Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
Technology & Operations
Strategy / MBA Resources
Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution
Case Study Description of Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation
In October 2008, the University of Hong Kong's Libraries ("HKU Libraries") successfully launched an initiative to introduce radio-frequency identification ("RFID") into its Main Library. Through the RFID initiative, HKU Libraries intended to pursue effective management of the public and private resources bestowed upon the institution. In 2008, the libraries served a total of 102,676 registered borrowers and had collected a total of 2.65 million items. Managing such a large number of resources was always an issue for HKU Libraries' management team. Deputy Librarian Peter Sidorko saw the promise of RFID technology in helping him to serve the libraries and their users better. After reviewing the possible use of RFID, HKU Libraries chose the Main Library, one of seven branches, as the first location for launching the RFID initiative. The 2008 launch was the first phase in the RFID implementation scheme. Although initial RFID usage information had not been compiled, Sidorko had to decide what the next step of this initiative should be. What should Sidorko consider when implementing future RFID strategies?
Swot Analysis of "Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation" written by Benjamin Yen, Boby Shiu includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Rfid Libraries facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Innovation, IT, Project management, Supply chain and Technology & Operations.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation casestudy better are - – customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, increasing commodity prices, talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs, geopolitical disruptions, increasing household debt because of falling income levels, banking and financial system is disrupted by Bitcoin and other crypto currencies, wage bills are increasing,
increasing government debt because of Covid-19 spendings, technology disruption, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Rfid Libraries, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Rfid Libraries 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 Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Rfid Libraries
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 Rfid Libraries
Strengths Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Rfid Libraries in Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation Harvard Business Review case study are -
Digital Transformation in Technology & Operations segment
- digital transformation varies from industry to industry. For Rfid Libraries digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Rfid Libraries 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.
Effective Research and Development (R&D)
– Rfid Libraries 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 Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.
Strong track record of project management
– Rfid Libraries is known for sticking to its project targets. This enables the firm to manage – time, project costs, and have sustainable margins on the projects.
Organizational Resilience of Rfid Libraries
– The covid-19 pandemic has put organizational resilience at the centre of everthing that Rfid Libraries does. Organizational resilience comprises - Financial Resilience, Operational Resilience, Technological Resilience, Organizational Resilience, Business Model Resilience, and Reputation Resilience.
Highly skilled collaborators
– Rfid Libraries 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 Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation HBR case study have helped the firm to develop new products and bring them quickly to the marketplace.
Analytics focus
– Rfid Libraries 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 Benjamin Yen, Boby Shiu 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.
Diverse revenue streams
– Rfid Libraries is present in almost all the verticals within the industry. This has provided firm in Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation 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.
Superior customer experience
– The customer experience strategy of Rfid Libraries in the segment is based on four key concepts – personalization, simplification of complex needs, prompt response, and continuous engagement.
Learning organization
- Rfid Libraries 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 Rfid Libraries is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.
Ability to lead change in Technology & Operations field
– Rfid Libraries 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 Rfid Libraries in – penetrating new markets, reaching out to new customers, and providing different value propositions to different customers in the international markets.
Operational resilience
– The operational resilience strategy in the Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation 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.
Successful track record of launching new products
– Rfid Libraries has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Rfid Libraries 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.
Weaknesses Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation are -
Products dominated business model
– Even though Rfid Libraries 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 - Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation should strive to include more intangible value offerings along with its core products and services.
No frontier risks strategy
– After analyzing the HBR case study Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation, it seems that company is thinking about the frontier risks that can impact Technology & Operations 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.
Workers concerns about automation
– As automation is fast increasing in the segment, Rfid Libraries 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.
Skills based hiring
– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Rfid Libraries 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.
Aligning sales with marketing
– It come across in the case study Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation 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 Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation can leverage the sales team experience to cultivate customer relationships as Rfid Libraries is planning to shift buying processes online.
