Findings on marketing for Maxis

Published Date: 23 Mar 2015 Last Modified: 18 May 2017

The objectives of this report is to present the findings of the strategic analysis conducted for Maxis company and recommend the key strategies that the organisation should embark in order to remain competitive. This report is also to allow us, Management of Strategy students to apply the fundamental concepts and skills of strategic management to a real-life scenario in order to get a better understanding. This practical approach of learning would allow us to gain better understanding compared to theoretical way of learning. Other than that, this assignment gave us the opportunity to demonstrate competency in both written and oral communication skills in formal business settings. Lastly, it helps us to gain more knowledge in create and integrate business knowledge, decision making, interpersonal, leadership and entrepreneurial skills in proposing strategies and evaluating them. This assignment is a really great opportunity for us to know more about outside world which is not in books.

Scope

This report shall cover the operations of Maxis company in Malaysia. In this report, all the significant information required for business and competitor analysis are included. It also contains the study of analysing an organisation, its industry, its closest competitors (immediate, impending, invisible) before devising several strategies for it to pursue, selecting the most appropriate strategy and outlining recommendations for its implementation in a formal business report which will also involve a formal business presentation at completion of these tasks.

Limitations

The limitations of this report are the short duration for the assignment to be completed. The short duration of this assignment did not permit us the time to conduct an interview with Maxis for more accurate information. However, we find information based on valid sources through online. Some information may be outdated with the current company situation so our knowledge of the current situation would not be as accurate as first-hand information.

2.0 Background to the organization

Maxis Berhad, with its consolidated subsidiaries is the leading mobile communications service provider in Malaysia with over 11.4 million subscribers starting from 30 June 2009. [1] It is established in year 1993 and has been publicly listed in year 2002. The company started its operation in the year 1995. "012", "017" and "0142" dialing prefix is normally identified as Maxis dialing prefix. [2] The company mobile services are provided over different Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) such as 900 & 1800 MHz GSM band. As of July 2005, the 2100 MHz Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) band was used by Maxis.

Other than that, Maxis is also the pioneered in the Malaysian market in delivering innovative mobile products and services. In July 2005, Maxis was the first to launch 3G services in Malaysia. In September 2006, Maxis became one of the world's first to use High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), a high-speed enhanced version of its 3G network, to provide wireless broadband services. The 3G services coverage is up to 740 sites across Malaysia and still expanding now. The 3G services of Maxis enable the users to enjoy the internet access throughout Malaysia. Maxis was also the first operator to bring in and sell the Blackberry and Apple iPhone smart phones to Malaysia. Maxis was also the first to unveiled near field communications (NFC) service in Malaysia.

Maxis vision is to bring advanced communications services to enhance its customers' lives and businesses, in a way that is simple and personalised, by efficiently and creatively harnessing leading edge technology, and delivering a brand of service experience that is reliable and enchanting. [3] 

3.0 Situation Analysis

Situation analysis is a systematic collection and evaluation of past and present economical, political, social, and technological data. It is aimed at the identification of internal and external forces that may influence the organization's performance and choice of strategies, and the assessment of the organization's current and future strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. [4] 

3.1 General environment analysis

General environment analysis includes factors such as demographic, economic, political/legal, sociocultural, technological, global and physical environment that generally affect everyone in an industry or market in a similar manner.

3.1.1 Demographic

Maxis invested RM1.24 billion to upgrade and modernize their 3G network in year 2009 in order to increase the population coverage from 50% to 57%, which represents the single largest yearly deployment in Maxis' history.

In the first quater of 2010, Maxis mobile internet users grew from 1.2 million to 6.4 million which is a large increase in customers accessing the internet from their mobiles.

The statistics showed that more than 50% of the Malaysia's population is under the age of 25 years old, a sizeable number of whom enter the 'phone owning' category each year. It is because the youth segments are now the largest and fastest growing segment.

Maxis is a leading regional content player with 39.2% of non-voice revenue as part of mobile revenue and 7.1 million active mobile internet users, more than 50% of its customer base. As a result, Maxis became the most attractive in high-growth, low-penetration markets and diversifying the market base as well.

http://i.pictr.com/rjw9vg6zsl.jpg

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRWQfeG7nn0fvz1I_YW6VQ53_r0iiRNNeY66EGgX0euoeEMUbQ-TA

3.1.2 Economic

In year 2010, Malaysia's economy was expected to grow. This improved outlook is expected to stimulate consumer and business spending for telecommunication services. Malaysia's determine to achieve a broadband household penetration rate of 50% by 2010 for Maxis' growth in the immediate future.

The Malaysian telecommunications industry remains flexible even though the challenging global economic climate. In 2009, the overall growth of the mobile industry was satisfactory and the mobile subscriber penetration crossed 100%.

The basic salary of the Maxis employees are fixed for the duration of contract. It can be reviewed into account the individual performance, the inflation price index, and information from independent sources on the rates of salary for similar positions in other comparable companies.

