Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
Global Business
Strategy / MBA Resources
Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution
Case Study Description of Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology
There are few industries in which the effects of technological innovation be seen as clearly as they can in the healthcare industry. Developments in devices, services and networks are in turn creating even more opportunities and innovation. This case looks specifically at developments in Stem Cell-related technologies, and the impact these might have on the treatment of certain diseases. With a particular focus on the treatment of diabetes, the case looks at the market potential of such innovations and the challenges the industry might expect to encounter going forward.
Swot Analysis of "Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology" written by Philip Parker, Min Hyae Kim includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Stem Cell facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Technology and Global Business.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology casestudy better are - – challanges to central banks by blockchain based private currencies, competitive advantages are harder to sustain because of technology dispersion, supply chains are disrupted by pandemic , cloud computing is disrupting traditional business models, banking and financial system is disrupted by Bitcoin and other crypto currencies, increasing government debt because of Covid-19 spendings, digital marketing is dominated by two big players Facebook and Google,
increasing energy prices, there is backlash against globalization, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Stem Cell, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Stem Cell 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 Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Stem Cell
3. Assessing feasibility of the new initiative in Global Business field.
4. Making a Global Business topic specific business decision
5. Set goals for the organization
6. Organizational restructuring of Stem Cell
Strengths Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Stem Cell in Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology Harvard Business Review case study are -
Operational resilience
– The operational resilience strategy in the Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology 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.
Low bargaining power of suppliers
– Suppliers of Stem Cell in the sector have low bargaining power. Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology has further diversified its suppliers portfolio by building a robust supply chain across various countries. This helps Stem Cell to manage not only supply disruptions but also source products at highly competitive prices.
Learning organization
- Stem Cell 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 Stem Cell is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.
Ability to recruit top talent
– Stem Cell is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology are in a position to attract the best talent available. The firm has a robust talent identification program that helps in identifying the brightest.
Sustainable margins compare to other players in Global Business industry
– Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Stem Cell to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Global Business industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Stem Cell to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.
Highly skilled collaborators
– Stem Cell 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 Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology HBR case study have helped the firm to develop new products and bring them quickly to the marketplace.
Ability to lead change in Global Business field
– Stem Cell 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 Stem Cell in – penetrating new markets, reaching out to new customers, and providing different value propositions to different customers in the international markets.
Organizational Resilience of Stem Cell
– The covid-19 pandemic has put organizational resilience at the centre of everthing that Stem Cell does. Organizational resilience comprises - Financial Resilience, Operational Resilience, Technological Resilience, Organizational Resilience, Business Model Resilience, and Reputation Resilience.
Strong track record of project management
– Stem Cell is known for sticking to its project targets. This enables the firm to manage – time, project costs, and have sustainable margins on the projects.
Successful track record of launching new products
– Stem Cell has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Stem Cell 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.
High switching costs
– The high switching costs that Stem Cell 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.
Superior customer experience
– The customer experience strategy of Stem Cell in the segment is based on four key concepts – personalization, simplification of complex needs, prompt response, and continuous engagement.
Weaknesses Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology are -
Need for greater diversity
– Stem Cell 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.
Increasing silos among functional specialists
– The organizational structure of Stem Cell is dominated by functional specialists. It is not different from other players in the Global Business segment. Stem Cell needs to de-silo the office environment to harness the true potential of its workforce. Secondly the de-silo will also help Stem Cell to focus more on services rather than just following the product oriented approach.
High bargaining power of channel partners
– Because of the regulatory requirements, Philip Parker, Min Hyae Kim suggests that, Stem Cell is facing high bargaining power of the channel partners. So far it has not able to streamline the operations to reduce the bargaining power of the value chain partners in the industry.
Slow to strategic competitive environment developments
– As Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology HBR case study mentions - Stem Cell 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.
Skills based hiring
– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Stem Cell 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.
