Hewlett Packard Analysis: Guide for Business Students

As one of the largest technology companies in the world, Hewlett Packard (HP) has a rich history of innovation and entrepreneurship. In this comprehensive guide on Hewlett Packard Analysis, we will explore HP’s company profile, including its history, vision, products and services, industry and market position, and key competitors. This guide is intended for business students looking to gain a deeper understanding of HP and the technology industry as a whole.

Brief background on Hewlett Packard

Hewlett Packard, commonly referred to as HP, was founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard in a garage in Palo Alto, California. The company started with a capital investment of only $538 and has since grown to become one of the largest technology companies in the world, with operations in over 170 countries.

Understanding company analysis is crucial for business students who want to learn how to evaluate a company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. By analyzing a company’s profile, students can gain insights into its business operations, competitive position, and market trends, which can help them make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.

Company Profile

A. Company history

HP’s history is rooted in innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. In 1938, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard met while studying electrical engineering at Stanford University. They started HP with the goal of creating innovative products that would make a positive impact on society. Their first product was an audio oscillator, which they sold to Walt Disney Studios for use in the movie “Fantasia.”

Over the years, HP has continued to innovate and expand its product offerings, with a focus on printing, personal computing, and software solutions. In 2015, HP split into two separate companies: HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).

B. Vision, mission, and core values

HP’s vision is to create technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Its mission is to engineer experiences that amaze, and its core values include teamwork, innovation, integrity, and respect for individuals.

C. Products and services

HP offers a wide range of products and services, including personal computers, printers, 3D printing solutions, software solutions, and managed services. Its personal computing products include laptops, desktops, and workstations, while its printing products include inkjet and laser printers, as well as supplies and accessories. HP’s 3D printing solutions are used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.

D. Industry and market position

HP operates in the highly competitive technology industry, which is characterized by rapid innovation and changing consumer preferences. In 2020, HP was ranked as the world’s second-largest PC vendor, with a market share of 23.6%. HP faces competition from other technology companies such as Dell, Lenovo, and Apple.

E. Key competitors

HP’s key competitors in the technology industry include Dell, Lenovo, Apple, and Microsoft. Dell and Lenovo are direct competitors in the personal computing and printing markets, while Apple and Microsoft compete with HP in the personal computing and software markets.

By understanding HP’s company profile, business students can gain valuable insights into the company’s history, vision, products and services, and competitive position. This knowledge can help students develop effective strategies and make informed decisions in the fast-paced and constantly evolving technology industry.

SWOT Analysis on Hewlett Packard

A. Strengths

1. Strong brand recognition and reputation in the technology industry.
2. Diversified product portfolio, including personal computing, printing, and 3D printing solutions.
3. Focus on innovation and research and development, with a large investment in new technologies.
4. Strong presence in international markets, with operations in over 170 countries.
5. Strong financial performance, with annual revenues of over $58 billion.

B. Weaknesses

1. Dependence on the personal computing and printing markets, which may be vulnerable to shifts in consumer preferences and technological advancements.
2. High competition in the technology industry, which may make it difficult to maintain market share.
3. Limited success in the mobile device market, which is dominated by competitors such as Apple and Samsung.
4. Reliance on third-party suppliers for components and materials, which may lead to supply chain disruptions.

C. Opportunities

1. Growing demand for 3D printing solutions in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.
2. Expansion into new international markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America.
3. Development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can be integrated into existing product lines.
4. Focus on sustainability and green initiatives, which may attract environmentally-conscious customers.

D. Threats

1. Increasing competition from established technology companies such as Dell, Lenovo, and Apple, as well as emerging competitors in the mobile device and 3D printing markets.
2. Vulnerability to economic downturns and fluctuations in the global economy.
3. Rapid technological advancements, which may make existing products and technologies obsolete.
4. Dependence on third-party suppliers for components and materials, which may be subject to price increases or supply chain disruptions.

By conducting a SWOT analysis, business students can gain a deeper understanding of Hewlett Packard’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This knowledge can be used to develop strategies that capitalize on HP’s strengths and opportunities, while mitigating its weaknesses and threats.

