Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
Technology & Operations
Strategy / MBA Resources
Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution
Case Study Description of Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) faces a serious loss of knowledge--both because of the "faster, better, cheaper" mandate for Mars missions and from the retirement of key personnel. An extensive knowledge management system for NASA/JPL includes formal knowledge-capture mechanisms such as Web pages and digitized manuals and such informal ones as storytelling. The former are much easier to get funded and to implement than the latter, but chief knowledge architect Jeanne Holm is concerned that technology cannot solve some of the most difficult issues she faces. This case focuses more on managing the tacit knowledge held in the heads of scientists and experienced project managers than on the information technology that Holm has put in place. The switch from expensive but infrequent Mars missions to 2 missions every 26 months propelled a number of junior managers into positions of responsibility and decision making for which they had inadequate experience. In the face of increasingly tight budgets, Holm must decide what kinds of knowledge management initiatives to back--and how to encourage the cultural change that is needed in the organization.
Swot Analysis of "Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version" written by Dorothy Leonard, David Kiron includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Holm Knowledge facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Knowledge management, Leadership, Organizational culture and Technology & Operations.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version casestudy better are - – talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs, geopolitical disruptions, customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, competitive advantages are harder to sustain because of technology dispersion, increasing energy prices, central banks are concerned over increasing inflation, increasing commodity prices,
supply chains are disrupted by pandemic , there is increasing trade war between United States & China, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Holm Knowledge, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Holm Knowledge 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 Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Holm Knowledge
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 Holm Knowledge
Strengths Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Holm Knowledge in Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version Harvard Business Review case study are -
Training and development
– Holm Knowledge has one of the best training and development program in the industry. The effectiveness of the training programs can be measured in Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version 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.
Diverse revenue streams
– Holm Knowledge is present in almost all the verticals within the industry. This has provided firm in Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version 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.
Successful track record of launching new products
– Holm Knowledge has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Holm Knowledge 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 Holm Knowledge digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Holm Knowledge 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.
High brand equity
– Holm Knowledge has strong brand awareness and brand recognition among both - the exiting customers and potential new customers. Strong brand equity has enabled Holm Knowledge to keep acquiring new customers and building profitable relationship with both the new and loyal customers.
Ability to recruit top talent
– Holm Knowledge is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version 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 Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version 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
– Holm Knowledge is known for sticking to its project targets. This enables the firm to manage – time, project costs, and have sustainable margins on the projects.
Learning organization
- Holm Knowledge 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 Holm Knowledge is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.
Low bargaining power of suppliers
– Suppliers of Holm Knowledge in the sector have low bargaining power. Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version has further diversified its suppliers portfolio by building a robust supply chain across various countries. This helps Holm Knowledge to manage not only supply disruptions but also source products at highly competitive prices.
Analytics focus
– Holm Knowledge 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 Dorothy Leonard, David Kiron 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.
Innovation driven organization
– Holm Knowledge is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.
Weaknesses Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version are -
High operating costs
– Compare to the competitors, firm in the HBR case study Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version 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 Holm Knowledge 's lucrative customers.
Workers concerns about automation
– As automation is fast increasing in the segment, Holm Knowledge 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.
Ability to respond to the competition
– As the decision making is very deliberative, highlighted in the case study Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version, in the dynamic environment Holm Knowledge has struggled to respond to the nimble upstart competition. Holm Knowledge has reasonably good record with similar level competitors but it has struggled with new entrants taking away niches of its business.
Employees’ incomplete understanding of strategy
– From the instances in the HBR case study Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version, it seems that the employees of Holm Knowledge 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.
Need for greater diversity
– Holm Knowledge 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.
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 Holm Knowledge supply chain. Even after few cautionary changes mentioned in the HBR case study - Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version, it is still heavily dependent upon the existing supply chain. The existing supply chain though brings in cost efficiencies but it has left Holm Knowledge vulnerable to further global disruptions in South East Asia.
Aligning sales with marketing
– It come across in the case study Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version 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 Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version can leverage the sales team experience to cultivate customer relationships as Holm Knowledge is planning to shift buying processes online.
Skills based hiring
– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Holm Knowledge 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 bargaining power of channel partners
– Because of the regulatory requirements, Dorothy Leonard, David Kiron suggests that, Holm Knowledge 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.
Compensation and incentives
– The revenue per employee as mentioned in the HBR case study Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version, is just above the industry average. Holm Knowledge 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.
High cash cycle compare to competitors
Holm Knowledge has a high cash cycle compare to other players in the industry. It needs to shorten the cash cycle by 12% to be more competitive in the marketplace, reduce inventory costs, and be more profitable.
Opportunities Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version | 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 Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version are -
Using analytics as competitive advantage
– Holm Knowledge 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 Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Holm Knowledge to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.
Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains
– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Holm Knowledge 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, Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version, to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.
Leveraging digital technologies
– Holm Knowledge 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.
Lowering marketing communication costs
– 5G expansion will open new opportunities for Holm Knowledge in the field of marketing communication. It will bring down the cost of doing business, provide technology platform to build new products in the Technology & Operations segment, and it will provide faster access to the consumers.
Remote work and new talent hiring opportunities
– The widespread usage of remote working technologies during Covid-19 has opened opportunities for Holm Knowledge 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 Holm Knowledge to hire the very best people irrespective of their geographical location.
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. Holm Knowledge can explore opportunities that can attract volunteers and are consistent with its mission and vision.
Creating value in data economy
– The success of analytics program of Holm Knowledge has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Holm Knowledge to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version case study. Holm Knowledge can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, etc.
Low interest rates
– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Holm Knowledge 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, Holm Knowledge can use these opportunities to build new business models that can help the communities that Holm Knowledge operates in. Secondly it can use opportunities from government spending in Technology & Operations sector.
Building a culture of innovation
– managers at Holm Knowledge 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.
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. Holm Knowledge can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.
Manufacturing automation
– Holm Knowledge 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.
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 Holm Knowledge in the consumer business. Now Holm Knowledge can target international markets with far fewer capital restrictions requirements than the existing system.
Threats Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version are -
Trade war between China and United States
– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Holm Knowledge 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.
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. Holm Knowledge can utilize it by borrowing at lower rates and invest it into research and development, capital expenditure to fortify its core competitive advantage.
Increasing wage structure of Holm Knowledge
– 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 Holm Knowledge.
Learning curve for new practices
– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version, Holm Knowledge 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
– Holm Knowledge 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.
Environmental challenges
– Holm Knowledge 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. Holm Knowledge can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Technology & Operations industry.
Consumer confidence and its impact on Holm Knowledge 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.
Shortening product life cycle
– it is one of the major threat that Holm Knowledge is facing in Technology & Operations sector. It can lead to higher research and development costs, higher marketing expenses, lower customer loyalty, etc.
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 Holm Knowledge business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.
Technology disruption because of hacks, piracy etc
– The colonial pipeline illustrated, how vulnerable modern organization are to international hackers, miscreants, and disruptors. The cyber security interruption, data leaks, etc can seriously jeopardize the future growth of the organization.
Stagnating economy with rate increase
– Holm Knowledge 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.
High dependence on third party suppliers
– Holm Knowledge 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
– Holm Knowledge has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Technology & Operations industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Holm Knowledge 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.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version 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 Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version 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 Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version 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 Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version 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 Managing Knowledge and Learning at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Spanish Version 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 Holm Knowledge needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.
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