Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution

Case Study Description of Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials

Genzyme Tissue Repair (GTR) had just received favorable Phase I clinical trial results, an important first step in gaining approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its NeuroCell-PD. The groundbreaking technology behind NeuroCell-PD (developed by Diacrin, Inc.) used fetal pig cell neural transplants to treat Parkinson's disease. GTR was eager to get NeuroCell-PD to market as quickly as possible but knew that the path to obtaining FDA approval would be difficult. Genzyme, an innovative biotechnology company, had often entered uncharted territories in the past and had set precedents in medical research. Controversy would likely center on whether GTR would use what some were calling "sham" surgery as a placebo control in its Phase II trials of NeuroCell-PD in Parkinson's patients--trials intended to demonstrate both the efficacy and safety of the procedure. In sham surgery, a segment of patients in a study undergo the same aspects of the surgery experience as those receiving the experimental treatment, except that it does not involve fetal pig cells. Details the process for testing NeuroCell-PD and discusses the issues concerning sham surgery. Asks students to make a recommendation on whether to conduct sham surgery.

Authors :: Margaret L. Eaton, Tara Thiagarajan, Mark Hong

Topics :: Technology & Operations

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

Swot Analysis of "Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials" written by Margaret L. Eaton, Tara Thiagarajan, Mark Hong includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Neurocell Pd facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, and Technology & Operations.

Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials casestudy better are - – customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, increasing energy prices, central banks are concerned over increasing inflation, increasing transportation and logistics costs, increasing government debt because of Covid-19 spendings, talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs, there is increasing trade war between United States & China, banking and financial system is disrupted by Bitcoin and other crypto currencies, increasing household debt because of falling income levels, etc

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Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials

SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Neurocell Pd, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Neurocell Pd 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.

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SWOT Objectives / Importance of SWOT Analysis and SWOT Matrix

SWOT analysis of Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Neurocell Pd
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 Neurocell Pd

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Strengths Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The strengths of Neurocell Pd in Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials Harvard Business Review case study are -

High switching costs

– The high switching costs that Neurocell Pd 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.

Operational resilience

– The operational resilience strategy in the Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials 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.

Innovation driven organization

– Neurocell Pd is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.

Successful track record of launching new products

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

Superior customer experience

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

Digital Transformation in Technology & Operations segment

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

Low bargaining power of suppliers

– Suppliers of Neurocell Pd in the sector have low bargaining power. Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials has further diversified its suppliers portfolio by building a robust supply chain across various countries. This helps Neurocell Pd to manage not only supply disruptions but also source products at highly competitive prices.

Ability to lead change in Technology & Operations field

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

Ability to recruit top talent

– Neurocell Pd is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials 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

– Neurocell Pd 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 Margaret L. Eaton, Tara Thiagarajan, Mark Hong 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.

Cross disciplinary teams

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

High brand equity

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

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Weaknesses Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The weaknesses of Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials are -

Low market penetration in new markets

– Outside its home market of Neurocell Pd, firm in the HBR case study Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.

Lack of clear differentiation of Neurocell Pd products

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

Products dominated business model

– Even though Neurocell Pd 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 - Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials should strive to include more intangible value offerings along with its core products and services.

Slow to harness new channels of communication

– Even though competitors are using new communication channels such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Snap, Neurocell Pd is slow explore the new channels of communication. These new channels of communication mentioned in marketing section of case study Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials can help to provide better information regarding products and services. It can also build an online community to further reach out to potential customers.

Capital Spending Reduction

– Even during the low interest decade, Neurocell Pd 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.

Workers concerns about automation

– As automation is fast increasing in the segment, Neurocell Pd 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 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 Neurocell Pd supply chain. Even after few cautionary changes mentioned in the HBR case study - Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials, it is still heavily dependent upon the existing supply chain. The existing supply chain though brings in cost efficiencies but it has left Neurocell Pd vulnerable to further global disruptions in South East Asia.

Ability to respond to the competition

– As the decision making is very deliberative, highlighted in the case study Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials, in the dynamic environment Neurocell Pd has struggled to respond to the nimble upstart competition. Neurocell Pd has reasonably good record with similar level competitors but it has struggled with new entrants taking away niches of its business.

Skills based hiring

– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Neurocell Pd 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.

No frontier risks strategy

– After analyzing the HBR case study Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials, 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.

Employees’ incomplete understanding of strategy

– From the instances in the HBR case study Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials, it seems that the employees of Neurocell Pd 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.

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Opportunities Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials | 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 Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials are -

Reforming the budgeting process

- By establishing new metrics that will be used to evaluate both existing and potential projects Neurocell Pd 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 Neurocell Pd has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Neurocell Pd to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials case study. Neurocell Pd can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, 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. Neurocell Pd can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.

Building a culture of innovation

– managers at Neurocell Pd 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.

Loyalty marketing

– Neurocell Pd 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.

Developing new processes and practices

– Neurocell Pd 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. Neurocell Pd 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. Neurocell Pd 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.

Using analytics as competitive advantage

– Neurocell Pd 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 Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Neurocell Pd to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.

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 Neurocell Pd 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.

Leveraging digital technologies

– Neurocell Pd 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.

Redefining models of collaboration and team work

– As explained in the weaknesses section, Neurocell Pd is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials 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.

Manufacturing automation

– Neurocell Pd 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.

Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains

– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Neurocell Pd 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, Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials, to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.

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Threats Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials are -

Stagnating economy with rate increase

– Neurocell Pd 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.

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 Neurocell Pd business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.

Shortening product life cycle

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

Consumer confidence and its impact on Neurocell Pd 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.

Learning curve for new practices

– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials, Neurocell Pd 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 .

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.

Barriers of entry lowering

– As technology is more democratized, the barriers to entry in the industry are lowering. It can presents Neurocell Pd 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 Neurocell Pd.

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

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. Neurocell Pd 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.

High dependence on third party suppliers

– Neurocell Pd 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.

Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution

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

Trade war between China and United States

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

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Weighted SWOT Analysis of Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials 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 Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials 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 Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials 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 Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials 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 Genzyme and the Research Ethics Questions Associated with Its NeuroCell-PD (TM) Trials 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 Neurocell Pd needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.

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