Providing security for Very Important Persons $($VIPS$)-$range from government officials to movie

stars$-$ when they appear in public, typically means deploying protective barriers such a concrete

walls or Plexiglass shields.

A new product aims to replace these obstructive protection devices. IBIS Technologies, a threeyear$-$old company based in Butler, California, has developed an Instantaneous Personal

Protection System $($IPPS$).$ The IPPS is a cross between an aircraft ejection seat and a car air bag.

In less time than a car can register the sound of gunfire, the IPPS surrounds the intended victim

with a bullet proof shield. This new security device can sit on the floor next to the VIP or terrorist

target, or it can be used a security guard in a busy lobby, disguised as a set of decorative planters.

How does IPPS work? A radar sensor detects incoming objects $($such as bullets, knives or

Page $2$

missiles$)$ and triggers an inflated air bag. The bullet$-$proof material traps the projectile like a

baseball glove folding around a ball. In demonstrations, the shield has deployed quickly enough

to survive assaults from a $\mathrm{.}22-$caiber through $\mathrm{.}44-$caliber magnum rounds, submachine guns,

shotgun blasts at close range, and a knife$-$wielding attacker. Its detection range is about $150$ feet.

The device can also be fired by radio control. The fully installed system weighs $400$ pounds.

The IPPS technology can be extended to other applications, such as protecting vehicle and

securing windows on buildings. A key challenge will be the ability to detect electronic signals

that might set of the system accidentally, such as cellular phone or aircraft radar. Despite these

challenges, IBIS Technologies Corporation has been selected as a top technology stock pick by

several hedge fund managers a company that will do very well in the future.

# Questions Marks

$1$ Given what you have read in the case, what are the strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities and threats facing IBIS Technologies?

$7$

$2$ Discuss four suitable strategic growth opportunities that IBIS Technology

can pursue?

$8$

$3$ What would you recommend as a suitable target market for IBIS

Technology? Why?

$4$

$4$ Describe a brief strategy for each of the four P$$s for IBIS Technologies?