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ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution

Case Study Description of ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version


ITT Automotive is in the process of developing a new-generation antilock brake system (ABS), designated the MK-20. The case focuses on the level of automation to be used in the production of this new system, and whether all plants should use the same process technology. Due to intensifying cost pressure and rapidly growing demand for lower-cost ABS, the development team and senior management (based in Frankfurt, Germany) strongly favor using a single, highly automated production process in the four plants scheduled to produce the MK-20 (located in Germany, Belgium, and the United States). Managers at the company's two plants in the United States favor using less automation technology in order to allow greater flexibility for improving process technology over time.

Authors :: Gary P. Pisano, Sharon Rossi

Topics :: Technology & Operations

Tags :: Product development, Productivity, Technology, SWOT Analysis, SWOT Matrix, TOWS, Weighted SWOT Analysis

Swot Analysis of "ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version" written by Gary P. Pisano, Sharon Rossi includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Mk Itt facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Product development, Productivity, Technology and Technology & Operations.


Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version casestudy better are - – supply chains are disrupted by pandemic , geopolitical disruptions, customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, central banks are concerned over increasing inflation, talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs, challanges to central banks by blockchain based private currencies, increasing inequality as vast percentage of new income is going to the top 1%, increasing household debt because of falling income levels, increasing government debt because of Covid-19 spendings, etc



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Introduction to SWOT Analysis of ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version


SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Mk Itt, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Mk Itt 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 ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Mk Itt
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 Mk Itt




Strengths ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The strengths of Mk Itt in ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version Harvard Business Review case study are -

Ability to lead change in Technology & Operations field

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

Superior customer experience

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

Sustainable margins compare to other players in Technology & Operations industry

– ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Mk Itt to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Technology & Operations industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Mk Itt to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.

Ability to recruit top talent

– Mk Itt is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version 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

- Mk Itt 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 Mk Itt is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.

Analytics focus

– Mk Itt 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 Gary P. Pisano, Sharon Rossi 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.

High switching costs

– The high switching costs that Mk Itt 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.

Effective Research and Development (R&D)

– Mk Itt 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 ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.

Successful track record of launching new products

– Mk Itt has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Mk Itt 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.

Strong track record of project management

– Mk Itt is known for sticking to its project targets. This enables the firm to manage – time, project costs, and have sustainable margins on the projects.

High brand equity

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

Innovation driven organization

– Mk Itt is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.






Weaknesses ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The weaknesses of ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version are -

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 Mk Itt supply chain. Even after few cautionary changes mentioned in the HBR case study - ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version, it is still heavily dependent upon the existing supply chain. The existing supply chain though brings in cost efficiencies but it has left Mk Itt vulnerable to further global disruptions in South East Asia.

Lack of clear differentiation of Mk Itt products

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

Ability to respond to the competition

– As the decision making is very deliberative, highlighted in the case study ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version, in the dynamic environment Mk Itt has struggled to respond to the nimble upstart competition. Mk Itt has reasonably good record with similar level competitors but it has struggled with new entrants taking away niches of its business.

Slow decision making process

– As mentioned earlier in the report, Mk Itt 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. Mk Itt 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.

Workers concerns about automation

– As automation is fast increasing in the segment, Mk Itt 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.

High dependence on star products

– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version 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 Mk Itt has relatively successful track record of launching new products.

Increasing silos among functional specialists

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

High cash cycle compare to competitors

Mk Itt 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.

Need for greater diversity

– Mk Itt 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.

Capital Spending Reduction

– Even during the low interest decade, Mk Itt has not been able to do capital spending to the tune of the competition. This has resulted into fewer innovations and company facing stiff competition from both existing competitors and new entrants who are disrupting the industry using digital technology.

Employees’ incomplete understanding of strategy

– From the instances in the HBR case study ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version, it seems that the employees of Mk Itt 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 ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version | 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 ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version are -

Loyalty marketing

– Mk Itt has focused on building a highly responsive customer relationship management platform. This platform is built on in-house data and driven by analytics and artificial intelligence. The customer analytics can help the organization to fine tune its loyalty marketing efforts, increase the wallet share of the organization, reduce wastage on mainstream advertising spending, build better pricing strategies using personalization, etc.

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. Mk Itt can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.

Manufacturing automation

– Mk Itt 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.

Developing new processes and practices

– Mk Itt 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

– Mk Itt can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version 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.

Remote work and new talent hiring opportunities

– The widespread usage of remote working technologies during Covid-19 has opened opportunities for Mk Itt 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 Mk Itt to hire the very best people irrespective of their geographical location.

Reforming the budgeting process

- By establishing new metrics that will be used to evaluate both existing and potential projects Mk Itt can not only reduce the costs of the project but also help it in integrating the projects with other processes within the organization.

Lowering marketing communication costs

– 5G expansion will open new opportunities for Mk Itt in the field of marketing communication. It will bring down the cost of doing business, provide technology platform to build new products in the Technology & Operations segment, and it will provide faster access to the consumers.

Leveraging digital technologies

– Mk Itt 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.

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. Mk Itt 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. Mk Itt 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.

Redefining models of collaboration and team work

– As explained in the weaknesses section, Mk Itt is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version 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.

Building a culture of innovation

– managers at Mk Itt 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.

Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains

– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Mk Itt 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, ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version, to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.




Threats ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis


The threats mentioned in the HBR case study ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version 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 ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version, Mk Itt 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 .

Environmental challenges

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

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.

Trade war between China and United States

– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Mk Itt 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.

High dependence on third party suppliers

– Mk Itt 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.

New competition

– After the dotcom bust of 2001, financial crisis of 2008-09, the business formation in US economy had declined. But in 2020 alone, there are more than 1.5 million new business applications in United States. This can lead to greater competition for Mk Itt in the Technology & Operations sector and impact the bottomline of the organization.

Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution

– Mk Itt has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Technology & Operations industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Mk Itt 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.

Regulatory challenges

– Mk Itt 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.

Consumer confidence and its impact on Mk Itt 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.

Easy access to finance

– Easy access to finance in Technology & Operations field will also reduce the barriers to entry in the industry, thus putting downward pressure on the prices because of increasing competition. Mk Itt can utilize it by borrowing at lower rates and invest it into research and development, capital expenditure to fortify its core competitive advantage.

Barriers of entry lowering

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

Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins

– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Mk Itt 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 ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version .

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 Mk Itt.




Weighted SWOT Analysis of ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version 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 ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version 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 ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version 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 ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version 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 ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy--1994, Spanish Version 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 Mk Itt needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.



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