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Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution

Case Study Description of Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs


Emphasizes the skills and values that we believe successful professionals possess: change management and leadership skills, a proactive career management approach, effective processes of giving and receiving feedback, a clear ethical perspective, balance between private and professional lives, and the ability to cope with ever increasing demands on one's time.

Authors :: Thomas J. DeLong, Ashish Nanda, Scot Landry

Topics :: Technology & Operations

Tags :: Supply chain, SWOT Analysis, SWOT Matrix, TOWS, Weighted SWOT Analysis

Swot Analysis of "Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs" written by Thomas J. DeLong, Ashish Nanda, Scot Landry includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Psfs Skills facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Supply chain and Technology & Operations.


Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs casestudy better are - – central banks are concerned over increasing inflation, competitive advantages are harder to sustain because of technology dispersion, technology disruption, increasing household debt because of falling income levels, increasing government debt because of Covid-19 spendings, increasing transportation and logistics costs, customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, digital marketing is dominated by two big players Facebook and Google, wage bills are increasing, etc



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Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs


SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Psfs Skills, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Psfs Skills 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 Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Psfs Skills
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 Psfs Skills




Strengths Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The strengths of Psfs Skills in Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs Harvard Business Review case study are -

High brand equity

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

Analytics focus

– Psfs Skills 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 Thomas J. DeLong, Ashish Nanda, Scot Landry 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.

Digital Transformation in Technology & Operations segment

- digital transformation varies from industry to industry. For Psfs Skills digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Psfs Skills 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.

Innovation driven organization

– Psfs Skills is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.

Ability to recruit top talent

– Psfs Skills is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs are in a position to attract the best talent available. The firm has a robust talent identification program that helps in identifying the brightest.

Cross disciplinary teams

– Horizontal connected teams at the Psfs Skills are driving operational speed, building greater agility, and keeping the organization nimble to compete with new competitors. It helps are organization to ideate new ideas, and execute them swiftly in the marketplace.

Sustainable margins compare to other players in Technology & Operations industry

– Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Psfs Skills to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Technology & Operations industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Psfs Skills to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.

Effective Research and Development (R&D)

– Psfs Skills 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 Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.

Operational resilience

– The operational resilience strategy in the Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs 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

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

Organizational Resilience of Psfs Skills

– The covid-19 pandemic has put organizational resilience at the centre of everthing that Psfs Skills does. Organizational resilience comprises - Financial Resilience, Operational Resilience, Technological Resilience, Organizational Resilience, Business Model Resilience, and Reputation Resilience.

Learning organization

- Psfs Skills 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 Psfs Skills is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.






Weaknesses Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The weaknesses of Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs are -

Skills based hiring

– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Psfs Skills 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.

Products dominated business model

– Even though Psfs Skills 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 - Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs should strive to include more intangible value offerings along with its core products and services.

Low market penetration in new markets

– Outside its home market of Psfs Skills, firm in the HBR case study Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.

Employees’ incomplete understanding of strategy

– From the instances in the HBR case study Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs, it seems that the employees of Psfs Skills 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.

Workers concerns about automation

– As automation is fast increasing in the segment, Psfs Skills 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.

Slow to harness new channels of communication

– Even though competitors are using new communication channels such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Snap, Psfs Skills is slow explore the new channels of communication. These new channels of communication mentioned in marketing section of case study Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs can help to provide better information regarding products and services. It can also build an online community to further reach out to potential customers.

No frontier risks strategy

– After analyzing the HBR case study Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs, 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.

Interest costs

– Compare to the competition, Psfs Skills 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.

Increasing silos among functional specialists

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

High operating costs

– Compare to the competitors, firm in the HBR case study Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs 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 Psfs Skills 's lucrative customers.

High cash cycle compare to competitors

Psfs Skills 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 Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs | 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 Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs are -

Low interest rates

– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Psfs Skills 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.

Redefining models of collaboration and team work

– As explained in the weaknesses section, Psfs Skills is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs 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 Psfs Skills to increase its market reach. Psfs Skills 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.

Developing new processes and practices

– Psfs Skills 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.

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. Psfs Skills 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. Psfs Skills 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.

Manufacturing automation

– Psfs Skills 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.

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. Psfs Skills 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, Psfs Skills 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, Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs, to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.

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 Psfs Skills 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.

Using analytics as competitive advantage

– Psfs Skills 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 Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Psfs Skills to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.

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

Reforming the budgeting process

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

Creating value in data economy

– The success of analytics program of Psfs Skills has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Psfs Skills to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs case study. Psfs Skills can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, etc.




Threats Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis


The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs are -

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. Psfs Skills needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Technology & Operations industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.

Environmental challenges

– Psfs Skills 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. Psfs Skills 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 Psfs Skills with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.

Backlash against dominant players

– US Congress and other legislative arms of the government are getting tough on big business especially technology companies. The digital arm of Psfs Skills business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.

Stagnating economy with rate increase

– Psfs Skills 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.

Shortening product life cycle

– it is one of the major threat that Psfs Skills is facing in Technology & Operations sector. It can lead to higher research and development costs, higher marketing expenses, lower customer loyalty, 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.

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. Psfs Skills can utilize it by borrowing at lower rates and invest it into research and development, capital expenditure to fortify its core competitive advantage.

High dependence on third party suppliers

– Psfs Skills 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.

Learning curve for new practices

– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs, Psfs Skills 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 .

Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins

– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Psfs Skills 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 Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs .

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. Psfs Skills 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.

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 Psfs Skills.




Weighted SWOT Analysis of Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs 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 Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs 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 Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs 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 Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs 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 Professional Services, Module Six: Succeeding in PSFs 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 Psfs Skills needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.



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