Maxis is returning to list on Bursa Malaysia in November or December and its draft prospectus is posted on the Securities Commission website. Maxis was taken private in 2007 and de-listed from Bursa the same year. In a challenging global economic climate in year 2009, Maxis delivered another strong year.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/11/20/business/p1-maxischt.JPG

3.1.3 Political/ Legal

The government had chosen Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) and Maxis Broadband Shd Bhd (Maxis) at 14th December 2010 to sign a landmark of 10 years agreement for TM to undertake the High Speed Broadband (HSBB) services to Maxis. As we know that, this project was able to offer more quality broadband services.

Malaysia government limits the level of playing field for foreign players in the industry. The country's major telecom players, Maxis and Celcom won the bid together with subsidiary of Time Dot Com and MiTV Corp for the 3G license. However, DiGi was not awarded a 3G license as it has a high foreign ownership.

The Maxis website contents are owned or controlled for the purposes by Maxis or its content suppliers and are protected by copyright, trademarks and other laws. The compilation of all content on the website and the service are the exclusive property of Maxis or its content supplier and protected by copyright.

Maxis also has a strict condition to avoid broadband user abuse, that is why Maxis specify that every customer must be at least 18 years old to be a Maxis customer. Sub-users under this age must have authorization from the account owner to access the Maxis Broadband service. Before using the Maxis Broadband service, the person must obtain permission from the registered customer. Customers also must not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any computer system.

3.1.4 Sociocultural

Maxis provides guidelines for the manner in which all employees should conduct themselves at the work place, while performing their daily duties for Maxis and as a Maxis employee in order to provide better services to customers.

Key factors of this growth included the availability of more advanced smartphone models in Malaysia and the strong growth of social networking. Maxis was the first to offer the popular iPhone to Malaysians, achieving annual targets, and it continued to boost the sale of BlackBerry phones.

Maxis has Business Value Plus Plans for business people. Business Value Plus Plans have many ways to help save money when calling. Data Plans exclusive to iPad for iPad users to enjoy online entertainment with a much lower price. Maxis prepaid Hotlink come out with a new plan which is much cheaper than other competitors.

Maxis focused on minimizing carbon footprint to care for the environment. As such, Maxis partners with Malaysia Airline Systems to reduce the impact to the environment, as well as an in-house recycling campaign. At their work place, efforts are taken to reduce wastage and disposal, reuse existing resources and recycle fully exhausted materials.

3.1.5 Technological

Malaysia is set to get a HSBB internet support allowing fast internet access by utilizing fiber optic technology to transfer data. It will allow network operators to take part in and compete with each other in this new network. TM had already commissioned foreign major vendors to lead the project. RM11.3bil national HSBB project is a partnership between TM and our government to expand next-generation, high-speed broadband infrastructure and services for the country.

As we know that, HSBB offers bandwidth at network speeds of 10Mbps and above, through fixed line only, as compared to regular broadband services which are delivered at network speeds ranging from 384Kbps to less than 10Mbps through fixed line which also known as DSL and wireless mode, such as 3G, HSDPA, WiMAX and WiFi.

Maxis commercially launched the first-in-the-world contactless integrated mobile payment services that utilizes Near Field Communication technology, with partners Nokia, Visa, Maybank and Touch 'n Go to pay for purchases and transportation charges using mobile phones in year 9 April 2009.

3.1.6 Global

Maxis brings excellent coverage in almost every corner of the country and their services are rapidly expanding. In addition to voice, GPRS and EDGE coverage, Maxis also offer Maxis 3G in Penang, Langkawi, Alor Setar, Kuantan, Genting, Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Kota Bahru, Ipoh, Malacca and Kuala Terengganu.

In India, Global Communication Services Holdings (GCSHL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysian telco, Maxis Communications Berhad, has applied to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to increase its direct and indirect shareholding in Aircel from 26 percent to 73.9 percent.

In year 2009, Maxis and the Western Union Company announce to launch of mobile money transfer service In Malaysia. It allows 11 million Maxis subscribers and 1.9 million foreign workers in Malaysia to send cross-border remittances directly from their mobile phones.

3.1.7 Physical environment

The issues that Maxis concern is effective and efficient services, operating hours, and user-friendly facilities in order to improve the values the company can provide to its customers.

Maxis's main challenge today is adapting well to a fast changing and often hostile environment of telecommunication industry. Things change very fast until the company is unable to cope with the rapid pace. As a result Maxis shifts at the top management team in order to tackle the changing business environment and global competition.

As we all know that, the changes in Maxis is because of trying to deal with shifting market environment and to shift to the updated telecommunication technology, 3G.

With the increasing demand for IT to achieve and support corporate objectives, IT department of Maxis must manage with a continuous barrage of changes such as changes in product requirements, technology, development processes, and deployment environments. As a result Maxis deliver newer technology assets and applications to their current customers and attract new customer base through proactive management of change.

