Table of ContentsSummaryBackgroundMarketingOperationsHuman ResourcesSummaryThis article seeks to analyze the working of Sony Corporation. Sony has many operations in the United States as well as Tokyo, Japan. While their main headquarters is in Tokyo, Japan, Sony has a smaller headquarters for some of its subsidiaries in New York, United States. According to the company's website, Sony was established in 1946. The company has more than one hundred thousand employees across its various businesses. There are different groups within the company, divided by general themes. The groups include mobile communications, information technology, personal audiovisual, home electronics, gaming sector, microsystems, entertainment sector, personal solutions and financial holdings. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay The company structure is developed in a way that manages overall operations, but also allows the various categories and groups to grow and innovate on their own. The company's diversity allows Sony to survive, thrive and grow regardless of market conditions or stagnant categories at different times. The company also prides itself on recruitment, diversity, retention and employee growth. The company operates in the fields of film, gaming, television, photography, music and Internet services, to name a few. This article will discuss operations, marketing, and human resources in more detail. Overall, Sony is a very successful company and has shown its strengths while other companies in similar categories have declined. Background Sony was founded in 1946 by two people. These two people came from a military background. Akio Morita was a former navy lieutenant and Masaru Ibuka was a defense contractor. The name Sony is derived from two words which translate to the meaning of small and sound. The company began with the production of transistor radios in the 1950s, and a few years later Sony established its first subsidiary to produce the adhesives for the radios, thereby easing the burden of relying on numerous external suppliers. After creating the transistor radio, the company used the same technology and concepts to introduce AM/FM radios and televisions. After achieving results in the field of radios and televisions, it began to develop video recorders. The company's main strength, both throughout its history and today, is to further develop and innovate technology to stay in sync with or ahead of current technology trends as well as the needs consumers and market trends. The company has developed many products over the years to meet all consumer needs. They released radios, televisions, VCRs, CD players, video cameras, record labels and Columbia Pictures, to name a few. Currently, the company is publicly traded and operates in many countries. They are said to be ranked second in the world as the leading manufacturer and seller of consumer electronics. Many stores are selling their products and the growth of name, reputation and products continues to skyrocket. Marketing The first marketing method used by Sony is simply word of mouth and referral marketing. The company name is so well known throughout the world that manypeople know Sony products. Sony has transformed itself not only as a market leader in consumer electronics, but also in the entertainment market. By introducing gaming consoles and continually innovating them, Sony has become a leader in the field of best entertainment products. The company is also a market leader in films and other entertainment products. The celebrity endorsements along with the eye-catching advertisements have basically been the icing on the cake for the company which has already established itself as a well-known brand. Even though the company did not make a profit every year, it continued to survive through its use of innovation and branding. “The consumer electronics giant adjusts its portfolio each year based on the marketing needs of priority products” (IEGSR). Depending on which products are at the top of the priority list, Sony determines how best to adjust its marketing efforts. For example, if the subsidiary that produces films is about to release a film that is expected to dominate the film market, the greatest effort will be devoted to marketing the film. If several new products are to be launched throughout the year, equal effort and money will be devoted to marketing these products. Sony, through learning, growth and expertise, is able to prioritize its efforts and budget based on what it sees as the greatest profit. Sony also uses sponsorships extensively to market its products. Some events they have sponsored in the past to market their products are concerts, film festivals, and sporting events. By using sponsorships effectively, Sony is able to build on its good reputation and reach its target audience. Operations Sony currently manages its operations and supply chains through a subsidiary named Sony Supply Chain Solutions Inc. This company further divides the operations categories into four. subgroups, which are the domestic distribution operations group, international distribution, spare parts supply and customer service. There are many business and operational aspects that Sony must manage effectively. Sony is a global company and, as such, must meet the needs and laws as well as restrictions of many government organizations and individuals. Again, through innovation and collaboration with partners, Sony is able to meet all the needs of different groups of individuals. “Sony has introduced its own requirements to help improve and maintain the strength and transparency of its governance by strengthening the separation of the Direct function from that of management and advancing the proper functioning of the statutory committees” (Sony, 2012) . Sony seeks to utilize the strengths of all its employees to further develop its organization and operations while complying with all regulations and meeting the needs of all interested parties. The current governance structure is depicted below, as stated on the company's website (Sony.2015). Sony uses committees as well as a board of directors to resolve any problems that may arise. Committees have proven to be effective in operational management because groups are able to be more creative, innovative, and effective in finding numerous solutions to various problems. Sony's oversight structure has changed several times over the years to better meet the company's needs and allow it to grow and survive when the economy isn't doing as well. There.