Case Study Description of Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals
Wendy Lull, President of the non-profit Seacoast Science Center (SSC), was considering a substantial increase in the admission fee for the SSC facility in early 2008. The SSC's mission, "To create connections to nature through personal experience," was carried out through educational programs and exhibits targeting all ages. A number of new exhibits brought the flora and fauna of the seacoast of New Hampshire vividly to life, and illustrated many aspects of humans' interactions with the sea. Lull reviewed the changes since the SSC had become independent in 2001. There had been two major expansions, the most recent being an interactive learning studio that had opened in November 2007. She felt that the fee increase would help to cover a persistent $50,000 deficit in operating income. However, a fee increase might reduce visitation, which was already growing slowly, at best. A more fundamental strategic question might be whether the SSC should seek to grow, and if so, how.
Swot Analysis of "Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals" written by Margaret J. Naumes, Wendy W. Lull includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Ssc Seacoast facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Pricing, Strategy and Strategy & Execution.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals casestudy better are - – there is increasing trade war between United States & China, increasing government debt because of Covid-19 spendings, customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, increasing inequality as vast percentage of new income is going to the top 1%, cloud computing is disrupting traditional business models, central banks are concerned over increasing inflation, increasing energy prices,
talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs, banking and financial system is disrupted by Bitcoin and other crypto currencies, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Ssc Seacoast, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Ssc Seacoast 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 Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Ssc Seacoast
3. Assessing feasibility of the new initiative in Strategy & Execution field.
4. Making a Strategy & Execution topic specific business decision
5. Set goals for the organization
6. Organizational restructuring of Ssc Seacoast
Strengths Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Ssc Seacoast in Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals Harvard Business Review case study are -
Superior customer experience
– The customer experience strategy of Ssc Seacoast in the segment is based on four key concepts – personalization, simplification of complex needs, prompt response, and continuous engagement.
Low bargaining power of suppliers
– Suppliers of Ssc Seacoast in the sector have low bargaining power. Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals has further diversified its suppliers portfolio by building a robust supply chain across various countries. This helps Ssc Seacoast to manage not only supply disruptions but also source products at highly competitive prices.
Highly skilled collaborators
– Ssc Seacoast 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 Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals HBR case study have helped the firm to develop new products and bring them quickly to the marketplace.
Strong track record of project management
– Ssc Seacoast is known for sticking to its project targets. This enables the firm to manage – time, project costs, and have sustainable margins on the projects.
Successful track record of launching new products
– Ssc Seacoast has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Ssc Seacoast 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.
Training and development
– Ssc Seacoast has one of the best training and development program in the industry. The effectiveness of the training programs can be measured in Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals Harvard Business Review case study by analyzing – employees retention, in-house promotion, loyalty, new venture initiation, lack of conflict, and high level of both employees and customer engagement.
Effective Research and Development (R&D)
– Ssc Seacoast 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 Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.
Learning organization
- Ssc Seacoast 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 Ssc Seacoast is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.
High brand equity
– Ssc Seacoast has strong brand awareness and brand recognition among both - the exiting customers and potential new customers. Strong brand equity has enabled Ssc Seacoast to keep acquiring new customers and building profitable relationship with both the new and loyal customers.
Diverse revenue streams
– Ssc Seacoast is present in almost all the verticals within the industry. This has provided firm in Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals 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.
Innovation driven organization
– Ssc Seacoast is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.
Digital Transformation in Strategy & Execution segment
- digital transformation varies from industry to industry. For Ssc Seacoast digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Ssc Seacoast 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.
Weaknesses Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals are -
Slow to strategic competitive environment developments
– As Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals HBR case study mentions - Ssc Seacoast 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.
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 Ssc Seacoast supply chain. Even after few cautionary changes mentioned in the HBR case study - Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals, it is still heavily dependent upon the existing supply chain. The existing supply chain though brings in cost efficiencies but it has left Ssc Seacoast vulnerable to further global disruptions in South East Asia.
High bargaining power of channel partners
– Because of the regulatory requirements, Margaret J. Naumes, Wendy W. Lull suggests that, Ssc Seacoast is facing high bargaining power of the channel partners. So far it has not able to streamline the operations to reduce the bargaining power of the value chain partners in the industry.
Interest costs
– Compare to the competition, Ssc Seacoast 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.
Compensation and incentives
– The revenue per employee as mentioned in the HBR case study Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals, is just above the industry average. Ssc Seacoast 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.
Slow decision making process
– As mentioned earlier in the report, Ssc Seacoast 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. Ssc Seacoast 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.
