Intro


Hi and welcome! My name is Jennie Dickerson, and I will be using this site to incorporate the curriculum of MGMT 7160 into the business practices of Medtronic. Join me in this final semester on the journey towards the culmination of the Masters of Business Administration program at the University of Memphis.


Sunday, September 7, 2014

Competitive Advantage and Firm Performance

Medtronic’s website claims that it is “the world’s largest medical technology company, offering an unprecedented breadth and depth of innovative therapies to fulfill our Mission of alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life.” In 2013 alone, more than 10 million people received medical therapies. Medtronic’s products care for “cardiac and vascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.” Medtronic is in the right business, as Forbes has claimed that health technology companies are one of the fastest growing fields. With increased technology, an aging Baby Boomer’s population, and more of a concern about remaining healthy longer, Medtronic’s products are highly sought after.

Medtronic’s competitive advantage is that it is one of the few companies in the world that is so diversified in the business of health technology. Its divisions create products and treatments for a wide array of ailments. In addition to their traditional projects, Medtronic has announced new research trials for devices helping with Parkinson’s disease, patients with heart failure and a device for those with vision loss. They are in the business of improving quality of life, something everyone experiencing pain is in the market for. For most who can afford it, the economic benefit of reduced pain or health issues, the economic value far outweighs the cost. Because the firm is health technology based and competition on its scale is limited, the competitive advantage is sustained.

As far as firm performance, the data speaks Medtronic’s praise. Not only is Medtronic 173 on the 2014 Fortune 500 list, but it is doing well in the NYSE, averaging between $52.00-$64.00 a share. Recently, its value neared its 52 week high. In the midst of several acquisitions and mergers, as well as its decision to seek a tax shelter in Ireland, Medtronic has made the business news frequently, and its increase in stock price shows an increased value in light of these decisions. The tax shelter example is clear way that Medtronic has cut down on economic costs.

Sources:
http://www.medtronic.com/about-us/company-profile/medical-technology.htm?loc=MDTHomeRefresh_B_InPage_SubNav_Company_Line2_3



No comments:

Post a Comment