3.2 Industry conditions (Porter's Five Forces Analysis)

Five forces which would impact an organization's behaviour in the market. Understanding the nature of these forces provides organizations the required insights to enable them to formulate the appropriate strategies to be successful in their market (Thurlby, 1998).

3.2.1 Threat of new entrants (high entry barriers)

High capital investment for competitor entry into telecommunication industry. Companies in this industry incurred high fixed costs and spend fairly large amount of capital on network equipment and maintain development. Besides, technologies are also considered as barriers for new companies to enter the market.

Maxis's reputation has been built around their superior customer service and quality network. Due to high expectations and standards that come with the Maxis brand it is not without reason that customers are more demanding of Maxis. As a result, Maxis always think that their business on being the customer's first choice.

Capital requirement usually build up a firm which is the high capability to compete in the industry. However, telecommunication is a high competitive industry in order to gain large market share. Therefore, new entrants have to ensure that they have ample financial resource to sustain in this industry.

3.2.2 Bargaining power of suppliers (high bargaining power of suppliers)

Telecommunications industry in Malaysia is dependent on imports for the majority of its network components as most of the network equipment cannot be sourced locally.

Maxis' networks utilize standard equipment which is available from a limited number of suppliers. Most of the GSM equipment for Maxis' mobile network operations is purchased from Motorola, Siemens and Trisilco Folec, and Maxis maintains close working relationships with its key network equipment suppliers.

Since the suppliers of Maxis are limited, hence Maxis' suppliers are powerful when the product they provide are differentiated or it has built up by switching cost. When there is occasional requirement by the buyers such as high investment in submarine fiber optic cable, and replace the copper cable and old satellite dishes that may provide reliable broadband connectivity.

Maxis have high competitive environment causes existing entrants need to invest in high modernization technologies to enable the company to support and compete in this industry. Therefore, it is important for service providers to make sure the quality of the technology equipment. This makes the supplier group become more powerful.

3.2.3 Bargaining power of buyers (low bargaining power of buyers)

In the era of globalization, advance of technology could increase the bargaining power of buyer, high available of information make it easier for buyer to evaluate sources of materials about telecommunication. There are many alternatives product such as fax, email, and internet which enhance the bargaining power of buyer to the mobile service provider.

For the moment, high level of competition between the major telecommunication companies that exists in current market leads to low switching cost for the buyer to change their mobile service provider. Customers are highly price sensitive and easy to switch brand. It also means that customer will not be faithful to Maxis if they find out other brand provides better services than Maxis so they will change brand.

As a result, this contributes to concentration of the buyers industry. Besides this, the buyers have high switching cost in this industry. As a result, the industry is more profitable when the buyers have low bargaining power which means the buyers are unable to affect the setting of prices in the industry.

Maxis has came out with many Business Value Plus Plans for business people. It has so many methods to help save money when talking on the phone. Maxis wants to make sure that their customers can enjoy using Maxis services with a much lower price than other competitors.

3.2.4 Threat of substitute product (high threats of substitute)

Maxis have many substitutes in the mobile industry. For instance, from traditional way which are using the letter, fixed home line telephone, fax and email to communication with other people till currently mostly everyone using broadband Internet services, which enable faster and always-on connection to the worldwide web, offer more promising growth potential.

Furthermore, the pressure on the very low cost to use the phone calling via internet or communicate via online messenger had threatened the mobile industry. For example, nowadays many people use MSN, Facebook, and Skype to communicate rather than use their mobile.

Threat of substitute product also will directly affect the profitability of Maxis. Substitute product is the product or services in other industries that is different from the existing product or services but serves the similar needs. Hence, threat of substitutes exists when a product's demand is affected by the price change of a substitute product. This threat is supposed to be a strong point for Maxis because these substitute products such as letter or e-mail are unable to fulfill or completely replace the mobile services.

3.2.5 Intensity of rivalry among competitors (low intensity of rivalry)

Telecommunication industry consists of only several mobile operators such as TM, Maxis, Digi, Celcom, Umobile and so on due to the entry restriction that imposed by the government. Profitability of the industry also affected greatly by the intensity of competition among existing competitors in the industry.

Therefore, rivalry among competitors telecommunication industry in Malaysia is oligopoly structure nowadays and the level of competition in this particular industry is believed that to be low one. Maxis have two main competitors, they are Digi and Celcom.

Cannot be denied that, Maxis lead the telecommunication industry. They largely compete on differentiate product and services on how to improve their features and implementing innovation to the customers.

In addition, Maxis will definitely compete on the call rates, package price and so on with other two main competitors. Hence, Maxis try to gain competitive advantage through low call rate and price such as Youth Club. As we all know that Maxis, Digi and Celcom invested a lump sum of the money on advertising to promote their products and to attract more customers choose them.

