). When there is a labor surplus, the business can create more goods quickly. Adidas uses the same method, and the expenses associated with copying are lower. Nike is expanding into new areas and enhancing its network to keep its competitive edge and function properly.
Describing VRIO's many attributes concerning Nike
Through VRIO analysis, Nike's internal resources will be evaluated to help determine whether or not the corporation has retained its competitive edge. The analysis will discuss the areas for improvement.
Nike makes better use of its financial resources, enabling it to battle any dangers. Nike employs skilled and devoted workers who contribute value to the business and stick around for extended periods. Nike has obtained patent protection for its goods, eliminating rivalry. Nike's flawless distribution network is a valuable resource (Andersen & Samuelsson, 2016). By employing effective strategies, they reach the most significant number of individuals. Nike can sustain earnings thanks to advertising and product reach. The production process is expensive, which puts the firm at a disadvantage and reduces profitability. Nike evaluates client input and expectations to create innovations. However, this comes at a high cost that is not worthwhile. The research and development team must be strengthened to reduce the expenses associated with the process.
Nike stands out from its rivals thanks to its unique and powerful financial resources. The company's employees are happy with their affiliation, and Nike keeps them by offering excellent working conditions and generous salaries. This arrangement guarantees employee continuity and aids the business in reducing the need for employees to join its rivals. As was previously said, Nike has kept patents on a few of its items to keep competitors at bay. This enables them to be the exclusive manufacturer and provider of a specific range of goods. Nike has a strong distribution network, and its rivals cannot match the money and effort it takes to expand such networks (Hofmann, Gold, and Curtin, 2019).
It is difficult for competitors to duplicate the company's financial resources. Nike has amassed riches by providing for its customers for an extended period and continuing to turn a profit. Like Nike, any new rival will need much time to amass those resources. If the rival successfully sways the employee, they may imitate Nike's business practices or hire personnel from them. Offering more excellent pay, a better position, more perks, simple and amiable working circumstances, etc., can all be used to sway employees. Because Nike's patented items cannot be copied, they have an advantage over its rivals. The firm has a robust distribution network that has been built over time. For competitors to match Nike's distribution approach, they must invest more money.
Nike organizes its financial assets to enhance value and selects the appropriate investments at the appropriate times. This company's mentality aids in removing and countering any danger and offers a competitive edge. Nike has various items covered by patents, although they are not well-organized (Ahmed et al., 2016). Nike is unable to benefit from the patents. Before the patent expires, Nike must continue producing and marketing all patent-protected items. The business's excellent distribution network enables it to reach customers in various locations quickly. It makes sure that all of the outlets may readily purchase its merchandise. Nike can sustain its competitive edge because of this strategy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VRIO analysis aids an organization or company determine its competitive market edge. It removes elements that are not long-term assets for the business assignment help and may be a barrier to its expansion and success. Nike has an edge in financial resources and distribution networks. However, according to a review of its resources and capabilities, it also has to focus on getting an advantage from its patented items and develop tactics to keep staff in check.