Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution

Case Study Description of Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework

Social entrepreneurship (SE) has evolved from an initial period of explosive growth (SE 1.0), during which research focused on organizational and founder characteristics, to a stage that witnessed the rise of institutions facilitating SE formation and growth (SE 2.0). At present, while expansion in the number and scope of social enterprises continues, there is also a concerted effort underway to ascertain whether social enterprises are performing as expected (SE 3.0). A framework to assess the performance of SE, building on the type of metrics employed by business firms, is presented in this article. The framework-consisting of action-resources, predictors, outputs, outcomes, and impact-is intended to measure achievement along a timeline. Examples of how the framework would be used are provided for social enterprises with a range of social purposes, including one that involves an existing enterprise with the mission of reducing recidivism among incarcerated women. Brief comparisons with measures actually used help identify how the time-based approach laid out here would enhance assessment efforts and even serve as a basis for planning and decision making. The proposed framework could serve as a template to assess all social enterprises regardless of purpose, stakeholder mix, or scale of operations.

Authors :: Bernard Arogyaswamy

Topics :: Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Tags :: Social enterprise, Social responsibility, SWOT Analysis, SWOT Matrix, TOWS, Weighted SWOT Analysis

Swot Analysis of "Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework" written by Bernard Arogyaswamy includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Se Framework facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Social enterprise, Social responsibility and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework casestudy better are - – digital marketing is dominated by two big players Facebook and Google, geopolitical disruptions, increasing energy prices, wage bills are increasing, banking and financial system is disrupted by Bitcoin and other crypto currencies, increasing commodity prices, there is increasing trade war between United States & China, customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, competitive advantages are harder to sustain because of technology dispersion, etc

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Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework

SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Se Framework, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Se Framework 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 Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Se Framework
3. Assessing feasibility of the new initiative in Innovation & Entrepreneurship field.
4. Making a Innovation & Entrepreneurship topic specific business decision
5. Set goals for the organization
6. Organizational restructuring of Se Framework

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Strengths Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The strengths of Se Framework in Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework Harvard Business Review case study are -

Operational resilience

– The operational resilience strategy in the Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework Harvard Business Review case study comprises – understanding the underlying the factors in the industry, building diversified operations across different geographies so that disruption in one part of the world doesn’t impact the overall performance of the firm, and integrating the various business operations and processes through its digital transformation drive.

Innovation driven organization

– Se Framework is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.

Analytics focus

– Se Framework 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 Bernard Arogyaswamy 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

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

Highly skilled collaborators

– Se Framework 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 Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework HBR case study have helped the firm to develop new products and bring them quickly to the marketplace.

Sustainable margins compare to other players in Innovation & Entrepreneurship industry

– Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Se Framework to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Se Framework to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.

Effective Research and Development (R&D)

– Se Framework 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 Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.

Diverse revenue streams

– Se Framework is present in almost all the verticals within the industry. This has provided firm in Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework 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.

Cross disciplinary teams

– Horizontal connected teams at the Se Framework 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.

Digital Transformation in Innovation & Entrepreneurship segment

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

– The high switching costs that Se Framework 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.

Ability to lead change in Innovation & Entrepreneurship field

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

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Weaknesses Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The weaknesses of Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework are -

High dependence on star products

– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework 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 Se Framework has relatively successful track record of launching new products.

Increasing silos among functional specialists

– The organizational structure of Se Framework is dominated by functional specialists. It is not different from other players in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship segment. Se Framework needs to de-silo the office environment to harness the true potential of its workforce. Secondly the de-silo will also help Se Framework to focus more on services rather than just following the product oriented approach.

High cash cycle compare to competitors

Se Framework 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.

Employees’ incomplete understanding of strategy

– From the instances in the HBR case study Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework, it seems that the employees of Se Framework 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.

Low market penetration in new markets

– Outside its home market of Se Framework, firm in the HBR case study Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.

No frontier risks strategy

– After analyzing the HBR case study Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework, it seems that company is thinking about the frontier risks that can impact Innovation & Entrepreneurship 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.

High bargaining power of channel partners

– Because of the regulatory requirements, Bernard Arogyaswamy suggests that, Se Framework 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.

Workers concerns about automation

– As automation is fast increasing in the segment, Se Framework 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.

Slow to strategic competitive environment developments

– As Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework HBR case study mentions - Se Framework 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.

Ability to respond to the competition

– As the decision making is very deliberative, highlighted in the case study Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework, in the dynamic environment Se Framework has struggled to respond to the nimble upstart competition. Se Framework has reasonably good record with similar level competitors but it has struggled with new entrants taking away niches of its business.

Skills based hiring

– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Se Framework 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.

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Opportunities Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework | 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 Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework are -

Learning at scale

– Online learning technologies has now opened space for Se Framework 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.

Manufacturing automation

– Se Framework can use the latest technology developments to improve its manufacturing and designing process in Innovation & Entrepreneurship 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.

Leveraging digital technologies

– Se Framework 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.

Better consumer reach

– The expansion of the 5G network will help Se Framework to increase its market reach. Se Framework 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.

Remote work and new talent hiring opportunities

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

Loyalty marketing

– Se Framework 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.

Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains

– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Se Framework 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, Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework, to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.

Developing new processes and practices

– Se Framework can develop new processes and procedures in Innovation & Entrepreneurship 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.

Buying journey improvements

– Se Framework can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework 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 Se Framework 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, Se Framework is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework 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.

Low interest rates

– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Se Framework 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.

Finding new ways to collaborate

– Covid-19 has not only transformed business models of companies in Innovation & Entrepreneurship industry, but it has also influenced the consumer preferences. Se Framework 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 Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework are -

Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution

– Se Framework has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Se Framework needs to keep up with the evolution of technology in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship 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.

Stagnating economy with rate increase

– Se Framework 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.

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 Se Framework.

Barriers of entry lowering

– As technology is more democratized, the barriers to entry in the industry are lowering. It can presents Se Framework with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.

High dependence on third party suppliers

– Se Framework 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.

Learning curve for new practices

– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework, Se Framework may face longer learning curve for training and development of existing employees. This can open space for more nimble competitors in the field of Innovation & Entrepreneurship .

Increasing wage structure of Se Framework

– 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 Se Framework.

Shortening product life cycle

– it is one of the major threat that Se Framework is facing in Innovation & Entrepreneurship sector. It can lead to higher research and development costs, higher marketing expenses, lower customer loyalty, etc.

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.

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. Se Framework needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Innovation & Entrepreneurship industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.

Trade war between China and United States

– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Se Framework in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship industry. The Innovation & Entrepreneurship 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.

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 Se Framework business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.

Consumer confidence and its impact on Se Framework 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.

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Weighted SWOT Analysis of Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework 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 Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework 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 Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework 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 Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework 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 Social Entrepreneurship Performance Measurement: A Time-Based Organizing Framework 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 Se Framework needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.

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