Summary of environmental scanning

Basically, environmental scanning is about the careful examining of a firm's internal and external environment for spotting early signs of opportunities and threats that may influence an organisation's decision making process and its current and future plans. In the case of Maxis, they can spread and even penetrate into new market or other countries. Too much dependence on Malaysia as their main market is not enough in order to compete with its close competitors. Thus, Maxis can somehow implement its weakness into opportunities that might bring them into a new future plan. Plans such as adjustments to interconnect rates and ways to overcome the threats from its competitors are soon to be implemented.

In the sense of customer care, lots of threats such as worms, Trojans, spyware and so forth would harm the special rights of customers as a Maxis user. Thus, Maxis requires certain software and devices so as to protect their customers from being tracked or harmed by unnecessary parties. Experts who can trace hackers or protect customers from being hacked are encouraged to stay in the management team in order to help overcome this threat.

Although Maxis is the first telecommunication company to launch iPhone, the recent launch of Digi's iPhone had posed further pressure on Maxis. In order to retain and attract more customers, Maxis would have to execute a better package with affordable rates for its users. Customer services must be improved to cater most of its customers' needs. Also, they must keep upgrading their features or functions of its technological devices so as to lure more people in purchasing their products. It is normal to see some aggressive broadband promotions by wireless competitors. Therefore, Maxis must stand out as being more important than the rest to win over this challenging game. In addition to promotions, some other marketing strategies like collaboration with big companies in organizing an event, sponsorship from government agencies and what not can be carried out in order to gain good image from the public as a whole.

3.3 Description of key stakeholders

Key Stakeholders are a subset of Stakeholders who, if their support were to be withdrawn, would cause the project to fail. [5] 

3.3.1 Capital Market Stakeholders

Major suppliers of capital (e.g: banks)

Shareholders

Individuals, Bank/Finance Companies, Investment Trusts/Foundations/Charities, Other types of companies, Government Agencies/Institutions/Nominees

In the company (Directors' Interest in Shares) (Maxis Berhad Annual Report 2009, 2009)

-Raja Tan Sri Dato' Seri Arshad bin Raja Tun Uda

-Robert William Boyle

-Dato' Mokhzani bin Mahathir

-Asgari bin Mohd Fuad Stephens

-Eng. Saud Majed A. AlDaweesh

-Dr. Fahad Hussain S. Mushayt

-Ghassan Hasbani

-Augustus Ralph Marshall

-Chan Chee Beng

-Sandip Das

30 Largest Shareholders (Maxis Berhad Annual Report 2009, 2009)

1. Maxis Communications Berhad

2. Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan)

3. Employees Provident Fund Board

4. Amanahraya Trustees Berhad

Skim Amanah Saham Bumiputera

5. HSBC Nominees (Asing) Sdn Bhd

Exempt AN For JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (U.S.A)

6. Amanahraya Trustees Berhad

Amanah Saham Wawasan 2020

7. Amanahraya Trustees Berhad

Amanah Saham Malaysia

8. Citigroup Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd

Exempt AN For Prudential Fund Management Berhad

9. Amanahraya Trustees Berhad

Amanah Saham Didik

10. HSBC Nominees (Asing) Sdn Bhd

Exempt AN For J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A

11. HSBC Nominees (Asing) Sdn Bhd

Exempt AN For The Bank Of New York Mellon (Mellon Acct)

12. Malaysia Nominees (Tempatan) Sendirian Berhad

Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Berhad (Par 1)

13. Permodalan Nasional Berhad

14. HSBC Nominees (Asing) Sdn Bhd

BBH And Co Boston For Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund

15. Valuecap Sdn Bhd

16. Amanahraya Trustees Berhad

A s 1Malaysia

17. HSBC Nominees (Asing) Sdn Bhd

Exempt AN For JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (U.A.E)

18. Amanahraya Trustees Berhad

Public Islamic Dividend Fund

19. HSBC Nominees (Asing) Sdn Bhd

TNTC For Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency

20. Citigroup Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd

Exempt AN For American International Assurance Berhad

21. DB (Malaysia) Nominee (Tempatan) Sendirian Berhad

Exempt AN For Deutsche Trustees Malaysia Berhad (MYET F-DJIM25)

22. HSBC Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd

Nomura Asset Mgmt Malaysia For Malaysia For Employees Provident Fund

23. HSBC Nominees (Asing) Sdn Bhd

TNTC For Mondrian Emerging Markets Equity Fund L.P

24. Cartaban Nominees (Asing) Sdn Bhd

State Street For IS hares, Inc.

25. Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera

26. SBB Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd

Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan)

27. CIMSEC Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd

CIMB For Gegas Cekap Sdn Bhd (PB)

28. CIMSEC Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd

CIMB For Tiara Gateway Sdn. Bhd. (PB)

29. Amanahraya Trustees Berhad

Public Islamic Equity Fund

30. Citigroup Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd

ING Insurance Berhad (INV -IL PAR )

3.3.2 Product Market Stakeholders

Primary customers

All users which subscribe Maxis line (either prepaid, postpaid or 3G) or buy the products such as Mobile Internet, Iphone, Blackberry, Android, Wireless and Wired broadband from Maxis.

Primary customers for Maxis IP VPN (IP VPN, 2010)

Customer's Name

Van Wijnen Groep N.V.

Solvay Group

Industry

Construction

Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plastics

Business Challenge

Develop employee and customer satisfaction by establishing an ERP system and enhancing information flows through an improved private network.

Facilitate business restructuring and support innovation.

Network Solution

Versatel's IP VPN service is based on a Cisco MPLS network to provide a data solution that is managed end to end and gives excellent capabilities for supporting ERP.

• BT Infonet's IP VPN service is brought over an MPLS network built end to end with Cisco equipment and possesses a Cisco Powered Network designation.

• The service sustains Solvay's global ERP and intranet developments.

• The managed network offers a flexible and protected foundation for new services, such as voice and video over IP.

Suppliers (Authorised Distributors, 2010)

ZyXEL Communications Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd

ZyXEL, founded in 1989 in Hsinchu, Taiwan, is a pioneer manufacturer and supplier of DSL Customer Premise Equipment. ZyXEL is now world's largest DSL router vendor and Europe's second largest router supplier. In addition to its innovative products and solutions, ZyXEL has strong relationships with worldwide COE vendors such as Alcatel, Lucent and Nokia; ILECs such as Verizon and Chunghwa Telecom; international carriers such as France Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, and Telefonica; ISPs such as EarthLink, Worldonline, Hinet, Seednet, Maxis and many others.

Working closely with these and other partners, ZyXEL is committed to helping businesses succeed in the booming broadband market by providing them with value-added service and outstanding performance solutions at the most competitive price.

Advanced Broadband Communications Sdn Bhd

Advanced Broadband Communications Sdn Bhd is a newly formed company incorporated in April 2001. The company is a private joint venture, high-tech based company between Advanced Broadband Communication Sdn Bhd and Prestige Sierra Sdn Bhd. The company is 100% locally owned to provide total telecommunication solutions and services for both conventional & IP Systems. The new technology that bridges conventional Circuit - Switch communication to Internet Protocol (IP) communication. All IP-based solutions and services that will be developed and deployed by the company are targeted at business and personal users at all levels.

Host communions

Unions

3.3.3 Organizational Stakeholders

Employees

All employees who work under Maxis

Managers (Malaysia Equity Research PP, 2010)

Name

Positions

Sandip Das

Chief Executive Officer

Jean Pascal Emmanuel

Dominique Van Overbeke

Chief Operating Office

Rossana Annizah binti

Ahmad Rashid

Chief Financial Officer

Mark Guy Dioguardi

Head of Network and

Technology

Stephen John Mead

General Counsel

Mohamed Fitri bin Abdullah

Head of Enterprise & Carrier Business

Matthew Charles Willsher

Chief Marketing Officer

Azmi bin Ujang

Head of Human

Resources

Chow Chee Yan

Head of Internal Audit

Chua Seok Theng

Chief Information Officer

Non-managers

3.4 SWOT analysis based on stakeholder groups

3.4.1 Capital Market Stakeholders

Strengths

Strong and competitive regional player.

Association with MEASAT Satellite System.

Weaknesses

Depends too much on Malaysia as their main market.

Opportunities

Potential for triple play if tie-up with content provider/broadcaster, e.g. Astro.

Association with Microsoft.

Broadband market in Malaysia is growing.

Wireless market in Asia Pacific has experienced a rapid growth.

Threats

Modifications to interconnect rates may pressure Maxis' earnings as the company is a net receiver of calls.

Regulatory framework.

Mobile number portability in Malaysia.

Intense competition from other telecommunication companies.

3.4.2 Product Market Stakeholders

Strengths

Premium branding and customer care persist to attract and retain subscribers. This is further followed by long term iPhone plans.

Much broader 3G/3.5G coverage than Digi and similar coverage as Celcom.

Largest subscriber base in Malaysia with c. 39% share.

Largest postpaid subscriber base of c. 43% is vital to future market trend towards more postpaid subscribers.

Its transparency and ability to deliver performance.

Good loyalty programmes and perhaps the best family plan in Malaysia in our view.

Weaknesses

Maxis does not offer triple play of mobile, broadband and pay TV.

Opportunities

32% of the Malaysian population is under 15 years old, which is a main target for broadband services over the next 15 years.

New mobile devices, e.g. iPhone ("4G") and recently launched iPad drive demand for broadband services.

Under-served broadband population provides great growth opportunities.

Selective enterprise opportunities as Maxis build backhaul capacity mainly for wireless broadband, thus it can target some lucrative enterprise businesses by using the same backhaul network.

