ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Strategy / MBA Resources
Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution
Case Study Description of ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version
An exercise that takes students through five stages of growth in an entrepreneurial start-up in the medical devices industry: 1.) founding, 2.) growth, 3.) push to profitability, 4.) refocusing process, and 5.) takeover by new management. At each stage, students must confront tensions in balancing profit, growth and control. Difficulties encountered in the business are due to management's attempts to design and use formal control systems to achieve profit and performance goals.
Swot Analysis of "ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version" written by Robert L. Simons includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Ath Microtechnologies facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Entrepreneurial management, Financial analysis, Motivating people, Performance measurement, Risk management, Strategic planning and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version casestudy better are - – increasing commodity prices, customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, banking and financial system is disrupted by Bitcoin and other crypto currencies, wage bills are increasing, technology disruption, increasing transportation and logistics costs, geopolitical disruptions,
there is backlash against globalization, increasing government debt because of Covid-19 spendings, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Ath Microtechnologies, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Ath Microtechnologies 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 ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Ath Microtechnologies
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 Ath Microtechnologies
Strengths ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Ath Microtechnologies in ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version Harvard Business Review case study are -
Ability to recruit top talent
– Ath Microtechnologies is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese 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.
Superior customer experience
– The customer experience strategy of Ath Microtechnologies in the segment is based on four key concepts – personalization, simplification of complex needs, prompt response, and continuous engagement.
Ability to lead change in Innovation & Entrepreneurship field
– Ath Microtechnologies 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 Ath Microtechnologies in – penetrating new markets, reaching out to new customers, and providing different value propositions to different customers in the international markets.
Analytics focus
– Ath Microtechnologies 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 Robert L. Simons 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
– Ath Microtechnologies is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.
Training and development
– Ath Microtechnologies has one of the best training and development program in the industry. The effectiveness of the training programs can be measured in ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese 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.
Organizational Resilience of Ath Microtechnologies
– The covid-19 pandemic has put organizational resilience at the centre of everthing that Ath Microtechnologies does. Organizational resilience comprises - Financial Resilience, Operational Resilience, Technological Resilience, Organizational Resilience, Business Model Resilience, and Reputation Resilience.
Highly skilled collaborators
– Ath Microtechnologies 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 ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version HBR case study have helped the firm to develop new products and bring them quickly to the marketplace.
Low bargaining power of suppliers
– Suppliers of Ath Microtechnologies in the sector have low bargaining power. ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version has further diversified its suppliers portfolio by building a robust supply chain across various countries. This helps Ath Microtechnologies to manage not only supply disruptions but also source products at highly competitive prices.
High switching costs
– The high switching costs that Ath Microtechnologies 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.
Successful track record of launching new products
– Ath Microtechnologies has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Ath Microtechnologies 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 Innovation & Entrepreneurship segment
- digital transformation varies from industry to industry. For Ath Microtechnologies digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Ath Microtechnologies 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.
Weaknesses ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version are -
High dependence on star products
– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version 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 Ath Microtechnologies has relatively successful track record of launching new products.
Increasing silos among functional specialists
– The organizational structure of Ath Microtechnologies is dominated by functional specialists. It is not different from other players in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship segment. Ath Microtechnologies needs to de-silo the office environment to harness the true potential of its workforce. Secondly the de-silo will also help Ath Microtechnologies to focus more on services rather than just following the product oriented approach.
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 Ath Microtechnologies supply chain. Even after few cautionary changes mentioned in the HBR case study - ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version, it is still heavily dependent upon the existing supply chain. The existing supply chain though brings in cost efficiencies but it has left Ath Microtechnologies vulnerable to further global disruptions in South East Asia.
Skills based hiring
– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Ath Microtechnologies 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.
Capital Spending Reduction
– Even during the low interest decade, Ath Microtechnologies has not been able to do capital spending to the tune of the competition. This has resulted into fewer innovations and company facing stiff competition from both existing competitors and new entrants who are disrupting the industry using digital technology.
High bargaining power of channel partners
– Because of the regulatory requirements, Robert L. Simons suggests that, Ath Microtechnologies 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.
High cash cycle compare to competitors
Ath Microtechnologies 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.
Lack of clear differentiation of Ath Microtechnologies products
– To increase the profitability and margins on the products, Ath Microtechnologies needs to provide more differentiated products than what it is currently offering in the marketplace.
Slow to strategic competitive environment developments
– As ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version HBR case study mentions - Ath Microtechnologies 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.
Slow decision making process
– As mentioned earlier in the report, Ath Microtechnologies 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. Ath Microtechnologies 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.
Slow to harness new channels of communication
– Even though competitors are using new communication channels such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Snap, Ath Microtechnologies is slow explore the new channels of communication. These new channels of communication mentioned in marketing section of case study ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version can help to provide better information regarding products and services. It can also build an online community to further reach out to potential customers.
Opportunities ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese 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 ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version are -
Building a culture of innovation
– managers at Ath Microtechnologies 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 Innovation & Entrepreneurship segment.
Creating value in data economy
– The success of analytics program of Ath Microtechnologies has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Ath Microtechnologies to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version case study. Ath Microtechnologies can build new products and services such as - data insight services, data privacy related products, data based consulting services, etc.
Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains
– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Ath Microtechnologies 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, ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese 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.
Using analytics as competitive advantage
– Ath Microtechnologies 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 ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Ath Microtechnologies to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.
Lowering marketing communication costs
– 5G expansion will open new opportunities for Ath Microtechnologies in the field of marketing communication. It will bring down the cost of doing business, provide technology platform to build new products in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship 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 Ath Microtechnologies 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 Ath Microtechnologies to hire the very best people irrespective of their geographical location.
Manufacturing automation
– Ath Microtechnologies 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.
Low interest rates
– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Ath Microtechnologies 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.
Buying journey improvements
– Ath Microtechnologies can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version 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.
Leveraging digital technologies
– Ath Microtechnologies 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.
Increase in government spending
– As the United States and other governments are increasing social spending and infrastructure spending to build economies post Covid-19, Ath Microtechnologies can use these opportunities to build new business models that can help the communities that Ath Microtechnologies operates in. Secondly it can use opportunities from government spending in Innovation & Entrepreneurship sector.
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. Ath Microtechnologies can explore opportunities that can attract volunteers and are consistent with its mission and vision.
Developing new processes and practices
– Ath Microtechnologies 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.
Threats ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version are -
Stagnating economy with rate increase
– Ath Microtechnologies 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 Ath Microtechnologies 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 ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese Version, Ath Microtechnologies 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 .
Environmental challenges
– Ath Microtechnologies 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. Ath Microtechnologies can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship industry.
Increasing wage structure of Ath Microtechnologies
– 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 Ath Microtechnologies.
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 Ath Microtechnologies business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.
Regulatory challenges
– Ath Microtechnologies 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 Innovation & Entrepreneurship industry regulations.
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.
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 Ath Microtechnologies.
Barriers of entry lowering
– As technology is more democratized, the barriers to entry in the industry are lowering. It can presents Ath Microtechnologies with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.
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. Ath Microtechnologies needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Innovation & Entrepreneurship industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.
High dependence on third party suppliers
– Ath Microtechnologies 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.
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 Ath Microtechnologies in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship sector and impact the bottomline of the organization.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese 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 ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese 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 ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese 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 ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese 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 ATH MicroTechnologies, Inc. (A): Making the Numbers, Chinese 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 Ath Microtechnologies needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.