Ability to respond to the competition
– As the decision making is very deliberative, highlighted in the case study Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology, in the dynamic environment Stem Cell has struggled to respond to the nimble upstart competition. Stem Cell has reasonably good record with similar level competitors but it has struggled with new entrants taking away niches of its business.
Aligning sales with marketing
– It come across in the case study Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology 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 Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology can leverage the sales team experience to cultivate customer relationships as Stem Cell is planning to shift buying processes online.
Slow to harness new channels of communication
– Even though competitors are using new communication channels such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Snap, Stem Cell is slow explore the new channels of communication. These new channels of communication mentioned in marketing section of case study Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology can help to provide better information regarding products and services. It can also build an online community to further reach out to potential customers.
High dependence on star products
– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology 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 Stem Cell has relatively successful track record of launching new products.
High cash cycle compare to competitors
Stem Cell 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.
Low market penetration in new markets
– Outside its home market of Stem Cell, firm in the HBR case study Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.
Opportunities Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology | 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 Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology are -
Building a culture of innovation
– managers at Stem Cell 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 Global Business segment.
Developing new processes and practices
– Stem Cell can develop new processes and procedures in Global Business industry using technology such as automation using artificial intelligence, real time transportation and products tracking, 3D modeling for concept development and new products pilot testing etc.
Loyalty marketing
– Stem Cell 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.
Finding new ways to collaborate
– Covid-19 has not only transformed business models of companies in Global Business industry, but it has also influenced the consumer preferences. Stem Cell can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.
Lowering marketing communication costs
– 5G expansion will open new opportunities for Stem Cell in the field of marketing communication. It will bring down the cost of doing business, provide technology platform to build new products in the Global Business segment, and it will provide faster access to the consumers.
Buying journey improvements
– Stem Cell can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology 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.
Manufacturing automation
– Stem Cell can use the latest technology developments to improve its manufacturing and designing process in Global Business 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.
Learning at scale
– Online learning technologies has now opened space for Stem Cell 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.
Low interest rates
– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Stem Cell 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.
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 Stem Cell in the consumer business. Now Stem Cell can target international markets with far fewer capital restrictions requirements than the existing system.
Leveraging digital technologies
– Stem Cell 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.
Reforming the budgeting process
- By establishing new metrics that will be used to evaluate both existing and potential projects Stem Cell can not only reduce the costs of the project but also help it in integrating the projects with other processes within the organization.
Better consumer reach
– The expansion of the 5G network will help Stem Cell to increase its market reach. Stem Cell 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.
Threats Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology are -
Technology acceleration in Forth Industrial Revolution
– Stem Cell has witnessed rapid integration of technology during Covid-19 in the Global Business industry. As one of the leading players in the industry, Stem Cell needs to keep up with the evolution of technology in the Global Business 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
– Stem Cell 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.
Shortening product life cycle
– it is one of the major threat that Stem Cell is facing in Global Business sector. It can lead to higher research and development costs, higher marketing expenses, lower customer loyalty, etc.
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 Stem Cell.
Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins
– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Stem Cell 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 Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology .
Consumer confidence and its impact on Stem Cell 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.
Barriers of entry lowering
– As technology is more democratized, the barriers to entry in the industry are lowering. It can presents Stem Cell 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
– Stem Cell 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.
Trade war between China and United States
– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Stem Cell in the Global Business industry. The Global Business 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.
New competition
– After the dotcom bust of 2001, financial crisis of 2008-09, the business formation in US economy had declined. But in 2020 alone, there are more than 1.5 million new business applications in United States. This can lead to greater competition for Stem Cell in the Global Business sector and impact the bottomline of the organization.
Environmental challenges
– Stem Cell 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. Stem Cell can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Global Business industry.
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 Stem Cell business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.
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. Stem Cell 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.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology 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 Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology 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 Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology 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 Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology 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 Still A Long Way to Go: A Case for Stem Cell Technology 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 Stem Cell needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.