Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
Strategy & Execution
Strategy / MBA Resources
Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution
Case Study Description of Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology
Focuses on the convergence between the genomics and semiconductor industries, in particular organ printing, DNA computing, biomolecular sensory networks, and DNA microarrays. Explains what this newly converged world looks like based on current research and findings in biotechnology and high technology, evaluating two areas in particular: organ printing and biomolecular computing. Also lays out the business model and underlying economics; evaluates the industry and competition; identifies technical, business, or regulatory challenges; and discusses the impact on the future. Considers business opportunities that arose from other major areas of convergence.
Authors :: David B. Yoffie, Dharmesh M. Mehta, Rachel T. Sha
Swot Analysis of "Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology" written by David B. Yoffie, Dharmesh M. Mehta, Rachel T. Sha includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Biomolecular Convergence facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Disruptive innovation and Strategy & Execution.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology casestudy better are - – talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs, increasing inequality as vast percentage of new income is going to the top 1%, wage bills are increasing, competitive advantages are harder to sustain because of technology dispersion, increasing commodity prices, banking and financial system is disrupted by Bitcoin and other crypto currencies, increasing household debt because of falling income levels,
digital marketing is dominated by two big players Facebook and Google, cloud computing is disrupting traditional business models, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Biomolecular Convergence, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Biomolecular Convergence 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 Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Biomolecular Convergence
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 Biomolecular Convergence
Strengths Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Biomolecular Convergence in Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology Harvard Business Review case study are -
Successful track record of launching new products
– Biomolecular Convergence has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Analytics focus
– Biomolecular Convergence 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 David B. Yoffie, Dharmesh M. Mehta, Rachel T. Sha 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.
Superior customer experience
– The customer experience strategy of Biomolecular Convergence in the segment is based on four key concepts – personalization, simplification of complex needs, prompt response, and continuous engagement.
Cross disciplinary teams
– Horizontal connected teams at the Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Sustainable margins compare to other players in Strategy & Execution industry
– Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Biomolecular Convergence to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Strategy & Execution industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Biomolecular Convergence to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.
Effective Research and Development (R&D)
– Biomolecular Convergence 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 Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.
Digital Transformation in Strategy & Execution segment
- digital transformation varies from industry to industry. For Biomolecular Convergence digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Operational resilience
– The operational resilience strategy in the Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology Harvard Business Review case study comprises – understanding the underlying the factors in the industry, building diversified operations across different geographies so that disruption in one part of the world doesn’t impact the overall performance of the firm, and integrating the various business operations and processes through its digital transformation drive.
Ability to lead change in Strategy & Execution field
– Biomolecular Convergence is one of the leading players in its industry. Over the years it has not only transformed the business landscape in its segment but also across the whole industry. The ability to lead change has enabled Biomolecular Convergence in – penetrating new markets, reaching out to new customers, and providing different value propositions to different customers in the international markets.
Learning organization
- Biomolecular Convergence 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 Biomolecular Convergence is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.
Ability to recruit top talent
– Biomolecular Convergence is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology are in a position to attract the best talent available. The firm has a robust talent identification program that helps in identifying the brightest.
High switching costs
– The high switching costs that Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Weaknesses Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology are -
High bargaining power of channel partners
– Because of the regulatory requirements, David B. Yoffie, Dharmesh M. Mehta, Rachel T. Sha suggests that, Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Aligning sales with marketing
– It come across in the case study Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology 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 Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology can leverage the sales team experience to cultivate customer relationships as Biomolecular Convergence is planning to shift buying processes online.
Compensation and incentives
– The revenue per employee as mentioned in the HBR case study Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology, is just above the industry average. Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Increasing silos among functional specialists
– The organizational structure of Biomolecular Convergence is dominated by functional specialists. It is not different from other players in the Strategy & Execution segment. Biomolecular Convergence needs to de-silo the office environment to harness the true potential of its workforce. Secondly the de-silo will also help Biomolecular Convergence to focus more on services rather than just following the product oriented approach.
Low market penetration in new markets
– Outside its home market of Biomolecular Convergence, firm in the HBR case study Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.
No frontier risks strategy
– After analyzing the HBR case study Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology, it seems that company is thinking about the frontier risks that can impact Strategy & Execution 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.
Employees’ incomplete understanding of strategy
– From the instances in the HBR case study Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology, it seems that the employees of Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Ability to respond to the competition
– As the decision making is very deliberative, highlighted in the case study Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology, in the dynamic environment Biomolecular Convergence has struggled to respond to the nimble upstart competition. Biomolecular Convergence has reasonably good record with similar level competitors but it has struggled with new entrants taking away niches of its business.
High dependence on star products
– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology 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 Biomolecular Convergence has relatively successful track record of launching new products.
Lack of clear differentiation of Biomolecular Convergence products
– To increase the profitability and margins on the products, Biomolecular Convergence needs to provide more differentiated products than what it is currently offering in the marketplace.
Slow to strategic competitive environment developments
– As Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology HBR case study mentions - Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Opportunities Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology | 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 Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology are -
Creating value in data economy
– The success of analytics program of Biomolecular Convergence has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Biomolecular Convergence to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology case study. Biomolecular Convergence can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, etc.
Low interest rates
– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Building a culture of innovation
– managers at Biomolecular Convergence 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 Strategy & Execution segment.
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 Biomolecular Convergence 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.
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. Biomolecular Convergence 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. Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains
– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Biomolecular Convergence 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, Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology, to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.
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 Biomolecular Convergence in the consumer business. Now Biomolecular Convergence can target international markets with far fewer capital restrictions requirements than the existing system.
Manufacturing automation
– Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Developing new processes and practices
– Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Lowering marketing communication costs
– 5G expansion will open new opportunities for Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Using analytics as competitive advantage
– Biomolecular Convergence 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 Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Biomolecular Convergence to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.
Better consumer reach
– The expansion of the 5G network will help Biomolecular Convergence to increase its market reach. Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Buying journey improvements
– Biomolecular Convergence can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology 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 Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology are -
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 Biomolecular Convergence.
Learning curve for new practices
– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology, Biomolecular Convergence may face longer learning curve for training and development of existing employees. This can open space for more nimble competitors in the field of Strategy & Execution .
Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins
– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Biomolecular Convergence 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 Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology .
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. Biomolecular Convergence needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Strategy & Execution industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.
Shortening product life cycle
– it is one of the major threat that Biomolecular Convergence 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
– Biomolecular Convergence 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 Biomolecular Convergence with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.
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 Biomolecular Convergence business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.
Regulatory challenges
– Biomolecular Convergence 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 Strategy & Execution industry regulations.
Trade war between China and United States
– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Biomolecular Convergence 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.
High dependence on third party suppliers
– Biomolecular Convergence 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.
Environmental challenges
– Biomolecular Convergence 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. Biomolecular Convergence can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Strategy & Execution industry.
Increasing wage structure of Biomolecular Convergence
– 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 Biomolecular Convergence.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology 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 Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology 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 Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology 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 Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology 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 Note on the Convergence Between Genomics & Information Technology 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 Biomolecular Convergence needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.