Threats

Viruses and worms spread over Bluetooth, MMS messages or infected memory cards.

Trojans pretend to be useful applications. They can devastate data or block functionality.

Spyware gathers information without you knowing. It can intercept e-mails and SMS, permit hackers to listen to calls, and even track you.

3.4.3 Organisational Stakeholders

Strengths

All employees and managers are fully equipped with knowledge and good strategic management.

Weaknesses

Growing enterprise business may entail more CAPEX, and Maxis can only selectively cultivate its enterprise business.

Opportunities

Organization's personnel have the chance to collaborate with big companies such as Astro and Microsoft.

Threats

Digi's launch of the iPhone last week could put further pressure on Maxis.

Aggressive broadband promotions by wireless competitors, including WiMAX players.

3.4.4 Competitor analysis

Competitor analysis has two primary activities, 1) obtaining information about important competitors, and 2) using that information to predict competitor behavior. The goal of competitor analysis is to understand:

with which competitors to compete,

competitors' strategies and planned actions,

how competitors might react to a firm's actions,

how to influence competitor behavior to the firm's own advantage. [6] 

Major competitors

Digi

Celcom

Immediate competition

-The immediate competitor for Maxis is Digi.

Comparison: Digi vs Maxis iPhone

Sunday, April 4th, 2010 at 11:40 PM

http://www.iphonemalaysiablog.com/comparison/comparison-digi-vs-maxis-iphone

Digi has finally officially launched the iPhone last week ending Maxis' monopoly on the iPhone in Malaysia for almost a year. Since then there has been a lot of talks on the blogs and forums as to which plan offers better value to consumers like us.

Impending competition

-The impending competitor for Maxis is Celcom.

Feedback from customers

Maxis Broadband? Or Celcom Broadband?

http://edwardkhoo.com/maxis-broadband-or-celcom-broadband/

I am currently using Maxis Broadband myself, however it has come to my attention that Celcom Broadband also provide similar service, but with a better performance. Maxis Broadband is good enough for my use, but I heard a lot of people complaint about it.

3.5 Summary of situation analysis

Strengths

Effective and efficient services, operating hours, and user-friendly facilities to give the best customer satisfaction.

Maxis has different plans for different types of customers to ensure that customers can enjoy using Maxis services with a much lower price than other competitors.

Maxis provides guidelines for the manner in which all employees should conduct themselves at the work place and as a Maxis employee in order to provide better customer services.

Pioneer of new services and technologies. Maxis was the first to bring in the Apple iPhone and the first to launch the 3G network.

Maxis ensure good corporate social responsibility. Maxis is in a strategic partnership with Malaysia Airline Systems in projects to reduce our impact to the environment, as well as an internal recycling campaign.

Weaknesses

Strict condition to avoid broadband user abuse. Nowadays, people are getting more tech-savvy so Maxis would lose many customers below age 18.

Maxis does not offer triple play of mobile, broadband and pay TV.

Depends too much on Malaysia as their main market.

Opportunities

Maxis partners with Telekom Malaysia Bhd. to improve the quality and offer High Speed Broadband services to customers.

Broadband users are growing in Malaysia. This provides a good opportunity for Maxis especially its partnership with Telekom Malaysia Bhd. to offer high speed broadband services.

Potential for triple play of mobile, broadband and pay TV if tie-up with content provider/broadcaster such as Astro.

Threats

Customers are highly price sensitive and easy to switch brand. It also means that customer will not stay with Maxis if other brand could provide lower price and better or similar value.

Rapid changing and often hostile environment of telecommunication networking industry. Maxis must cope with a continuous barrage of changes such as changes in product requirements, technology, development processes, and deployment environments in order to sustain in the market.

Intense competition from other telecommunication companies such as Digi and Celcom.

4.0 Strategic options for the organisation

To compete in telecommunication industry, Maxis apply different strategic to maintain the footing as leading in telecommunication industry, it apply different strategies to compete with it competitor like Digi and Celcom.

Maxis apply partnership strategy in their business. The reason for Maxis alliances with different partners is to provide various mobile services to customers. With a partnership, Maxis is able to provide better services to customers and increase profit. To increase the competitive advantage, Maxis partner with ZyXEL Communications Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd which is the pioneer manufacturer and suppliers of DSL Customer Premise Equipment. ZyXEL have a good relationship with worldwide COE vendors. ZyXEL providing it partners with value-added services and better performance solutions to helping then succeed in broadband market. Besides, Maxis also partner with Telekom Malaysia (TM) to create a new revenue stream for Maxis. TM makes an agreement with Maxis to provide the high-speed broadband (HSBB) network to Maxis for 10 years. Maxis hoped to use the HSBB provide by TM to soft -launch fixed broadband and Internet protocol television (IPTV). On the other hand, this agreement will broaden the scope by leap from mobile space to home sphere. It will create enriching opportunities for Maxis in 2011.

