Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
Sales & Marketing
Strategy / MBA Resources
Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution
Case Study Description of Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B)
The (B) case updates the readers on the outcome of the situation described in the (A) case. It provides data on the growth of microfinance in the region. It introduces the possibility of tighter regulation on the industry through the passage of a "microfinance" bill.
Swot Analysis of "Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B)" written by V. Kasturi Rangan, Katharine Lee includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Microfinance Bhavani facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Entrepreneurial finance and Sales & Marketing.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) casestudy better are - – wage bills are increasing, increasing household debt because of falling income levels, technology disruption, increasing inequality as vast percentage of new income is going to the top 1%, digital marketing is dominated by two big players Facebook and Google, there is backlash against globalization, talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs,
increasing energy prices, central banks are concerned over increasing inflation, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B)
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Microfinance Bhavani, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Microfinance Bhavani 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 Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Microfinance Bhavani
3. Assessing feasibility of the new initiative in Sales & Marketing field.
4. Making a Sales & Marketing topic specific business decision
5. Set goals for the organization
6. Organizational restructuring of Microfinance Bhavani
Strengths Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Microfinance Bhavani in Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) Harvard Business Review case study are -
Effective Research and Development (R&D)
– Microfinance Bhavani 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 Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) - 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 Microfinance Bhavani
– The covid-19 pandemic has put organizational resilience at the centre of everthing that Microfinance Bhavani does. Organizational resilience comprises - Financial Resilience, Operational Resilience, Technological Resilience, Organizational Resilience, Business Model Resilience, and Reputation Resilience.
High brand equity
– Microfinance Bhavani has strong brand awareness and brand recognition among both - the exiting customers and potential new customers. Strong brand equity has enabled Microfinance Bhavani to keep acquiring new customers and building profitable relationship with both the new and loyal customers.
Diverse revenue streams
– Microfinance Bhavani is present in almost all the verticals within the industry. This has provided firm in Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) 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.
Sustainable margins compare to other players in Sales & Marketing industry
– Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Microfinance Bhavani to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Sales & Marketing industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Microfinance Bhavani to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.
Low bargaining power of suppliers
– Suppliers of Microfinance Bhavani in the sector have low bargaining power. Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) has further diversified its suppliers portfolio by building a robust supply chain across various countries. This helps Microfinance Bhavani to manage not only supply disruptions but also source products at highly competitive prices.
Superior customer experience
– The customer experience strategy of Microfinance Bhavani in the segment is based on four key concepts – personalization, simplification of complex needs, prompt response, and continuous engagement.
Analytics focus
– Microfinance Bhavani 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 V. Kasturi Rangan, Katharine Lee 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.
Innovation driven organization
– Microfinance Bhavani is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.
High switching costs
– The high switching costs that Microfinance Bhavani 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.
Digital Transformation in Sales & Marketing segment
- digital transformation varies from industry to industry. For Microfinance Bhavani digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Microfinance Bhavani 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.
Cross disciplinary teams
– Horizontal connected teams at the Microfinance Bhavani 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.
Weaknesses Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) are -
Slow decision making process
– As mentioned earlier in the report, Microfinance Bhavani 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. Microfinance Bhavani 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
– Microfinance Bhavani 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.
Increasing silos among functional specialists
– The organizational structure of Microfinance Bhavani is dominated by functional specialists. It is not different from other players in the Sales & Marketing segment. Microfinance Bhavani needs to de-silo the office environment to harness the true potential of its workforce. Secondly the de-silo will also help Microfinance Bhavani to focus more on services rather than just following the product oriented approach.
Slow to harness new channels of communication
– Even though competitors are using new communication channels such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Snap, Microfinance Bhavani is slow explore the new channels of communication. These new channels of communication mentioned in marketing section of case study Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) can help to provide better information regarding products and services. It can also build an online community to further reach out to potential customers.
Products dominated business model
– Even though Microfinance Bhavani 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 - Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) should strive to include more intangible value offerings along with its core products and services.
Slow to strategic competitive environment developments
– As Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) HBR case study mentions - Microfinance Bhavani 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.
Skills based hiring
– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Microfinance Bhavani 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.
Interest costs
– Compare to the competition, Microfinance Bhavani has borrowed money from the capital market at higher rates. It needs to restructure the interest payment and costs so that it can compete better and improve profitability.
