BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
Organizational Development
Strategy / MBA Resources
Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution
Case Study Description of BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version
Roger Cahill has spent less than a year as head of the Mobile Division of BoldFlash, a flash memory component maker. On the corporate level, BoldFlash has adapted to an evolving and difficult marketplace, but the Mobile Division is struggling. The four groups within the unit refuse to work together, and the unit recently failed to capitalize on an important new product opportunity. To address the problems, Cahill has made a number of organizational and personnel changes since taking the helm. Facing low morale and eroding margins, Cahill is under pressure to meet his next challenge-reforming the product development process in an effort to save the Division.
Swot Analysis of "BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version" written by Michael Beer, Rachel Shelton includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Boldflash Cahill facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Change management, Conflict, Human resource management, Leadership, Motivating people, Organizational structure, Product development, Technology and Organizational Development.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version casestudy better are - – banking and financial system is disrupted by Bitcoin and other crypto currencies, there is backlash against globalization, talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs, digital marketing is dominated by two big players Facebook and Google, increasing commodity prices, increasing transportation and logistics costs, supply chains are disrupted by pandemic ,
cloud computing is disrupting traditional business models, there is increasing trade war between United States & China, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Boldflash Cahill, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Boldflash Cahill operates in.
According to Harvard Business Review, 75% of the managers use SWOT analysis for various purposes such as – evaluating current scenario, strategic planning, new venture feasibility, personal growth goals, new market entry, Go To market strategies, portfolio management and strategic trade-off assessment, organizational restructuring, etc.
SWOT Objectives / Importance of SWOT Analysis and SWOT Matrix
SWOT analysis of BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Boldflash Cahill
3. Assessing feasibility of the new initiative in Organizational Development field.
4. Making a Organizational Development topic specific business decision
5. Set goals for the organization
6. Organizational restructuring of Boldflash Cahill
Strengths BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Boldflash Cahill in BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version Harvard Business Review case study are -
Digital Transformation in Organizational Development segment
- digital transformation varies from industry to industry. For Boldflash Cahill digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Boldflash Cahill has successfully integrated the four key components of digital transformation – digital integration in processes, digital integration in marketing and customer relationship management, digital integration into the value chain, and using technology to explore new products and market opportunities.
Ability to recruit top talent
– Boldflash Cahill is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version are in a position to attract the best talent available. The firm has a robust talent identification program that helps in identifying the brightest.
Low bargaining power of suppliers
– Suppliers of Boldflash Cahill in the sector have low bargaining power. BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version has further diversified its suppliers portfolio by building a robust supply chain across various countries. This helps Boldflash Cahill to manage not only supply disruptions but also source products at highly competitive prices.
High switching costs
– The high switching costs that Boldflash Cahill has built up over years in its products and services combo offer has resulted in high retention of customers, lower marketing costs, and greater ability of the firm to focus on its customers.
Highly skilled collaborators
– Boldflash Cahill has highly efficient outsourcing and offshoring strategy. It has resulted in greater operational flexibility and bringing down the costs in highly price sensitive segment. Secondly the value chain collaborators of the firm in BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version HBR case study have helped the firm to develop new products and bring them quickly to the marketplace.
Effective Research and Development (R&D)
– Boldflash Cahill has innovation driven culture where significant part of the revenues are spent on the research and development activities. This has resulted in, as mentioned in case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.
Organizational Resilience of Boldflash Cahill
– The covid-19 pandemic has put organizational resilience at the centre of everthing that Boldflash Cahill does. Organizational resilience comprises - Financial Resilience, Operational Resilience, Technological Resilience, Organizational Resilience, Business Model Resilience, and Reputation Resilience.
Analytics focus
– Boldflash Cahill is putting a lot of focus on utilizing the power of analytics in business decision making. This has put it among the leading players in the industry. The technology infrastructure suggested by Michael Beer, Rachel Shelton can also help it to harness the power of analytics for – marketing optimization, demand forecasting, customer relationship management, inventory management, information sharing across the value chain etc.
Cross disciplinary teams
– Horizontal connected teams at the Boldflash Cahill are driving operational speed, building greater agility, and keeping the organization nimble to compete with new competitors. It helps are organization to ideate new ideas, and execute them swiftly in the marketplace.
Innovation driven organization
– Boldflash Cahill is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.
Sustainable margins compare to other players in Organizational Development industry
– BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Boldflash Cahill to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Organizational Development industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Boldflash Cahill to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.
Learning organization
- Boldflash Cahill is a learning organization. It has inculcated three key characters of learning organization in its processes and operations – exploration, creativity, and expansiveness. The work place at Boldflash Cahill is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.
Weaknesses BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version are -
Increasing silos among functional specialists
– The organizational structure of Boldflash Cahill is dominated by functional specialists. It is not different from other players in the Organizational Development segment. Boldflash Cahill needs to de-silo the office environment to harness the true potential of its workforce. Secondly the de-silo will also help Boldflash Cahill to focus more on services rather than just following the product oriented approach.
