Non-Financial Measurement
Posted: December 22, 2012 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: MBA Leave a commentFor my Accounting class this semester, my project team performed a non-financial analysis of companies and related those measures to success. The project focused on other ways than profit and loss that consumers and stockholders view the company. The summary presentation can be found here.
The Game
We analyzed four dimensions, and each dimension was discussed with respect to a specific company. Their success in specific criteria were rated based on research into the company’s behaviors.
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Great Place to Work |
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Ethics |
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Environment |
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Competition |
My part of the project was to take the comparison dimensions and review Kimberly-Clark on all points relative to the reference company. In the presentation, we represented each criteria on a scale from 1 to 3 stars (3 being World Class and 1 being Average).
Win Condition
For me, the project was a win-win. I got to understand other companies and their journey toward world class status. I also researched Kimberly-Clark in a way I had not done before. I focused on the Sustainability report that is issued as a companion to the annual report (as required by the SEC). This document explains the vision for many areas of success that are tied to corporate values and “the right things to do”. Interestingly, the major efforts are in the areas of tissue manufacturing. I presume because that area is the oldest, it impacts the environment dramatically and it affects the most locations for Kimberly-Clark world-wide.
Marketing: From Kotex to Poise
Posted: December 21, 2012 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Marketing, MBA Leave a commentI work at a high speed manufacturing plant that produces feminine care products – specifically Kotex pads and tampons and Poise pads. For my MBA Marketing class, I created a presentation (see this link) to describe the combined marketing campaign for U by Kotex, Kotex Security and Poise products made at the Conway plant.
The Game
Kimberly-Clark cares about the customer and provides essentials for a better life. A woman is likely to remain loyal to her brand for over 50 years. I presented this to my marketing class, which was 95% men. This was the most challenging presentation that was ever prepared for.The discussion was very lively. It centered on pondering why the feminine care wellness market can be in existence for 75 years and still be mired in taboo topics.
Win Condition
I pointed out that much of the marketing and design of the product is completed by men. In recruiting, I advise young women to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math because the field is predominately male, and they are in charge of the product line.
My Marketing professor talked to me at the career fair I was working saying that he used my example as a story in his undergraduate class. The Kimberly-Clark marketing brand manager for this product line thanked me for taking this approach as it demonstrates, in simple language, the approach Kimberly-Clark is trying to take.
What's the Game? 