ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
Technology & Operations
Strategy / MBA Resources
Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution
Case Study Description of ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide
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Authors :: Roy D. Shapiro, Ann E. Gray
Topics :: Technology & Operations
Tags :: Business models, Business processes, SWOT Analysis, SWOT Matrix, TOWS, Weighted SWOT Analysis
Swot Analysis of "ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide" written by Roy D. Shapiro, Ann E. Gray includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Extendsim Simulation facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Business models, Business processes and Technology & Operations.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide casestudy better are - – increasing inequality as vast percentage of new income is going to the top 1%, increasing transportation and logistics costs, customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, technology disruption, geopolitical disruptions, competitive advantages are harder to sustain because of technology dispersion, increasing household debt because of falling income levels,
increasing commodity prices, cloud computing is disrupting traditional business models, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Extendsim Simulation, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Extendsim Simulation 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 ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Extendsim Simulation
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 Extendsim Simulation
Strengths ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Extendsim Simulation in ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide Harvard Business Review case study are -
Innovation driven organization
– Extendsim Simulation is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.
Learning organization
- Extendsim Simulation 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 Extendsim Simulation is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.
Analytics focus
– Extendsim Simulation 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 Roy D. Shapiro, Ann E. Gray 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 Extendsim Simulation digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Extendsim Simulation 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.
Sustainable margins compare to other players in Technology & Operations industry
– ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Extendsim Simulation to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Technology & Operations industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Extendsim Simulation to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.
Superior customer experience
– The customer experience strategy of Extendsim Simulation in the segment is based on four key concepts – personalization, simplification of complex needs, prompt response, and continuous engagement.
Organizational Resilience of Extendsim Simulation
– The covid-19 pandemic has put organizational resilience at the centre of everthing that Extendsim Simulation does. Organizational resilience comprises - Financial Resilience, Operational Resilience, Technological Resilience, Organizational Resilience, Business Model Resilience, and Reputation Resilience.
Highly skilled collaborators
– Extendsim Simulation 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 ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide HBR case study have helped the firm to develop new products and bring them quickly to the marketplace.
Cross disciplinary teams
– Horizontal connected teams at the Extendsim Simulation 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.
Successful track record of launching new products
– Extendsim Simulation has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Extendsim Simulation 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.
Diverse revenue streams
– Extendsim Simulation is present in almost all the verticals within the industry. This has provided firm in ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide case study a diverse revenue stream that has helped it to survive disruptions such as global pandemic in Covid-19, financial disruption of 2008, and supply chain disruption of 2021.
Low bargaining power of suppliers
– Suppliers of Extendsim Simulation in the sector have low bargaining power. ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide has further diversified its suppliers portfolio by building a robust supply chain across various countries. This helps Extendsim Simulation to manage not only supply disruptions but also source products at highly competitive prices.
Weaknesses ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide are -
Aligning sales with marketing
– It come across in the case study ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide that the firm needs to have more collaboration between its sales team and marketing team. Sales professionals in the industry have deep experience in developing customer relationships. Marketing department in the case ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide can leverage the sales team experience to cultivate customer relationships as Extendsim Simulation is planning to shift buying processes online.
Products dominated business model
– Even though Extendsim Simulation 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 - ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide 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 ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide, it seems that the employees of Extendsim Simulation 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.
Lack of clear differentiation of Extendsim Simulation products
– To increase the profitability and margins on the products, Extendsim Simulation needs to provide more differentiated products than what it is currently offering in the marketplace.
Interest costs
– Compare to the competition, Extendsim Simulation 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 Extendsim Simulation is dominated by functional specialists. It is not different from other players in the Technology & Operations segment. Extendsim Simulation needs to de-silo the office environment to harness the true potential of its workforce. Secondly the de-silo will also help Extendsim Simulation to focus more on services rather than just following the product oriented approach.
High dependence on star products
– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide 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 Extendsim Simulation has relatively successful track record of launching new products.
Slow decision making process
– As mentioned earlier in the report, Extendsim Simulation 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. Extendsim Simulation 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.
High cash cycle compare to competitors
Extendsim Simulation 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.
Workers concerns about automation
– As automation is fast increasing in the segment, Extendsim Simulation 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.
Low market penetration in new markets
– Outside its home market of Extendsim Simulation, firm in the HBR case study ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.
Opportunities ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide | 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 ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide are -
Reforming the budgeting process
- By establishing new metrics that will be used to evaluate both existing and potential projects Extendsim Simulation can not only reduce the costs of the project but also help it in integrating the projects with other processes within the organization.
Increase in government spending
– As the United States and other governments are increasing social spending and infrastructure spending to build economies post Covid-19, Extendsim Simulation can use these opportunities to build new business models that can help the communities that Extendsim Simulation operates in. Secondly it can use opportunities from government spending in Technology & Operations sector.
Developing new processes and practices
– Extendsim Simulation 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.
Learning at scale
– Online learning technologies has now opened space for Extendsim Simulation 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.
Loyalty marketing
– Extendsim Simulation 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.
Low interest rates
– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Extendsim Simulation 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.
Leveraging digital technologies
– Extendsim Simulation can leverage digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate the production process, customer analytics to get better insights into consumer behavior, realtime digital dashboards to get better sales tracking, logistics and transportation, product tracking, etc.
Reconfiguring business model
– The expansion of digital payment system, the bringing down of international transactions costs using Bitcoin and other blockchain based currencies, etc can help Extendsim Simulation 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.
Better consumer reach
– The expansion of the 5G network will help Extendsim Simulation to increase its market reach. Extendsim Simulation 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.
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. Extendsim Simulation can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.
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 Extendsim Simulation in the consumer business. Now Extendsim Simulation can target international markets with far fewer capital restrictions requirements than the existing system.
Buying journey improvements
– Extendsim Simulation can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide 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.
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. Extendsim Simulation can explore opportunities that can attract volunteers and are consistent with its mission and vision.
Threats ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide are -
Easy access to finance
– Easy access to finance in Technology & Operations field will also reduce the barriers to entry in the industry, thus putting downward pressure on the prices because of increasing competition. Extendsim Simulation can utilize it by borrowing at lower rates and invest it into research and development, capital expenditure to fortify its core competitive advantage.
Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution
– Extendsim Simulation has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Technology & Operations industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Extendsim Simulation 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.
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.
Trade war between China and United States
– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Extendsim Simulation 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.
Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins
– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Extendsim Simulation 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 ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide .
Stagnating economy with rate increase
– Extendsim Simulation 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.
Consumer confidence and its impact on Extendsim Simulation 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 ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide, Extendsim Simulation may face longer learning curve for training and development of existing employees. This can open space for more nimble competitors in the field of Technology & Operations .
Shortening product life cycle
– it is one of the major threat that Extendsim Simulation is facing in Technology & Operations sector. It can lead to higher research and development costs, higher marketing expenses, lower customer loyalty, etc.
Environmental challenges
– Extendsim Simulation 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. Extendsim Simulation can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Technology & Operations industry.
Regulatory challenges
– Extendsim Simulation 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.
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 Extendsim Simulation.
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 Extendsim Simulation business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide 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 ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide 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 ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide 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 ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide 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 ExtendSim (TM) Simulation Exercises in Process Analysis, User's Guide 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 Extendsim Simulation needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.