Vanguard Case Analysis

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Vanguard Case Analysis

After reading through the Vanguard case, there were a few difficult forks in the road that Vanguard seems to be facing.  The company’s future can be greatly affected by some of these difficult choices.  Vanguard has to decide whether to change their investment offerings, further develop Internationally, or to simply advertise to increase their client base.  Top managers at Vanguard have to step up to the plate and rollout detailed plans as to what path the company should take regarding some of these issues.  Through our in-class discussions, the majority of the students argued on one major problem that Vanguard was facing.  The problem entailed Vanguards ability to increase future customers without increasing costs.

Markets are ever-changing, and the ability of companies to adapt to these changes is the key to survival.  One company mentioned specifically in the case was Citigroup.  Their ability to adapt to market changes and become a giant in the investments segment as a “one-stop financial supermarket” is a prime example.  Should Vanguard take on this type of adaptation or stick to their current business objectives?  One interesting quote Brennan in the case stated “In the future, nothing about Vanguard’s values will change,” but “everything about the way we do business must change.”  With this in mind, the question is what must change for Vanguard to succeed and continue to earn revenue and gain customers without increasing costs?

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Though it is not a big part of Vanguard’s revenues, the International markets do provide many opportunities.  As mentioned in the case, Vanguard Australia managed more than $10 billion in 2002.  This is not pocket change!  There is money there and further International concentration would generate further revenues for Vanguard.  Although it is not a key focus for Vanguard now, they should continue to attract customers in the International market.  

Another issue facing Vanguard is simply marketing strategy.  Their current strategy involves product-specific printed advertising.  They have to increase awareness of their products.  I myself have heard of Vanguard, ...

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