Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
Technology & Operations
Strategy / MBA Resources
Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution
Case Study Description of Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A
This case study delves into the challenges faced by CGI, which has just signed an agreement for a major project involving the development of information systems for a client in Los Angeles. We sit in on the meetings of the members of the project team as they make important decisions on the main project management and execution parameters. Part A introduces readers to the actors and the project, while exposing the context and the challenges facing this project. Part B illustrates the decisions made by CGI regarding the project's organization and the competencies of the team members, with a specific focus on the innovative development methodology adopted by CGI in response to the specific characteristics of this project.
Swot Analysis of "Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A" written by Carmen Bernier, Line Dube, Vital Roy includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Cgi Project facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Leading teams and Technology & Operations.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A casestudy better are - – challanges to central banks by blockchain based private currencies, customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, there is backlash against globalization, talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs, banking and financial system is disrupted by Bitcoin and other crypto currencies, increasing commodity prices, increasing energy prices,
geopolitical disruptions, increasing government debt because of Covid-19 spendings, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Cgi Project, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Cgi Project 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 Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Cgi Project
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 Cgi Project
Strengths Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Cgi Project in Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A Harvard Business Review case study are -
Learning organization
- Cgi Project 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 Cgi Project is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.
High switching costs
– The high switching costs that Cgi Project 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.
Organizational Resilience of Cgi Project
– The covid-19 pandemic has put organizational resilience at the centre of everthing that Cgi Project does. Organizational resilience comprises - Financial Resilience, Operational Resilience, Technological Resilience, Organizational Resilience, Business Model Resilience, and Reputation Resilience.
Highly skilled collaborators
– Cgi Project 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 Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A 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
– Cgi Project has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Cgi Project 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.
Low bargaining power of suppliers
– Suppliers of Cgi Project in the sector have low bargaining power. Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A has further diversified its suppliers portfolio by building a robust supply chain across various countries. This helps Cgi Project to manage not only supply disruptions but also source products at highly competitive prices.
Effective Research and Development (R&D)
– Cgi Project 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 Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A - 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 Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A 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.
Analytics focus
– Cgi Project 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 Carmen Bernier, Line Dube, Vital Roy 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.
Strong track record of project management
– Cgi Project is known for sticking to its project targets. This enables the firm to manage – time, project costs, and have sustainable margins on the projects.
Training and development
– Cgi Project has one of the best training and development program in the industry. The effectiveness of the training programs can be measured in Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A Harvard Business Review case study by analyzing – employees retention, in-house promotion, loyalty, new venture initiation, lack of conflict, and high level of both employees and customer engagement.
Sustainable margins compare to other players in Technology & Operations industry
– Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Cgi Project to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Technology & Operations industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Cgi Project to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.
Weaknesses Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A are -
Slow to strategic competitive environment developments
– As Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A HBR case study mentions - Cgi Project 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.
Products dominated business model
– Even though Cgi Project 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 - Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A 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, Cgi Project is slow explore the new channels of communication. These new channels of communication mentioned in marketing section of case study Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A can help to provide better information regarding products and services. It can also build an online community to further reach out to potential customers.
High operating costs
– Compare to the competitors, firm in the HBR case study Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A 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 Cgi Project 's lucrative customers.
High bargaining power of channel partners
– Because of the regulatory requirements, Carmen Bernier, Line Dube, Vital Roy suggests that, Cgi Project is facing high bargaining power of the channel partners. So far it has not able to streamline the operations to reduce the bargaining power of the value chain partners in the industry.
Slow decision making process
– As mentioned earlier in the report, Cgi Project 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. Cgi Project 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.
Increasing silos among functional specialists
– The organizational structure of Cgi Project is dominated by functional specialists. It is not different from other players in the Technology & Operations segment. Cgi Project needs to de-silo the office environment to harness the true potential of its workforce. Secondly the de-silo will also help Cgi Project to focus more on services rather than just following the product oriented approach.
Capital Spending Reduction
– Even during the low interest decade, Cgi Project 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, Cgi Project 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.
No frontier risks strategy
– After analyzing the HBR case study Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A, 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.
Compensation and incentives
– The revenue per employee as mentioned in the HBR case study Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A, is just above the industry average. Cgi Project needs to redesign the compensation structure and incentives to increase the revenue per employees. Some of the steps that it can take are – hiring more specialists on project basis, etc.
Opportunities Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A | 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 Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A are -
Remote work and new talent hiring opportunities
– The widespread usage of remote working technologies during Covid-19 has opened opportunities for Cgi Project 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 Cgi Project 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. Cgi Project 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. Cgi Project 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.
Increase in government spending
– As the United States and other governments are increasing social spending and infrastructure spending to build economies post Covid-19, Cgi Project can use these opportunities to build new business models that can help the communities that Cgi Project operates in. Secondly it can use opportunities from government spending in Technology & Operations sector.
Buying journey improvements
– Cgi Project can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A 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.
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 Cgi Project 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.
Redefining models of collaboration and team work
– As explained in the weaknesses section, Cgi Project is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A 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.
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. Cgi Project can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.
Better consumer reach
– The expansion of the 5G network will help Cgi Project to increase its market reach. Cgi Project 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
– Cgi Project 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.
Loyalty marketing
– Cgi Project 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.
Building a culture of innovation
– managers at Cgi Project 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.
Use of Bitcoin and other crypto currencies for transactions
– The popularity of Bitcoin and other crypto currencies as asset class and medium of transaction has opened new opportunities for Cgi Project in the consumer business. Now Cgi Project can target international markets with far fewer capital restrictions requirements than the existing system.
Learning at scale
– Online learning technologies has now opened space for Cgi Project 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.
Threats Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A are -
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.
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 Cgi Project.
Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins
– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Cgi Project 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 Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A .
Increasing wage structure of Cgi Project
– 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 Cgi Project.
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. Cgi Project can utilize it by borrowing at lower rates and invest it into research and development, capital expenditure to fortify its core competitive advantage.
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 Cgi Project in the Technology & Operations sector and impact the bottomline of the organization.
Environmental challenges
– Cgi Project 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. Cgi Project 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 Cgi Project with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.
Regulatory challenges
– Cgi Project 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.
Learning curve for new practices
– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A, Cgi Project 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 .
Consumer confidence and its impact on Cgi Project 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.
Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution
– Cgi Project has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Technology & Operations industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Cgi Project 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 Cgi Project 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.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A 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 Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A 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 Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A 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 Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A 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 Reinventing the Practices of Distance Information Systems Development: CGI and the Hubble Project - Part A 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 Cgi Project needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.
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