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John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution

Case Study Description of John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link


Describes the improvement of manufacturing performance in a job shop through the application of a variety of techniques such as group technology, manufacturing cells, and CAD-CAM. As well as exploring the limitations and merits of these methods, the case explores the conflict between computer-integration and shop-floor autonomy. The teaching objectives are to provide an understanding of computer techniques available in modern small-batch manufacture, sources of manufacturing improvement, and the implementation of computer-integrated manufacturing.

Authors :: David M. Upton

Topics :: Technology & Operations

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

Swot Analysis of "John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link" written by David M. Upton includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Cam Cad facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Manufacturing and Technology & Operations.


Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link casestudy better are - – increasing household debt because of falling income levels, increasing commodity prices, there is backlash against globalization, supply chains are disrupted by pandemic , challanges to central banks by blockchain based private currencies, geopolitical disruptions, central banks are concerned over increasing inflation, increasing inequality as vast percentage of new income is going to the top 1%, there is increasing trade war between United States & China, etc



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Introduction to SWOT Analysis of John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link


SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Cam Cad, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Cam Cad 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 John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Cam Cad
3. Assessing feasibility of the new initiative in Technology & Operations field.
4. Making a Technology & Operations topic specific business decision
5. Set goals for the organization
6. Organizational restructuring of Cam Cad




Strengths John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The strengths of Cam Cad in John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link Harvard Business Review case study are -

Training and development

– Cam Cad has one of the best training and development program in the industry. The effectiveness of the training programs can be measured in John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link 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.

Ability to lead change in Technology & Operations field

– Cam Cad 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 Cam Cad in – penetrating new markets, reaching out to new customers, and providing different value propositions to different customers in the international markets.

Cross disciplinary teams

– Horizontal connected teams at the Cam Cad 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.

High brand equity

– Cam Cad has strong brand awareness and brand recognition among both - the exiting customers and potential new customers. Strong brand equity has enabled Cam Cad to keep acquiring new customers and building profitable relationship with both the new and loyal customers.

Superior customer experience

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

Effective Research and Development (R&D)

– Cam Cad 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 John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.

High switching costs

– The high switching costs that Cam Cad 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 Technology & Operations segment

- digital transformation varies from industry to industry. For Cam Cad digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Cam Cad has successfully integrated the four key components of digital transformation – digital integration in processes, digital integration in marketing and customer relationship management, digital integration into the value chain, and using technology to explore new products and market opportunities.

Ability to recruit top talent

– Cam Cad is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link are in a position to attract the best talent available. The firm has a robust talent identification program that helps in identifying the brightest.

Learning organization

- Cam Cad 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 Cam Cad is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.

Diverse revenue streams

– Cam Cad is present in almost all the verticals within the industry. This has provided firm in John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link 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.

Operational resilience

– The operational resilience strategy in the John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link 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.






Weaknesses John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The weaknesses of John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link are -

Increasing silos among functional specialists

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

Slow to strategic competitive environment developments

– As John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link HBR case study mentions - Cam Cad 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.

Compensation and incentives

– The revenue per employee as mentioned in the HBR case study John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link, is just above the industry average. Cam Cad 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.

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 Cam Cad supply chain. Even after few cautionary changes mentioned in the HBR case study - John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link, it is still heavily dependent upon the existing supply chain. The existing supply chain though brings in cost efficiencies but it has left Cam Cad vulnerable to further global disruptions in South East Asia.

Lack of clear differentiation of Cam Cad products

– To increase the profitability and margins on the products, Cam Cad needs to provide more differentiated products than what it is currently offering in the marketplace.

Need for greater diversity

– Cam Cad 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.

High bargaining power of channel partners

– Because of the regulatory requirements, David M. Upton suggests that, Cam Cad 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.

High dependence on star products

– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link 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 Cam Cad has relatively successful track record of launching new products.

Ability to respond to the competition

– As the decision making is very deliberative, highlighted in the case study John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link, in the dynamic environment Cam Cad has struggled to respond to the nimble upstart competition. Cam Cad has reasonably good record with similar level competitors but it has struggled with new entrants taking away niches of its business.

Workers concerns about automation

– As automation is fast increasing in the segment, Cam Cad needs to come up with a strategy to reduce the workers concern regarding automation. Without a clear strategy, it could lead to disruption and uncertainty within the organization.

Employees’ incomplete understanding of strategy

– From the instances in the HBR case study John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link, it seems that the employees of Cam Cad 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.




Opportunities John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link | 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 John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link are -

Developing new processes and practices

– Cam Cad can develop new processes and procedures in Technology & Operations 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.

Low interest rates

– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Cam Cad 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.

Increase in government spending

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

Building a culture of innovation

– managers at Cam Cad 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 Technology & Operations segment.

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. Cam Cad can explore opportunities that can attract volunteers and are consistent with its mission and vision.

Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains

– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Cam Cad 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, John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link, to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.

Learning at scale

– Online learning technologies has now opened space for Cam Cad 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.

Finding new ways to collaborate

– Covid-19 has not only transformed business models of companies in Technology & Operations industry, but it has also influenced the consumer preferences. Cam Cad can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.

Better consumer reach

– The expansion of the 5G network will help Cam Cad to increase its market reach. Cam Cad 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.

Leveraging digital technologies

– Cam Cad 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.

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 Cam Cad in the consumer business. Now Cam Cad can target international markets with far fewer capital restrictions requirements than the existing system.

Changes in consumer behavior post Covid-19

– Consumer behavior has changed in the Technology & Operations industry because of Covid-19 restrictions. Some of this behavior will stay once things get back to normal. Cam Cad 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. Cam Cad 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.

Creating value in data economy

– The success of analytics program of Cam Cad has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Cam Cad to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link case study. Cam Cad can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, etc.




Threats John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis


The threats mentioned in the HBR case study John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link are -

Regulatory challenges

– Cam Cad 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 Technology & Operations industry regulations.

High dependence on third party suppliers

– Cam Cad 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.

Consumer confidence and its impact on Cam Cad 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.

Trade war between China and United States

– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Cam Cad in the Technology & Operations industry. The Technology & Operations 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.

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 Cam Cad business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.

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.

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. Cam Cad 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.

Increasing wage structure of Cam Cad

– 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 Cam Cad.

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 Cam Cad.

Aging population

– As the populations of most advanced economies are aging, it will lead to high social security costs, higher savings among population, and lower demand for goods and services in the economy. The household savings in US, France, UK, Germany, and Japan are growing faster than predicted because of uncertainty caused by pandemic.

Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins

– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Cam Cad 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 John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link .

Environmental challenges

– Cam Cad 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. Cam Cad can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Technology & Operations industry.

Barriers of entry lowering

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




Weighted SWOT Analysis of John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link 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 John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link 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 John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link 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 John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link 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 John Crane UK Ltd.: The CAD-CAM Link 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 Cam Cad needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.



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