×




Learning by the Case Method SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution

Case Study Description of Learning by the Case Method


Helps students fully capitalize on the case method. Succinctly introduces the benefits, format, and process while offering lots of "how-to" advice. Widely used as an introductory handout for executive, MBA, and undergraduate courses. Describes how case discussion enables the exchange of managerial experience and knowledge. Emphasizes the need to identify the real issues and do rigorous analysis in the course of reaching a management decision and that there is typically more than one "right" answer.

Authors :: John S. Hammond

Topics :: Organizational Development

Tags :: , SWOT Analysis, SWOT Matrix, TOWS, Weighted SWOT Analysis

Swot Analysis of "Learning by the Case Method" written by John S. Hammond includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Method Succinctly facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Learning by the Case Method case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, and Organizational Development.


Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Learning by the Case Method casestudy better are - – digital marketing is dominated by two big players Facebook and Google, geopolitical disruptions, increasing energy prices, there is increasing trade war between United States & China, technology disruption, there is backlash against globalization, increasing transportation and logistics costs, increasing government debt because of Covid-19 spendings, increasing commodity prices, etc



12 Hrs

$59.99
per Page
  • 100% Plagiarism Free
  • On Time Delivery | 27x7
  • PayPal Secure
  • 300 Words / Page
  • Buy Now

24 Hrs

$49.99
per Page
  • 100% Plagiarism Free
  • On Time Delivery | 27x7
  • PayPal Secure
  • 300 Words / Page
  • Buy Now

48 Hrs

$39.99
per Page
  • 100% Plagiarism Free
  • On Time Delivery | 27x7
  • PayPal Secure
  • 300 Words / Page
  • Buy Now







Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Learning by the Case Method


SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Learning by the Case Method case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Method Succinctly, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Method Succinctly 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 Learning by the Case Method can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Learning by the Case Method case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Method Succinctly
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 Method Succinctly




Strengths Learning by the Case Method | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The strengths of Method Succinctly in Learning by the Case Method Harvard Business Review case study are -

Analytics focus

– Method Succinctly 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 John S. Hammond 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.

High switching costs

– The high switching costs that Method Succinctly 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.

Sustainable margins compare to other players in Organizational Development industry

– Learning by the Case Method firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Method Succinctly to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Organizational Development industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Method Succinctly to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.

Diverse revenue streams

– Method Succinctly is present in almost all the verticals within the industry. This has provided firm in Learning by the Case Method case study a diverse revenue stream that has helped it to survive disruptions such as global pandemic in Covid-19, financial disruption of 2008, and supply chain disruption of 2021.

Effective Research and Development (R&D)

– Method Succinctly 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 Learning by the Case Method - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.

Innovation driven organization

– Method Succinctly is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in Learning by the Case Method Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.

Strong track record of project management

– Method Succinctly is known for sticking to its project targets. This enables the firm to manage – time, project costs, and have sustainable margins on the projects.

Superior customer experience

– The customer experience strategy of Method Succinctly in the segment is based on four key concepts – personalization, simplification of complex needs, prompt response, and continuous engagement.

Ability to recruit top talent

– Method Succinctly is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the Learning by the Case Method are in a position to attract the best talent available. The firm has a robust talent identification program that helps in identifying the brightest.

Successful track record of launching new products

– Method Succinctly has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Method Succinctly has effective processes in place that helps in exploring new product needs, doing quick pilot testing, and then launching the products quickly using its extensive distribution network.

Cross disciplinary teams

– Horizontal connected teams at the Method Succinctly 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.

Learning organization

- Method Succinctly 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 Method Succinctly is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Learning by the Case Method Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.






Weaknesses Learning by the Case Method | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The weaknesses of Learning by the Case Method are -

High dependence on existing supply chain

– The disruption in the global supply chains because of the Covid-19 pandemic and blockage of the Suez Canal illustrated the fragile nature of Method Succinctly supply chain. Even after few cautionary changes mentioned in the HBR case study - Learning by the Case Method, it is still heavily dependent upon the existing supply chain. The existing supply chain though brings in cost efficiencies but it has left Method Succinctly vulnerable to further global disruptions in South East Asia.

Low market penetration in new markets

– Outside its home market of Method Succinctly, firm in the HBR case study Learning by the Case Method needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.

Products dominated business model

– Even though Method Succinctly 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 - Learning by the Case Method should strive to include more intangible value offerings along with its core products and services.

Aligning sales with marketing

– It come across in the case study Learning by the Case Method that the firm needs to have more collaboration between its sales team and marketing team. Sales professionals in the industry have deep experience in developing customer relationships. Marketing department in the case Learning by the Case Method can leverage the sales team experience to cultivate customer relationships as Method Succinctly is planning to shift buying processes online.

High operating costs

– Compare to the competitors, firm in the HBR case study Learning by the Case Method has high operating costs in the. This can be harder to sustain given the new emerging competition from nimble players who are using technology to attract Method Succinctly 's lucrative customers.

Compensation and incentives

– The revenue per employee as mentioned in the HBR case study Learning by the Case Method, is just above the industry average. Method Succinctly needs to redesign the compensation structure and incentives to increase the revenue per employees. Some of the steps that it can take are – hiring more specialists on project basis, etc.

Employees’ incomplete understanding of strategy

– From the instances in the HBR case study Learning by the Case Method, it seems that the employees of Method Succinctly don’t have comprehensive understanding of the firm’s strategy. This is reflected in number of promotional campaigns over the last few years that had mixed messaging and competing priorities. Some of the strategic activities and services promoted in the promotional campaigns were not consistent with the organization’s strategy.