High dependence on star products
– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version HBR case study still accounts for major business revenue. This dependence on star products in has resulted into insufficient focus on developing new products, even though Boldflash Cahill has relatively successful track record of launching new products.
Ability to respond to the competition
– As the decision making is very deliberative, highlighted in the case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version, in the dynamic environment Boldflash Cahill has struggled to respond to the nimble upstart competition. Boldflash Cahill has reasonably good record with similar level competitors but it has struggled with new entrants taking away niches of its business.
Skills based hiring
– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Boldflash Cahill has created an environment where the organization is dominated by functional specialists rather than management generalist. This has resulted into product oriented approach rather than marketing oriented approach or consumers oriented approach.
Low market penetration in new markets
– Outside its home market of Boldflash Cahill, firm in the HBR case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.
Workers concerns about automation
– As automation is fast increasing in the segment, Boldflash Cahill needs to come up with a strategy to reduce the workers concern regarding automation. Without a clear strategy, it could lead to disruption and uncertainty within the organization.
Slow decision making process
– As mentioned earlier in the report, Boldflash Cahill has a very deliberative decision making approach. This approach has resulted in prudent decisions, but it has also resulted in missing opportunities in the industry over the last five years. Boldflash Cahill even though has strong showing on digital transformation primary two stages, it has struggled to capitalize the power of digital transformation in marketing efforts and new venture efforts.
Need for greater diversity
– Boldflash Cahill has taken concrete steps on diversity, equity, and inclusion. But the efforts so far has resulted in limited success. It needs to expand the recruitment and selection process to hire more people from the minorities and underprivileged background.
No frontier risks strategy
– After analyzing the HBR case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version, it seems that company is thinking about the frontier risks that can impact Organizational Development strategy. But it has very little resources allocation to manage the risks emerging from events such as natural disasters, climate change, melting of permafrost, tacking the rise of artificial intelligence, opportunities and threats emerging from commercialization of space etc.
Slow to strategic competitive environment developments
– As BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version HBR case study mentions - Boldflash Cahill takes time to assess the upcoming competitions. This has led to missing out on atleast 2-3 big opportunities in the industry in last five years.
Products dominated business model
– Even though Boldflash Cahill has some of the most successful products in the industry, this business model has made each new product launch extremely critical for continuous financial growth of the organization. firm in the HBR case study - BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version should strive to include more intangible value offerings along with its core products and services.
Opportunities BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version | External Strategic Factors
What are Opportunities in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The opportunities highlighted in the Harvard Business Review case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version are -
Using analytics as competitive advantage
– Boldflash Cahill has spent a significant amount of money and effort to integrate analytics and machine learning into its operations in the sector. This continuous investment in analytics has enabled, as illustrated in the Harvard case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Boldflash Cahill to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.
Building a culture of innovation
– managers at Boldflash Cahill can make experimentation a productive activity and build a culture of innovation using approaches such as – mining transaction data, A/B testing of websites and selling platforms, engaging potential customers over various needs, and building on small ideas in the Organizational Development segment.
Creating value in data economy
– The success of analytics program of Boldflash Cahill has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Boldflash Cahill to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version case study. Boldflash Cahill can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, etc.
Leveraging digital technologies
– Boldflash Cahill can leverage digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate the production process, customer analytics to get better insights into consumer behavior, realtime digital dashboards to get better sales tracking, logistics and transportation, product tracking, etc.
Changes in consumer behavior post Covid-19
– Consumer behavior has changed in the Organizational Development industry because of Covid-19 restrictions. Some of this behavior will stay once things get back to normal. Boldflash Cahill can take advantage of these changes in consumer behavior to build a far more efficient business model. For example consumer regular ordering of products can reduce both last mile delivery costs and market penetration costs. Boldflash Cahill can further use this consumer data to build better customer loyalty, provide better products and service collection, and improve the value proposition in inflationary times.
Reconfiguring business model
– The expansion of digital payment system, the bringing down of international transactions costs using Bitcoin and other blockchain based currencies, etc can help Boldflash Cahill to reconfigure its entire business model. For example it can used blockchain based technologies to reduce piracy of its products in the big markets such as China. Secondly it can use the popularity of e-commerce in various developing markets to build a Direct to Customer business model rather than the current Channel Heavy distribution network.
Finding new ways to collaborate
– Covid-19 has not only transformed business models of companies in Organizational Development industry, but it has also influenced the consumer preferences. Boldflash Cahill can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.
Low interest rates
– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Boldflash Cahill can still utilize the low interest rates to borrow money for capital investment. Secondly it can also use the increase of government spending in infrastructure projects to get new business.
Better consumer reach
– The expansion of the 5G network will help Boldflash Cahill to increase its market reach. Boldflash Cahill will be able to reach out to new customers. Secondly 5G will also provide technology framework to build new tools and products that can help more immersive consumer experience and faster consumer journey.
