Abstract

Samsung's flagship company, Samsung Electronics is the world's leading manufacturer of dynamic random-access memory and other memory chips, and a global player in electronic gear including liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, DVD players, and cellular phones. One of the top consumer-brands in the world, Samsung has become the world's largest manufacturer of digital mobile phones, using code division multiple access technology. But Samsung's growth has been slowing down in the wake of the falling prices of flat screens TV's and computers. Analysts predict that profits will decline in the future, as prices of LCD's and flash memory chips are likely to remain weak. Growing competition in mobile phones is also hurting Samsung's profit margins. An outdated family-controlled corporate structure is another concern for Samsung. It remains to be seen if Samsung will achieve its ambition of becoming a top electronics firm in the world, like Sony.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

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Keywords

Samsung Electronics, South Korea, Random-access memory chips, Global player, Liquid crystal display, LCD panels, DVD players, Cellular phones, Lee Byung-Chull, Lee, Diversifications, Industrial Design Excellence Award, IDEA, Nokia, Motorola, Sony