Ability to respond to the competition
– As the decision making is very deliberative, highlighted in the case study Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation, in the dynamic environment Rfid Libraries has struggled to respond to the nimble upstart competition. Rfid Libraries has reasonably good record with similar level competitors but it has struggled with new entrants taking away niches of its business.
Slow to harness new channels of communication
– Even though competitors are using new communication channels such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Snap, Rfid Libraries is slow explore the new channels of communication. These new channels of communication mentioned in marketing section of case study Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation can help to provide better information regarding products and services. It can also build an online community to further reach out to potential customers.
Low market penetration in new markets
– Outside its home market of Rfid Libraries, firm in the HBR case study Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.
High cash cycle compare to competitors
Rfid Libraries has a high cash cycle compare to other players in the industry. It needs to shorten the cash cycle by 12% to be more competitive in the marketplace, reduce inventory costs, and be more profitable.
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 Rfid Libraries supply chain. Even after few cautionary changes mentioned in the HBR case study - Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation, it is still heavily dependent upon the existing supply chain. The existing supply chain though brings in cost efficiencies but it has left Rfid Libraries vulnerable to further global disruptions in South East Asia.
Increasing silos among functional specialists
– The organizational structure of Rfid Libraries is dominated by functional specialists. It is not different from other players in the Technology & Operations segment. Rfid Libraries needs to de-silo the office environment to harness the true potential of its workforce. Secondly the de-silo will also help Rfid Libraries to focus more on services rather than just following the product oriented approach.
Opportunities Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation | 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 Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation are -
Manufacturing automation
– Rfid Libraries can use the latest technology developments to improve its manufacturing and designing process in Technology & Operations 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.
Using analytics as competitive advantage
– Rfid Libraries 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 Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Rfid Libraries to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.
Low interest rates
– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Rfid Libraries 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.
Learning at scale
– Online learning technologies has now opened space for Rfid Libraries 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.
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. Rfid Libraries can explore opportunities that can attract volunteers and are consistent with its mission and vision.
Redefining models of collaboration and team work
– As explained in the weaknesses section, Rfid Libraries is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation 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.
Better consumer reach
– The expansion of the 5G network will help Rfid Libraries to increase its market reach. Rfid Libraries 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.
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 Rfid Libraries in the consumer business. Now Rfid Libraries 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. Rfid Libraries 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. Rfid Libraries 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.
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 Rfid Libraries 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.
Remote work and new talent hiring opportunities
– The widespread usage of remote working technologies during Covid-19 has opened opportunities for Rfid Libraries 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 Rfid Libraries to hire the very best people irrespective of their geographical location.
Developing new processes and practices
– Rfid Libraries 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.
Buying journey improvements
– Rfid Libraries can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation 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 Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation are -
Learning curve for new practices
– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation, Rfid Libraries may face longer learning curve for training and development of existing employees. This can open space for more nimble competitors in the field of Technology & Operations .
Stagnating economy with rate increase
– Rfid Libraries 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.
Consumer confidence and its impact on Rfid Libraries 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.
High dependence on third party suppliers
– Rfid Libraries 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.
Barriers of entry lowering
– As technology is more democratized, the barriers to entry in the industry are lowering. It can presents Rfid Libraries with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.
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.
Environmental challenges
– Rfid Libraries 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. Rfid Libraries can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Technology & Operations industry.
Regulatory challenges
– Rfid Libraries 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.
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 Rfid Libraries business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.
Increasing wage structure of Rfid Libraries
– 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 Rfid Libraries.
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 Rfid Libraries.
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. Rfid Libraries needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Technology & Operations industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.
Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution
– Rfid Libraries has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Technology & Operations industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Rfid Libraries needs to keep up with the evolution of technology in the Technology & Operations 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.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation 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 Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation 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 Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation 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 Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation 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 Making RFID Work: The World's Largest University Library RFID Implementation 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 Rfid Libraries needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.