Next strategy used by Maxis in its business is International strategy. International strategy means a firms sells its goods or services outside the domestic market. To expand business, Maxis acquisition stake in Aircel, India. Aircel is fifth largest GSM mobile service provider in India and rated as the fastest growing Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in India. Besides, Aircel is the first to pioneer WiMax and as the first operator in India. They are several reasons for Maxis entry into international strategy. Firstly, is to increase the market size of business; Maxis already is the leading mobile communication in Malaysia. Thus, it is important for Maxis to enter into new market. Second, is to increase the return on investment (ROI) to benefits shareholders. Third, the location advantage in India which consider is low cost markets.

Maxis also adopted differentiation in its business. Maxis provide various rate plans and package to fulfill the requirement of different level. For postpaid plan, Maxis provide 8 type of rate plan and charges, customers can choose the plan based on their needs. Maxis also have Maxis One Club to rewards postpaid customers. Maxis One Club is program which delivers exclusive services and gives rewards to postpaid customers. The benefits include enjoy the priority services when you call to Maxis customer services. Besides, membership also can enjoy free calls from Maxis to Maxis on your birthday. Membership also can enjoy the sales previews, concert or other provide by Maxis. There are 9 reasons used by Maxis to attract more customers switch to Maxis. It also can consider as differentiation compared with other competitors. First, Maxis have the largest mobile community and over 10 million people enjoy with the cheaper calls. Second, Maxis provide customers the best postpaid plan. Customers can enjoy as low as 10 sen per minutes. Third, Maxis offer the widest International Roaming network to convenience their customers. From examples, when customers going abroad to other country like Singapore, China, Indonesia; Maxis will auto roaming. It provide customers keep in touch with friend and family although at abroad. Fourth, Maxis is the leader in 3G and HSDPA services, so it enables their customers to reach anyone anywhere. Fifth, Maxis offer the best family plan and lets their customers share the same call rate and talk with your family. Sixth, Maxis have the most value -for-money prepaid plan to benefits their customers. Next, Maxis provide superior customer services to their customers. Besides, Maxis also is the leader in data service. Ninth, Maxis have solid brand with good reputation and are the winner of internationally recognized awards.

Besides, Maxis provides differentiation in mobile plan for personal use, Maxis also provide various business value plans to customers. There are offer free calls and SMS within your company. It also offer talk time sharing with company. So business customers can enjoy the low rate provide by Maxis. Maxis also provide the business customers a package call Maxis M2M. Maxis M2M will boost your business with new wireless machine-to-machine services provide by Maxis. The benefits for Maxis M2M is can connect millions of assets and provides Application Programming Interface (APIs) to developing custom application. The features provide by Maxis M2M have extensive coverage. The GSM network of Maxis enable customers remote devices are always available to connected. Business customers can choose the value data plan to suit the specific needs on its business. The tailor-made plan will help to fulfill the customers' requirement.

Next strategy adopted by Maxis in its business is cost leadership. Companies apply cost leadership strategy is offer standardized product to customers. The characteristic of cost leadership is providing products and services to customers in low cost than other competitors and thus create customer value. To implement cost reduction strategy in business, cost leadership should control the cost in products and services such as production cost and overhead cost.

Maxis is the cost leader in mobile broadband market. Maxis provide superior performance in their broadband services to customers. The network coverage by Maxis is extensive than their strong competitor like Digi. Maxis expand their network coverage in rural areas. It also provides more stable online services to customers. The other benefits of Maxis broadband are the packages are affordable for customers. Customers can base on their usage to choose the suitable package. Maxis also provide customer services with 24 hours. If customers faced any problem with their broadband connection, they can call services center. Besides, if you are a postpaid customer of Maxis, you will get the special rebates in monthly fees. Maxis provide three types broadband services to customers; the wireless broadband, wired broadband and high speed internet. For wireless broadband, Maxis offer a monthly fee as low as RM48 per month and with free modem. Besides, customers can choose the wireless broadband package bundle with laptop. This package includes a free modem and 4 months Maxis broadband subscription. Customers can choose the payments options with upfront payment or installment. For wired broadband, customers can experience faster, easier and stable connection without hassle. Maxis wired Broadband provides higher speeds, consistency and always connection for customers. Besides, wired broadband also provide single line access via existing phone line and this package is affordable for customers. On the other hand, Maxis also offer Maxis high speed Internet for customers. With the latest Fiber to the Home (FTTH), Maxis customer can enjoy power high speed Internet. It provides faster speed when online at home and office and also brings customers in unlimited entertainment. Customers also can enjoy faster speed when download music and movie.

Maxis also apply marketing strategy in business. The marketing strategy used by Maxis is provides training to their employees to increase their performance. To provides superior services, Maxis held campaign to their employees to increase the quality performance and thus increase the customer value. Besides, Maxis also implement in social responsibility. Maxis is responsible in securing the environment and try to reduced the wastage and disposal in their work place.

