Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
Technology & Operations
Strategy / MBA Resources
Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution
Case Study Description of Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device
Endius Inc. is a start-up company entering the medical products market. Endius has developed a design and a working prototype for a new and promising endoscopic surgical instrument--steerable surgical forceps. Endius recently hired a new president, Tom Davison, who is determined to move Endius from the research and development phase into product commercialization and launch. To do so, he needs to achieve two related objectives: complete development of a technically and financially viable product and secure funding to address the cash burn typical of a start-up firm. Davison is seriously considering two product development alternatives: developing the steerable forceps using an in-house staff or partnering with an outside product development consultancy that he used previously.
Authors :: Julie H. Hertenstein, Marjorie B. Platt
Swot Analysis of "Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device" written by Julie H. Hertenstein, Marjorie B. Platt includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Endius Davison facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Decision making, Design, Financial analysis, Operations management, Product development, Venture capital and Technology & Operations.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device casestudy better are - – digital marketing is dominated by two big players Facebook and Google, cloud computing is disrupting traditional business models, supply chains are disrupted by pandemic , talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs, increasing commodity prices, customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, banking and financial system is disrupted by Bitcoin and other crypto currencies,
competitive advantages are harder to sustain because of technology dispersion, increasing household debt because of falling income levels, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Endius Davison, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Endius Davison 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 Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Endius Davison
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 Endius Davison
Strengths Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Endius Davison in Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device Harvard Business Review case study are -
High switching costs
– The high switching costs that Endius Davison 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.
High brand equity
– Endius Davison has strong brand awareness and brand recognition among both - the exiting customers and potential new customers. Strong brand equity has enabled Endius Davison to keep acquiring new customers and building profitable relationship with both the new and loyal customers.
Cross disciplinary teams
– Horizontal connected teams at the Endius Davison 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.
Highly skilled collaborators
– Endius Davison 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 Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device HBR case study have helped the firm to develop new products and bring them quickly to the marketplace.
Successful track record of launching new products
– Endius Davison has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Endius Davison 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.
Learning organization
- Endius Davison 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 Endius Davison is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.
Effective Research and Development (R&D)
– Endius Davison 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 Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.
Ability to recruit top talent
– Endius Davison is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device are in a position to attract the best talent available. The firm has a robust talent identification program that helps in identifying the brightest.
Analytics focus
– Endius Davison 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 Julie H. Hertenstein, Marjorie B. Platt 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.
Sustainable margins compare to other players in Technology & Operations industry
– Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Endius Davison to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Technology & Operations industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Endius Davison to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.
Ability to lead change in Technology & Operations field
– Endius Davison 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 Endius Davison in – penetrating new markets, reaching out to new customers, and providing different value propositions to different customers in the international markets.
Strong track record of project management
– Endius Davison is known for sticking to its project targets. This enables the firm to manage – time, project costs, and have sustainable margins on the projects.
Weaknesses Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device are -
Interest costs
– Compare to the competition, Endius Davison has borrowed money from the capital market at higher rates. It needs to restructure the interest payment and costs so that it can compete better and improve profitability.
Workers concerns about automation
– As automation is fast increasing in the segment, Endius Davison 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 operating costs
– Compare to the competitors, firm in the HBR case study Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device has high operating costs in the. This can be harder to sustain given the new emerging competition from nimble players who are using technology to attract Endius Davison 's lucrative customers.
Aligning sales with marketing
– It come across in the case study Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device 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 Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device can leverage the sales team experience to cultivate customer relationships as Endius Davison is planning to shift buying processes online.
Slow to strategic competitive environment developments
– As Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device HBR case study mentions - Endius Davison 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.
Increasing silos among functional specialists
– The organizational structure of Endius Davison is dominated by functional specialists. It is not different from other players in the Technology & Operations segment. Endius Davison needs to de-silo the office environment to harness the true potential of its workforce. Secondly the de-silo will also help Endius Davison to focus more on services rather than just following the product oriented approach.
High dependence on star products
– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device 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 Endius Davison has relatively successful track record of launching new products.
Capital Spending Reduction
– Even during the low interest decade, Endius Davison 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.
Ability to respond to the competition
– As the decision making is very deliberative, highlighted in the case study Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device, in the dynamic environment Endius Davison has struggled to respond to the nimble upstart competition. Endius Davison has reasonably good record with similar level competitors but it has struggled with new entrants taking away niches of its business.
Products dominated business model
– Even though Endius Davison 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 - Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device should strive to include more intangible value offerings along with its core products and services.
High cash cycle compare to competitors
Endius Davison 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.
Opportunities Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device | 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 Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device are -
Redefining models of collaboration and team work
– As explained in the weaknesses section, Endius Davison is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device 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.
Leveraging digital technologies
– Endius Davison 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.
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 Endius Davison 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.
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. Endius Davison can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.
Using analytics as competitive advantage
– Endius Davison 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 Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Endius Davison to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.
Remote work and new talent hiring opportunities
– The widespread usage of remote working technologies during Covid-19 has opened opportunities for Endius Davison 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 Endius Davison to hire the very best people irrespective of their geographical location.
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. Endius Davison 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. Endius Davison 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.
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. Endius Davison can explore opportunities that can attract volunteers and are consistent with its mission and vision.
Building a culture of innovation
– managers at Endius Davison 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.
Creating value in data economy
– The success of analytics program of Endius Davison has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Endius Davison to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device case study. Endius Davison can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, etc.
Manufacturing automation
– Endius Davison 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.
Learning at scale
– Online learning technologies has now opened space for Endius Davison 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.
Low interest rates
– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Endius Davison 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.
Threats Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device are -
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. Endius Davison 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 Endius Davison with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.
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 Endius Davison.
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. Endius Davison 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.
Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution
– Endius Davison has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Technology & Operations industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Endius Davison 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.
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. Endius Davison needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Technology & Operations industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.
Stagnating economy with rate increase
– Endius Davison 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.
Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins
– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Endius Davison 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 Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device .
Increasing wage structure of Endius Davison
– 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 Endius Davison.
Trade war between China and United States
– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Endius Davison 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.
Learning curve for new practices
– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device, Endius Davison 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 .
Shortening product life cycle
– it is one of the major threat that Endius Davison is facing in Technology & Operations sector. It can lead to higher research and development costs, higher marketing expenses, lower customer loyalty, etc.
Regulatory challenges
– Endius Davison 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.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device 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 Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device 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 Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device 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 Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device 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 Endius Inc.: Alternatives for Developing a New Medical Device 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 Endius Davison needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.