Lack of clear differentiation of Microfinance Bhavani products
– To increase the profitability and margins on the products, Microfinance Bhavani needs to provide more differentiated products than what it is currently offering in the marketplace.
Aligning sales with marketing
– It come across in the case study Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) 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 Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) can leverage the sales team experience to cultivate customer relationships as Microfinance Bhavani is planning to shift buying processes online.
High dependence on star products
– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) 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 Microfinance Bhavani has relatively successful track record of launching new products.
Opportunities Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) | 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 Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) are -
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 Microfinance Bhavani 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.
Building a culture of innovation
– managers at Microfinance Bhavani 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 Sales & Marketing segment.
Learning at scale
– Online learning technologies has now opened space for Microfinance Bhavani 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.
Use of Bitcoin and other crypto currencies for transactions
– The popularity of Bitcoin and other crypto currencies as asset class and medium of transaction has opened new opportunities for Microfinance Bhavani in the consumer business. Now Microfinance Bhavani can target international markets with far fewer capital restrictions requirements than the existing system.
Buying journey improvements
– Microfinance Bhavani can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) 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.
Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains
– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Microfinance Bhavani can build a diversified supply chain model across various countries in - South East Asia, India, and other parts of the world. This reconfiguration of global supply chain can help, as suggested in case study, Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B), to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.
Finding new ways to collaborate
– Covid-19 has not only transformed business models of companies in Sales & Marketing industry, but it has also influenced the consumer preferences. Microfinance Bhavani can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.
Redefining models of collaboration and team work
– As explained in the weaknesses section, Microfinance Bhavani is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) 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.
Manufacturing automation
– Microfinance Bhavani can use the latest technology developments to improve its manufacturing and designing process in Sales & Marketing 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.
Creating value in data economy
– The success of analytics program of Microfinance Bhavani has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Microfinance Bhavani to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) case study. Microfinance Bhavani can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, etc.
Remote work and new talent hiring opportunities
– The widespread usage of remote working technologies during Covid-19 has opened opportunities for Microfinance Bhavani to expand its talent hiring zone. According to McKinsey Global Institute, 20% of the high end workforce in fields such as finance, information technology, can continously work from remote local post Covid-19. This presents a really great opportunity for Microfinance Bhavani to hire the very best people irrespective of their geographical location.
Better consumer reach
– The expansion of the 5G network will help Microfinance Bhavani to increase its market reach. Microfinance Bhavani 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.
Increase in government spending
– As the United States and other governments are increasing social spending and infrastructure spending to build economies post Covid-19, Microfinance Bhavani can use these opportunities to build new business models that can help the communities that Microfinance Bhavani operates in. Secondly it can use opportunities from government spending in Sales & Marketing sector.
Threats Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) are -
Easy access to finance
– Easy access to finance in Sales & Marketing field will also reduce the barriers to entry in the industry, thus putting downward pressure on the prices because of increasing competition. Microfinance Bhavani can utilize it by borrowing at lower rates and invest it into research and development, capital expenditure to fortify its core competitive advantage.
Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution
– Microfinance Bhavani has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Sales & Marketing industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Microfinance Bhavani needs to keep up with the evolution of technology in the Sales & Marketing 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
– Microfinance Bhavani 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.
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 Microfinance Bhavani.
Consumer confidence and its impact on Microfinance Bhavani 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 Microfinance Bhavani
– 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 Microfinance Bhavani.
Barriers of entry lowering
– As technology is more democratized, the barriers to entry in the industry are lowering. It can presents Microfinance Bhavani with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.
Regulatory challenges
– Microfinance Bhavani 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 Sales & Marketing industry regulations.
Learning curve for new practices
– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B), Microfinance Bhavani may face longer learning curve for training and development of existing employees. This can open space for more nimble competitors in the field of Sales & Marketing .
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 Microfinance Bhavani business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.
Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins
– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Microfinance Bhavani 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 Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) .
Trade war between China and United States
– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Microfinance Bhavani in the Sales & Marketing industry. The Sales & Marketing industry is already at various protected from local competition in China, with the rise of trade war the protection levels may go up. This presents a clear threat of current business model in Chinese market.
Shortening product life cycle
– it is one of the major threat that Microfinance Bhavani is facing in Sales & Marketing sector. It can lead to higher research and development costs, higher marketing expenses, lower customer loyalty, etc.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) 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 Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) 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 Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) 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 Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) 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 Who Killed Bhavani Manjula?--A Story of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh (B) 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 Microfinance Bhavani needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.