Strategic Marketing Managment - Essay Example

An evidence of modification in strategies is that Steve Jobs introduced the idea “to transform merchandising outlets into miniature theme parks for children” (Clark, 2009). The idea has proven successful since it helped enhancing customer base. The young customers appreciated and welcomed the surprising / fascinating change in display and internal outlook of stores, which then resulted in an overall increase in number of customers that showed up at outlets for purchase of toys, games, videos and costumes.

The retail segment that plays the important role in growth of Disney has become a successful and sustainable contributor to revenue streams primarily because of Jobs. In simple words, Steve Jobs has contributed to Walt Disney his experience and strategic initiatives he took at Apple, thereby turning Disney a highly profitable conglomerate. As far as the vision is concerned, it is justified to argue that Steve Jobs has encouraged the strategic planners and policy – makers of Walt Disney to take new risks for business growth and sustainable development.

Nonetheless, Jobs made Disney realised the fact that risks and decisions when taken rationally and prudently always lead to expansion, consumer acceptance and competitive advantage even in a challenging environment (Clark, 2009). 2) How and to what extent are Disney’s new products planning initiatives likely to benefit from Jobs’ successes at Apple Computer? As far as the successes of Apple Computer are concerned, it should be pointed out that CEO and Board member Steve Job is the actual contributor towards the internal developments and growth in brand value of Apple.

Indeed, Steve Jobs highlighted the importance of innovation and differentiation across Apple; therefore, he specifically focused on Research & Development function to produce new products such as Iphone, Ipad, Ipod, and other digital devices etc. In this way, he identified the gaps in music and entertainment industry that have been met through product and market development strategies. Apple has now become one of the major competitors of Nokia because of phenomenal growth in sales of cellular phones.

Similarly, Steve Jobs could also contribute the similar experiences to Disney by identifying the gaps that exist to be utilised for media conglomerate. Jobs has already initiated the display changes in existing retail outlets and he could contribute in new product planning initiatives, especially those related to recreational activities at display centres. Nonetheless, Jobs is aware of the fact that Disney’s core target market is children (tween agers) so introduction of activities for children such as “watching film clips, pressing buttons to operate displays, chatting with animated characters and participating in karaoke contests” (Clark, 2009) will actually be quite beneficial for Disney.

In this way, Jobs will have significant contribution in Disney’s product development initiatives on the basis of aforementioned reasons. 3) What are the changes that may occur in Disney’s marketing strategies resulting from Jobs’ influence? According to my understanding after reading the case and information obtained from relevant magazine and newspaper articles, the appointment of Steve Jobs may