Slow decision making process

– As mentioned earlier in the report, Method Succinctly 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. Method Succinctly 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.

Increasing silos among functional specialists

– The organizational structure of Method Succinctly is dominated by functional specialists. It is not different from other players in the Organizational Development segment. Method Succinctly needs to de-silo the office environment to harness the true potential of its workforce. Secondly the de-silo will also help Method Succinctly to focus more on services rather than just following the product oriented approach.

Ability to respond to the competition

– As the decision making is very deliberative, highlighted in the case study Learning by the Case Method, in the dynamic environment Method Succinctly has struggled to respond to the nimble upstart competition. Method Succinctly 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 Method Succinctly 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.




Opportunities Learning by the Case Method | 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 Learning by the Case Method are -

Developing new processes and practices

– Method Succinctly 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.

Learning at scale

– Online learning technologies has now opened space for Method Succinctly to conduct training and development for its employees across the world. This will result in not only reducing the cost of training but also help employees in different part of the world to integrate with the headquarter work culture, ethos, and standards.

Creating value in data economy

– The success of analytics program of Method Succinctly has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Method Succinctly to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the Learning by the Case Method case study. Method Succinctly can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, etc.

Increase in government spending

– As the United States and other governments are increasing social spending and infrastructure spending to build economies post Covid-19, Method Succinctly can use these opportunities to build new business models that can help the communities that Method Succinctly operates in. Secondly it can use opportunities from government spending in Organizational Development sector.

Reforming the budgeting process

- By establishing new metrics that will be used to evaluate both existing and potential projects Method Succinctly can not only reduce the costs of the project but also help it in integrating the projects with other processes within the organization.

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. Method Succinctly can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.

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. Method Succinctly 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. Method Succinctly 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.

Buying journey improvements

– Method Succinctly can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. Learning by the Case Method 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.

Low interest rates

– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Method Succinctly 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.

Using analytics as competitive advantage

– Method Succinctly 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 Learning by the Case Method - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Method Succinctly to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.

Loyalty marketing

– Method Succinctly has focused on building a highly responsive customer relationship management platform. This platform is built on in-house data and driven by analytics and artificial intelligence. The customer analytics can help the organization to fine tune its loyalty marketing efforts, increase the wallet share of the organization, reduce wastage on mainstream advertising spending, build better pricing strategies using personalization, etc.

Redefining models of collaboration and team work

– As explained in the weaknesses section, Method Succinctly is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Learning by the Case Method 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.

Building a culture of innovation

– managers at Method Succinctly 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.




Threats Learning by the Case Method External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis


The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Learning by the Case Method are -

Barriers of entry lowering

– As technology is more democratized, the barriers to entry in the industry are lowering. It can presents Method Succinctly with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.

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.

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 Method Succinctly business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.

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. Method Succinctly can utilize it by borrowing at lower rates and invest it into research and development, capital expenditure to fortify its core competitive advantage.

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 Method Succinctly.

Environmental challenges

– Method Succinctly needs to have a robust strategy against the disruptions arising from climate change and energy requirements. EU has identified it as key priority area and spending 30% of its 880 billion Euros European post Covid-19 recovery funds on green technology. Method Succinctly can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Organizational Development industry.

Regulatory challenges

– Method Succinctly needs to prepare for regulatory challenges as consumer protection groups and other pressure groups are vigorously advocating for more regulations on big business - to reduce inequality, to create a level playing field, to product data privacy and consumer privacy, to reduce the influence of big money on democratic institutions, etc. This can lead to significant changes in the Organizational Development industry regulations.

Shortening product life cycle

– it is one of the major threat that Method Succinctly is facing in Organizational Development sector. It can lead to higher research and development costs, higher marketing expenses, lower customer loyalty, etc.

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. Method Succinctly needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Organizational Development industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.

New competition

– After the dotcom bust of 2001, financial crisis of 2008-09, the business formation in US economy had declined. But in 2020 alone, there are more than 1.5 million new business applications in United States. This can lead to greater competition for Method Succinctly in the Organizational Development sector and impact the bottomline of the organization.

Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins

– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Method Succinctly 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 Learning by the Case Method .

Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution

– Method Succinctly has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Organizational Development industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Method Succinctly 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.

Stagnating economy with rate increase

– Method Succinctly 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.




Weighted SWOT Analysis of Learning by the Case Method 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 Learning by the Case Method 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 Learning by the Case Method 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 Learning by the Case Method 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 Learning by the Case Method 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 Method Succinctly needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.



--- ---

The Great East Japan Earthquake (C): Ishinomaki Kouwan Hospital's Response SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Hirotaka Takeuchi, Yukiko Sakai, Rebecca Agonafir, Peter Cholewinski , Strategy & Execution


Philips-Visicu SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Regina E. Herzlinger, Natalie Kindred, Sara M McKinley , Strategy & Execution


Alcatel Access Systems Division (C): The Virtual Company - ADSL SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Rudi Bogaert, Paul Verdin, Arnoud De Meyer , Sales & Marketing


Volkswagen Navarra, 8th Collective Agreement (D) SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Guido Stein Martinez, Carlos Escobar, Marta Cuadrado, Jose Ramon Pin Arboledas , Leadership & Managing People


HCL Technologies: Pushing the Billion-Dollar Website SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Apurva Chamaria, Gaurav Kakkar, Srividya Raghavan , Sales & Marketing


Lake Erie Paper SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Peter C. Bell, Jing Chen , Technology & Operations


The TELUS Share Conversion Proposal SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Lucy White, Benjamin C. Esty, Lisa Mazzanti , Finance & Accounting