Slow to harness new channels of communication
– Even though competitors are using new communication channels such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Snap, Ssc Seacoast is slow explore the new channels of communication. These new channels of communication mentioned in marketing section of case study Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals can help to provide better information regarding products and services. It can also build an online community to further reach out to potential customers.
Need for greater diversity
– Ssc Seacoast 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.
Skills based hiring
– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Ssc Seacoast 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.
High dependence on star products
– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals 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 Ssc Seacoast has relatively successful track record of launching new products.
High operating costs
– Compare to the competitors, firm in the HBR case study Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals 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 Ssc Seacoast 's lucrative customers.
Opportunities Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals | 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 Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals are -
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 Ssc Seacoast in the consumer business. Now Ssc Seacoast can target international markets with far fewer capital restrictions requirements than the existing system.
Leveraging digital technologies
– Ssc Seacoast 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.
Lowering marketing communication costs
– 5G expansion will open new opportunities for Ssc Seacoast in the field of marketing communication. It will bring down the cost of doing business, provide technology platform to build new products in the Strategy & Execution segment, and it will provide faster access to the consumers.
Creating value in data economy
– The success of analytics program of Ssc Seacoast has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Ssc Seacoast to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals case study. Ssc Seacoast can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, etc.
Manufacturing automation
– Ssc Seacoast can use the latest technology developments to improve its manufacturing and designing process in Strategy & Execution 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.
Identify volunteer opportunities
– Covid-19 has impacted working population in two ways – it has led to people soul searching about their professional choices, resulting in mass resignation. Secondly it has encouraged people to do things that they are passionate about. This has opened opportunities for businesses to build volunteer oriented socially driven projects. Ssc Seacoast can explore opportunities that can attract volunteers and are consistent with its mission and vision.
Low interest rates
– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Ssc Seacoast 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.
Finding new ways to collaborate
– Covid-19 has not only transformed business models of companies in Strategy & Execution industry, but it has also influenced the consumer preferences. Ssc Seacoast 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, Ssc Seacoast is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals 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.
Developing new processes and practices
– Ssc Seacoast can develop new processes and procedures in Strategy & Execution 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.
Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains
– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Ssc Seacoast 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, Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals, to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.
Changes in consumer behavior post Covid-19
– Consumer behavior has changed in the Strategy & Execution industry because of Covid-19 restrictions. Some of this behavior will stay once things get back to normal. Ssc Seacoast 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. Ssc Seacoast 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.
Using analytics as competitive advantage
– Ssc Seacoast 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 Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Ssc Seacoast to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.
Threats Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals are -
Environmental challenges
– Ssc Seacoast 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. Ssc Seacoast can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Strategy & Execution industry.
Easy access to finance
– Easy access to finance in Strategy & Execution field will also reduce the barriers to entry in the industry, thus putting downward pressure on the prices because of increasing competition. Ssc Seacoast can utilize it by borrowing at lower rates and invest it into research and development, capital expenditure to fortify its core competitive advantage.
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.
Increasing wage structure of Ssc Seacoast
– 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 Ssc Seacoast.
Trade war between China and United States
– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Ssc Seacoast in the Strategy & Execution industry. The Strategy & Execution 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.
Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution
– Ssc Seacoast has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Strategy & Execution industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Ssc Seacoast needs to keep up with the evolution of technology in the Strategy & Execution 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.
Shortening product life cycle
– it is one of the major threat that Ssc Seacoast is facing in Strategy & Execution sector. It can lead to higher research and development costs, higher marketing expenses, lower customer loyalty, etc.
Stagnating economy with rate increase
– Ssc Seacoast 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.
Barriers of entry lowering
– As technology is more democratized, the barriers to entry in the industry are lowering. It can presents Ssc Seacoast with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.
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. Ssc Seacoast needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Strategy & Execution industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.
High dependence on third party suppliers
– Ssc Seacoast 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.
Instability in the European markets
– European Union markets are facing three big challenges post Covid – expanded balance sheets, Brexit related business disruption, and aggressive Russia looking to distract the existing security mechanism. Ssc Seacoast will face different problems in different parts of Europe. For example it will face inflationary pressures in UK, France, and Germany, balance sheet expansion and demand challenges in Southern European countries, and geopolitical instability in the Eastern Europe.
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 Ssc Seacoast.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals 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 Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals 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 Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals 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 Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals 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 Seacoast Science Center: Sailing the Shoals 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 Ssc Seacoast needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.