Noteworthy Research Papers on Hewlett Packard Analysis

1. “The Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hewlett Packard’s Success” by Robert E. Cole and Timothy L. Keiningham
   
   
2. “The Impact of Leadership on Organizational Performance: A Case Study of Hewlett Packard” by William O. Okello and Peter M. Kibet
   
   
3. “Hewlett Packard Enterprise: A Strategic Analysis” by Marlene M. Reed
   
   
4. “Analyzing the Effectiveness of Hewlett Packard’s Supply Chain Management Strategy” by Michael H. Hugos
   
   
5. “Corporate Social Responsibility at Hewlett Packard: A Case Study” by A. F. Buono and M. W. Kerber
   
   

Essay Titles on Hewlett Packard

1. “Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The Key to Hewlett Packard’s Success”
2. “Leadership and Organizational Performance: Lessons from Hewlett Packard”
3. “Hewlett Packard’s Supply Chain Management Strategy: An Analysis”
4. “The Impact of Hewlett Packard’s Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives”
5. “The Future of Hewlett Packard: Challenges and Opportunities”
6. Hewlett Packard’s Journey to Becoming a Global Technology Leader”
7. “The Evolution of Hewlett Packard’s Product Portfolio: From Printers to 3D Printing”
8. “A Critical Analysis of Hewlett Packard’s Marketing Strategy”
9. “Leadership and Organizational Culture at Hewlett Packard”
10. “Hewlett Packard’s Impact on the Technology Industry: A Historical Perspective”
11. “Hewlett Packard’s Expansion into Emerging Markets: Challenges and Opportunities”
12. “The Role of Innovation in Hewlett Packard’s Success”
13. “Hewlett Packard’s Split into Two Companies: Lessons Learned”
14. “The Impact of Hewlett Packard’s Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives”
15. “Hewlett Packard and the Future of Personal Computing: Trends and Predictions”

Research Topics on Hewlett Packard

1. The impact of Hewlett Packard’s split into two separate companies on its business operations and competitive position.
2. The effectiveness of Hewlett Packard’s marketing strategy in the highly competitive technology industry.
3. The role of innovation and research and development in Hewlett Packard’s success.
4. The impact of leadership on Hewlett Packard’s organizational culture and performance.
5. The role of sustainability and green initiatives in Hewlett Packard’s business strategy.
6. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hewlett Packard’s business operations and financial performance.
7. The potential for Hewlett Packard to expand into emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Africa.
8. The impact of Hewlett Packard’s 3D printing solutions on the manufacturing industry.
9. The challenges and opportunities of Hewlett Packard’s entry into the cloud computing market.
10. The use of research methodologies, such as case studies and surveys, to analyze Hewlett Packard’s business operations and competitive position.

Frequently Asked Questions on Hewlett Packard

1. When was Hewlett Packard founded?

Hewlett Packard was founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard.

2. What products and services does Hewlett Packard offer?

Hewlett Packard offers a wide range of products and services, including personal computers, printers, 3D printing solutions, software solutions, and managed services.

3. What is Hewlett Packard’s market position?

In 2020, Hewlett Packard was ranked as the world’s second-largest PC vendor, with a market share of 23.6%.

4. What is Hewlett Packard’s corporate social responsibility strategy?

Hewlett Packard’s corporate social responsibility strategy focuses on sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and ethical business practices.

5. How has Hewlett Packard’s business evolved over time?

Hewlett Packard started with a focus on audio oscillators and expanded into personal computing and printing solutions. In 2015, the company split into two separate companies: HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).

Conclusion

Hewlett Packard is a global technology company that offers a diverse range of products and services, including personal computing, printing, and 3D printing solutions. The company has a strong reputation and brand recognition in the industry and has a focus on innovation and research and development. Hewlett Packard faces high competition in the technology industry and is vulnerable to shifts in consumer preferences and technological advancements.

Understanding company analysis is crucial for business students who want to gain insights into a company’s business operations, competitive position, and market trends. By conducting a SWOT analysis and exploring the company’s profile, business students can develop effective strategies and make informed decisions in the fast-paced and constantly evolving technology industry. Hewlett Packard is an excellent case study for business students looking to gain a deeper understanding of the technology industry and the importance of company analysis.

Further Reading

A. List of Recommended Books, Articles, or Case Studies on Hewlett Packard

1. “Bill and Dave: How Hewlett and Packard Built the World’s Greatest Company” by Michael S. Malo
2. “Inside Hewlett Packard: Corporate Culture and Bureaucratic Control” by Richard J. Hackman
   
   
3. “Hewlett-Packard Company: Network Printer Design for Universality” by Stefan Thomke and Ashok Nimgade
   
   
4. “Hewlett-Packard–Compaq: The Merger Decision” by Robert F. Bruner and Nicole S. Watson
   
   
5. “The HP Way: How Bill Hewlett and I Built Our Company” by David Packard