By Kate Willow


Lecturers in business schools often choose particular companies to discuss with their students. They like to choose examples of companies that have faced extreme challenges and have survived undaunted by difficulties. Nokia is one such company.

Change is one of the few constants in the business world. Success is not guaranteed for organizations that seem invincible. In recent times some banks that seemed to be the epitome of security have suddenly gone belly up, leaving their customers furious and confused about whether banks represent prudence or risky competition.

The motor industry grew quickly and became a symbol of economic strength in countries like America and England. Then there was competition from the East; then the issue of carbon emissions and the unsuitability of fossil fuels. Suddenly, what was a secure industry has become insecure.

The narrative of a company that has faced fearsome threats and made the most of its opportunities is grist to the mill of business school professors. What makes the story still more relevant is the fact that it is ongoing. The company is still strong but facing threats as significant as any that have been met in the evolving business environment of the past century.

The drama of sport is as entertaining now as it was for the Romans, thousands of years ago. Though so much has changed the struggle to compete has not. Does may graze placidly whilst rams fight, but they watch out of the corners of their eyes to see who wins. Th ultimate prize awaits those who can face threats and triumph. So it is in business.

A paper company started near some fast flowing water in1867 was named after its location in Finland by Frederick Idestam and Leo Mechelin. It was the latter who saw the opportunity to go into electronics early in the twentieth century when gas lamps and coal fires were still in vogue. The rushing waters that had made paper could be used for electricity. The opportunity was resisted by Idelsam for some time and it was Mechelin who persisted, even though the electronic division ran at a loss for years.

During the turbulent twentieth century the company faced many challenges and was at times on the verge of bankruptcy. However, the Industrial Revolution was turning and the electronics industry provided a steady stream of opportunities for innovation. In the 1980s the mobile phone started a new and powerful cycle in technological evolution and the Nokia company was at the forefront with its products becoming a global brand.

Nokia made quality mobile phones. They were sold all over the world and established a quality brand name. However, research and development is ongoing and as forceful as the river that ran beside the river of the first paper mill. The challenge is to create tablets and smart phones that sum up the the achievements in electronic communication of the past fifty years. Already one can carry a library in one's pocket. The next step may be towards a device that is an artificial brain that will put the chauffeur and cab driver out of business. It will drive an owner to his destination while he sits chatting to his companion without the inconvenience of a steering wheel or gear lever. It may also ensure the future of the company.




About the Author:



0 Comments

Post a Comment