Herman Miller: A Case for Reinvention and Renewal



Herman Miller: A Case for Reinvention and Renewal

Introduction

Herman Miller is engaged in the research, design, manufacture and sales of the office products and furniture (Hille, K. 2010). It also involves in the business of interior furnishing, seating, storage, material handling and in the manufacturing of the case goods. In the year 1905 it was introduced as the Star Furniture Company primarily deals in the traditional bedroom suites, then in 1909 it was named as Michigan Star Furniture Company, later in 1919 majority of shares were purchased by Herman Miller and finally the company's name was after this last owner. In the beginning the company uses their office as a show case by using their own furniture. The designs of these furniture and office chairs were extraordinary and “award-winning”. The designs of Herman Miller are innovative and extraordinary (Cromie, J. 2008 pp.24-26). The Company offers various benefits and privileges for their employees and various other profitable strategies are implemented by the company that leads it towards the growth and achievement. The strategies behind the growth of Herman Millar are the innovative products and Company's focus on the Renewal and reinvention in its production (Trompenaars and Turner,1998). This leads Herman Millar towards the maximum performance and strategic planning. This also opens the field of open competition and advantage of leading the market. These strategies help them improve their financial performance and better market strategies brought more improvement in their manufacturing strategies as a result Herman Millar expands internationally and has the largest market all over the world.

Thesis Statement

Case study of Herman Miller provides strategic planning and analysis of their strength and weaknesses to expand in overseas market.

Discussion

It is one of the basic responsibilities of the companies to do the strategic planning. This involves the planning in the long term perspectives. Strategic planning is the step by step planning of the company's strengths and weaknesses, their current competitors and recent market threats, as well as the positive opportunities available for the companies. Audrey defines its importance with the IBM portfolio (Audrey et.al, 2009). This is known as SWOT analysis of a company which provides the complete picture, history, market condition and key features of company's progress. Herman Miller's success also depends on various internal and external factors.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Strong Product Portfolio: This is the most important element of Herman Miller, it's renewed and innovative stylish furniture is the most striking feature of this company that rules the market.

Environmental Friendly: With the growing awareness of the environmental protection most of the leading companies are facing threats due to their products' hazardous effects on environment. This is one of the major strengths for Herman Miller that its products are environmental friendly.

Strong Management: Herman Miller has very strong management system. It deals with the whole strategic planning, financial evaluation and other managerial, production and sales areas. The success of a company always depends on its strong management.

Employee Satisfaction: One secrete behind this management system is that ...