5.0 Key selection criteria

Strategy Adopted by Maxis

Activities / Tactics

Key selection/ criteria

Partnership strategy

Partnership with Telekom Malaysia to use TM's high speed broadband network.

Partnership with ZyXel Communications Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd

Enhance quality on broadband services. Customers can experience faster and stable when online.

Create technology innovation to broaden the range of offerings and enhance capabilities to capture more customers.

International strategy

Acquisition on Aircel which is fifth largest GSM mobile services provider in India.

The acquisition gives maxis entry the world most attractive high growth and low penetration market.

The population is keep increasing.

Aircel also is fastest growing on SME in India, so the acquisitions can increase the shareholder benefit.

Differentiation

Diversification of products and services.

Provide different type of rate plan and package to fulfill different customers requirement based on individual needs.

Cost leadership

Broadband services.

Offer more choice and packages on broadband services.

Include wireless broadband, wired broadband and high speed internet.

Marketing strategy

Customer service.

Social responsibility.

Provide training to employees to increase quality services.

Separate customer services center in personal and business. Thus, employees can focus more on customers.

Securing environment for future children.

6.0 Recommendation

Key questions

Option / Hypothesis

Decision criteria

Pros

Cons/ Risk

How does Maxis stay on the top of telecommunication industry in Malaysia?

Partner with other company to gain competitive advantages.

Offers the cheapest plan coherent to the service provided.

Fulfill customer satisfaction and maintain customer loyalty.

Strong penetration to new target segments through effective marketing method.

Maxis partner with other company such as ZyXEL Communications Corp. (M) Sdn. Bhd. and Advanced Broadband Communications Sdn. Bhd.

Maxis is able to provide their customers with better communication services and better broadband services.

Maxis have the risk of being takeover by these 2 partners.

Maxis will be too dependent on their partners.

Provides quality services

Maintain customer for using Maxis as their phone service provider.

Maxis might not able to cover the cost of the services provided since the plan is cheaper.

Effective feedback system implemented.

Customer's problem can be solve immediately while satisfy them for subscribe Maxis.

Feedback system might encounter technical error in the system.

Approaching new target segments to gain competitive advantages.

Increase Maxis's customer network and sales.

Failure of marketing method will be a waste of money used.

Key questions

Option / Hypothesis

Decision criteria

Pros

Cons/ Risk

How technology affects Maxis in telecommunication industry?

Follow the newest trends in technology.

Wide wireless coverage.

Partner with technology company.

Security system-secure customer information.

Become the first dealer in Malaysia.

Customer is able to buy their preference phone at the very first hand.

Customers have their own preferences which are difficult to follow. They might not favor the new products.

Maxis wireless coverage reaches almost the whole Malaysia.

Customer will be more loyal to Maxis since they are able to provide wide wireless coverage.

The cost for wireless maintenance will increase while customer request for cheaper charges.

Maxis become the first dealer to sell iPhone, android phone and etc. in Malaysia.

Maxis will be able to grab the first hand profit before any other company does.

Maxis will be too dependent on Technology Company. When there are no new products, there will not have any growth in sales.

Insecure in data system will result in leakage of customer information.

Customer will not worry about the leakage of their information to outsiders.

Hackers still able to access to the data system. This causes customer to loss confident in Maxis.

Key questions

Option / Hypothesis

Decision criteria

Pros

Cons/ Risk

What are the criteria that Maxis needed in order to compete with other telecommunication company outside Malaysia?

Maintain good relations with foreign companies which are able to supply quality software and services.

Offers cheaper plan compared to other foreign company.

Localize the operations team.

Good technology system maintenance.

Maxis partner with other company such as ZyXEL Communications Corp. (M) Sdn. Bhd. and Advanced Broadband Communications Sdn. Bhd.

Since Maxis is able to partner with these 2 company so well, Maxis is able to find some other foreign company. This is due to Malaysia's partnering might not able to localize their product to suit the other contry.

Maxis have the risk of being takeover by these 2 partners.

Maxis will be too dependent on their partners.

Provides quality services

Gain outside country market will increase the sales as well as the brand name of Maxis at international level.

Maxis might not able to cover the cost of the services provided since this is at the international level and the chargers are cheaper.

Maxis manage to operate well in Malaysia.

Customer will feel more comfortable and might not be offended by Maxis employee. This will increase the customer loyalty and subscription too.

Employee will have a problem to learn the culture of specific country.

Maxis having the problem of mistaken charge their customer a big amount of phone bills.

Customer will not be trouble for paying bills if there is no problem with the charges. If not, they need to complain to Maxis which will waste their time.

Geographically and technical error might not be able to solve it as soon as possible since it is quite an unavoidable problem.

7.0 Conclusion