Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution

Case Study Description of Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture

Many software products in the market today handle big data and conduct advanced analytics. One of these is Statistical Analysis System (SAS), a popular software program especially in advanced analytics and data management. Many organizations, both federal and private, organize their databases in SAS format. The main hurdle which limits the number of SAS users, besides the high cost of its one-year only licenses, is a much steeper learning curve than is typical for other software such as STATA and Eviews. Students are often amazed by how simple it is to generate these statistics from raw data in SAS and are further motivated to learn SAS. This teaching material uses an application-oriented approach, with solving practical questions as the main takeaway.

Authors :: Yunwei Gai

Topics :: Technology & Operations

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

Swot Analysis of "Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture" written by Yunwei Gai includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Sas Data facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, IT and Technology & Operations.

Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture casestudy better are - – increasing commodity prices, increasing government debt because of Covid-19 spendings, increasing transportation and logistics costs, there is backlash against globalization, talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs, technology disruption, supply chains are disrupted by pandemic , wage bills are increasing, geopolitical disruptions, etc

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Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture

SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Sas Data, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Sas Data 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 Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Sas Data
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 Sas Data

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Strengths Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The strengths of Sas Data in Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture Harvard Business Review case study are -

Learning organization

- Sas Data 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 Sas Data is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.

Successful track record of launching new products

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

Digital Transformation in Technology & Operations segment

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

Ability to lead change in Technology & Operations field

– Sas Data 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 Sas Data 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

– Sas Data is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture are in a position to attract the best talent available. The firm has a robust talent identification program that helps in identifying the brightest.

Operational resilience

– The operational resilience strategy in the Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture 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.

Strong track record of project management

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

Superior customer experience

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

Highly skilled collaborators

– Sas Data 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 Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture HBR case study have helped the firm to develop new products and bring them quickly to the marketplace.

High brand equity

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

Innovation driven organization

– Sas Data is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.

Cross disciplinary teams

– Horizontal connected teams at the Sas Data 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.

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Weaknesses Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The weaknesses of Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture are -

No frontier risks strategy

– After analyzing the HBR case study Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture, 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.

Products dominated business model

– Even though Sas Data 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 - Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture should strive to include more intangible value offerings along with its core products and services.

Employees’ incomplete understanding of strategy

– From the instances in the HBR case study Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture, it seems that the employees of Sas Data 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.

Skills based hiring

– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Sas Data 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.

High dependence on star products

– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture 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 Sas Data has relatively successful track record of launching new products.

Low market penetration in new markets

– Outside its home market of Sas Data, firm in the HBR case study Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.

Slow to harness new channels of communication

– Even though competitors are using new communication channels such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Snap, Sas Data is slow explore the new channels of communication. These new channels of communication mentioned in marketing section of case study Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture can help to provide better information regarding products and services. It can also build an online community to further reach out to potential customers.

Compensation and incentives

– The revenue per employee as mentioned in the HBR case study Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture, is just above the industry average. Sas Data 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.

Need for greater diversity

– Sas Data has taken concrete steps on diversity, equity, and inclusion. But the efforts so far has resulted in limited success. It needs to expand the recruitment and selection process to hire more people from the minorities and underprivileged background.

Slow to strategic competitive environment developments

– As Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture HBR case study mentions - Sas Data 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.

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 Sas Data supply chain. Even after few cautionary changes mentioned in the HBR case study - Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture, it is still heavily dependent upon the existing supply chain. The existing supply chain though brings in cost efficiencies but it has left Sas Data vulnerable to further global disruptions in South East Asia.

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Opportunities Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture | 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 Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture are -

Low interest rates

– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Sas Data 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.

Increase in government spending

– As the United States and other governments are increasing social spending and infrastructure spending to build economies post Covid-19, Sas Data can use these opportunities to build new business models that can help the communities that Sas Data operates in. Secondly it can use opportunities from government spending in Technology & Operations sector.

Learning at scale

– Online learning technologies has now opened space for Sas Data 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.

Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains

– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Sas Data 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, Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture, to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.

Creating value in data economy

– The success of analytics program of Sas Data has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Sas Data to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture case study. Sas Data can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, etc.

Redefining models of collaboration and team work

– As explained in the weaknesses section, Sas Data is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture 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 Sas Data to increase its market reach. Sas Data 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.

Reforming the budgeting process

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

Leveraging digital technologies

– Sas Data 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.

Building a culture of innovation

– managers at Sas Data 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.

Remote work and new talent hiring opportunities

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

Developing new processes and practices

– Sas Data 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.

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

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Threats Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture are -

Trade war between China and United States

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

Aging population

– As the populations of most advanced economies are aging, it will lead to high social security costs, higher savings among population, and lower demand for goods and services in the economy. The household savings in US, France, UK, Germany, and Japan are growing faster than predicted because of uncertainty caused by pandemic.

Barriers of entry lowering

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

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 Sas Data business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.

Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution

– Sas Data has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Technology & Operations industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Sas Data 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 dependence on third party suppliers

– Sas Data 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.

Shortening product life cycle

– it is one of the major threat that Sas Data 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 Sas Data 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.

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

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. Sas Data 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.

Learning curve for new practices

– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture, Sas Data 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 .

Regulatory challenges

– Sas Data 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.

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Weighted SWOT Analysis of Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture 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 Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture 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 Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture 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 Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture 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 Analyze Big Data Using SAS: An Interactive Goal Oriented Approach: The Complete Lecture 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 Sas Data needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.

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