Manufacturing automation
– Boldflash Cahill can use the latest technology developments to improve its manufacturing and designing process in Organizational Development segment. It can use CAD and 3D printing to build a quick prototype and pilot testing products. It can leverage automation using machine learning and artificial intelligence to do faster production at lowers costs, and it can leverage the growth in satellite and tracking technologies to improve inventory management, transportation, and shipping.
Developing new processes and practices
– Boldflash Cahill can develop new processes and procedures in Organizational Development industry using technology such as automation using artificial intelligence, real time transportation and products tracking, 3D modeling for concept development and new products pilot testing etc.
Redefining models of collaboration and team work
– As explained in the weaknesses section, Boldflash Cahill is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version case study suggests that firm can utilize new technology to build more coordinated teams and streamline operations and communications using tools such as CAD, Zoom, etc.
Buying journey improvements
– Boldflash Cahill can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version suggest that firm can provide automated chats to help consumers solve their own problems, provide online suggestions to get maximum out of the products and services, and help consumers to build a community where they can interact with each other to develop new features and uses.
Threats BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version are -
High dependence on third party suppliers
– Boldflash Cahill high dependence on third party suppliers can disrupt its processes and delivery mechanism. For example -the current troubles of car makers because of chip shortage is because the chip companies started producing chips for electronic companies rather than car manufacturers.
Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins
– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Boldflash Cahill can face downward pressure on margins from increasing competition from international players. The international players have stable revenue in their home market and can use those resources to penetrate prominent markets illustrated in HBR case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version .
Capital market disruption
– During the Covid-19, Dow Jones has touched record high. The valuations of a number of companies are way beyond their existing business model potential. This can lead to capital market correction which can put a number of suppliers, collaborators, value chain partners in great financial difficulty. It will directly impact the business of Boldflash Cahill.
High level of anxiety and lack of motivation
– the Great Resignation in United States is the sign of broader dissatisfaction among the workforce in United States. Boldflash Cahill needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Organizational Development industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.
Backlash against dominant players
– US Congress and other legislative arms of the government are getting tough on big business especially technology companies. The digital arm of Boldflash Cahill business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.
Stagnating economy with rate increase
– Boldflash Cahill can face lack of demand in the market place because of Fed actions to reduce inflation. This can lead to sluggish growth in the economy, lower demands, lower investments, higher borrowing costs, and consolidation in the field.
Learning curve for new practices
– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version, Boldflash Cahill may face longer learning curve for training and development of existing employees. This can open space for more nimble competitors in the field of Organizational Development .
Consumer confidence and its impact on Boldflash Cahill demand
– There is a high probability of declining consumer confidence, given – high inflammation rate, rise of gig economy, lower job stability, increasing cost of living, higher interest rates, and aging demography. All the factors contribute to people saving higher rate of their income, resulting in lower consumer demand in the industry and other sectors.
Increasing wage structure of Boldflash Cahill
– Post Covid-19 there is a sharp increase in the wages especially in the jobs that require interaction with people. The increasing wages can put downward pressure on the margins of Boldflash Cahill.
Technology disruption because of hacks, piracy etc
– The colonial pipeline illustrated, how vulnerable modern organization are to international hackers, miscreants, and disruptors. The cyber security interruption, data leaks, etc can seriously jeopardize the future growth of the organization.
Barriers of entry lowering
– As technology is more democratized, the barriers to entry in the industry are lowering. It can presents Boldflash Cahill with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.
Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution
– Boldflash Cahill has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Organizational Development industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Boldflash Cahill needs to keep up with the evolution of technology in the Organizational Development sector. According to Mckinsey study top managers believe that the adoption of technology in operations, communications is 20-25 times faster than what they planned in the beginning of 2019.
Easy access to finance
– Easy access to finance in Organizational Development field will also reduce the barriers to entry in the industry, thus putting downward pressure on the prices because of increasing competition. Boldflash Cahill can utilize it by borrowing at lower rates and invest it into research and development, capital expenditure to fortify its core competitive advantage.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version Template, Example
Not all factors mentioned under the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats quadrants in the SWOT Analysis are equal. Managers in the HBR case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version needs to zero down on the relative importance of each factor mentioned in the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats quadrants.
We can provide the relative importance to each factor by assigning relative weights. Weighted SWOT analysis process is a three stage process –
First stage for doing weighted SWOT analysis of the case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version is to rank the strengths and weaknesses of the organization. This will help you to assess the most important strengths and weaknesses of the firm and which one of the strengths and weaknesses mentioned in the initial lists are marginal and can be left out.
Second stage for conducting weighted SWOT analysis of the Harvard case study BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version is to give probabilities to the external strategic factors thus better understanding the opportunities and threats arising out of macro environment changes and developments.
Third stage of constructing weighted SWOT analysis of BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division, Spanish Version is to provide strategic recommendations includes – joining likelihood of external strategic factors such as opportunities and threats to the internal strategic factors – strengths and weaknesses. You should start with external factors as they will provide the direction of the overall industry. Secondly by joining probabilities with internal strategic factors can help the company not only strategic fit but also the most probably strategic trade-off that Boldflash Cahill needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.
