Case Study Description of Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention
Stimuli, distractions and interruptions are ubiquitous in the workplace today. On top of that, there is a growing pressure to do more with less. For executives suffering from increased stress, lower productivity often follows. One solution that a growing number of companies are embracing is "mindfulness" -- a technique to tune out the noise and focus deliberately on what is important. Based on research and coaching experiences related to designing and delivering programs for multinational corporations, the authors explain how mindfulness training strengthens a broad set of executive functions to boost productivity, improve decision-making and enhance well-being.
Swot Analysis of "Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention" written by Alberto Ribera Azorin, J.L. Guillen includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Mindfulness Productivity facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Marketing and Communication.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention casestudy better are - – cloud computing is disrupting traditional business models, challanges to central banks by blockchain based private currencies, supply chains are disrupted by pandemic , there is increasing trade war between United States & China, talent flight as more people leaving formal jobs, wage bills are increasing, increasing energy prices,
competitive advantages are harder to sustain because of technology dispersion, increasing commodity prices, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Mindfulness Productivity, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Mindfulness Productivity 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 Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Mindfulness Productivity
3. Assessing feasibility of the new initiative in Communication field.
4. Making a Communication topic specific business decision
5. Set goals for the organization
6. Organizational restructuring of Mindfulness Productivity
Strengths Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Mindfulness Productivity in Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention Harvard Business Review case study are -
Learning organization
- Mindfulness Productivity 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 Mindfulness Productivity is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.
Operational resilience
– The operational resilience strategy in the Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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.
Digital Transformation in Communication segment
- digital transformation varies from industry to industry. For Mindfulness Productivity digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Mindfulness Productivity has successfully integrated the four key components of digital transformation – digital integration in processes, digital integration in marketing and customer relationship management, digital integration into the value chain, and using technology to explore new products and market opportunities.
Sustainable margins compare to other players in Communication industry
– Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention firm has clearly differentiated products in the market place. This has enabled Mindfulness Productivity to fetch slight price premium compare to the competitors in the Communication industry. The sustainable margins have also helped Mindfulness Productivity to invest into research and development (R&D) and innovation.
Innovation driven organization
– Mindfulness Productivity is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.
Diverse revenue streams
– Mindfulness Productivity is present in almost all the verticals within the industry. This has provided firm in Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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.
Highly skilled collaborators
– Mindfulness Productivity 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 Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention HBR case study have helped the firm to develop new products and bring them quickly to the marketplace.
Superior customer experience
– The customer experience strategy of Mindfulness Productivity in the segment is based on four key concepts – personalization, simplification of complex needs, prompt response, and continuous engagement.
Effective Research and Development (R&D)
– Mindfulness Productivity 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 Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.
Ability to lead change in Communication field
– Mindfulness Productivity 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 Mindfulness Productivity in – penetrating new markets, reaching out to new customers, and providing different value propositions to different customers in the international markets.
Organizational Resilience of Mindfulness Productivity
– The covid-19 pandemic has put organizational resilience at the centre of everthing that Mindfulness Productivity does. Organizational resilience comprises - Financial Resilience, Operational Resilience, Technological Resilience, Organizational Resilience, Business Model Resilience, and Reputation Resilience.
Cross disciplinary teams
– Horizontal connected teams at the Mindfulness Productivity 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.
Weaknesses Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention are -
Lack of clear differentiation of Mindfulness Productivity products
– To increase the profitability and margins on the products, Mindfulness Productivity needs to provide more differentiated products than what it is currently offering in the marketplace.
Slow to harness new channels of communication
– Even though competitors are using new communication channels such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Snap, Mindfulness Productivity is slow explore the new channels of communication. These new channels of communication mentioned in marketing section of case study Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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 operating costs
– Compare to the competitors, firm in the HBR case study Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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 Mindfulness Productivity 's lucrative customers.
Compensation and incentives
– The revenue per employee as mentioned in the HBR case study Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention, is just above the industry average. Mindfulness Productivity 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.
Slow to strategic competitive environment developments
– As Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention HBR case study mentions - Mindfulness Productivity 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.
High dependence on star products
– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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 Mindfulness Productivity has relatively successful track record of launching new products.
Products dominated business model
– Even though Mindfulness Productivity has some of the most successful products in the industry, this business model has made each new product launch extremely critical for continuous financial growth of the organization. firm in the HBR case study - Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention should strive to include more intangible value offerings along with its core products and services.
High cash cycle compare to competitors
Mindfulness Productivity 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.
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 Mindfulness Productivity supply chain. Even after few cautionary changes mentioned in the HBR case study - Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention, it is still heavily dependent upon the existing supply chain. The existing supply chain though brings in cost efficiencies but it has left Mindfulness Productivity vulnerable to further global disruptions in South East Asia.
Slow decision making process
– As mentioned earlier in the report, Mindfulness Productivity 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. Mindfulness Productivity 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.
Low market penetration in new markets
– Outside its home market of Mindfulness Productivity, firm in the HBR case study Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.
Opportunities Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention | 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 Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention are -
Redefining models of collaboration and team work
– As explained in the weaknesses section, Mindfulness Productivity is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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.
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 Mindfulness Productivity in the consumer business. Now Mindfulness Productivity can target international markets with far fewer capital restrictions requirements than the existing system.
Lowering marketing communication costs
– 5G expansion will open new opportunities for Mindfulness Productivity in the field of marketing communication. It will bring down the cost of doing business, provide technology platform to build new products in the Communication segment, and it will provide faster access to the consumers.
Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains
– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Mindfulness Productivity 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, Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention, to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.
Reforming the budgeting process
- By establishing new metrics that will be used to evaluate both existing and potential projects Mindfulness Productivity can not only reduce the costs of the project but also help it in integrating the projects with other processes within the organization.
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. Mindfulness Productivity can explore opportunities that can attract volunteers and are consistent with its mission and vision.
Buying journey improvements
– Mindfulness Productivity can improve the customer journey of consumers in the industry by using analytics and artificial intelligence. Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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
– Mindfulness Productivity can use the latest technology developments to improve its manufacturing and designing process in Communication 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.
Increase in government spending
– As the United States and other governments are increasing social spending and infrastructure spending to build economies post Covid-19, Mindfulness Productivity can use these opportunities to build new business models that can help the communities that Mindfulness Productivity operates in. Secondly it can use opportunities from government spending in Communication sector.
Finding new ways to collaborate
– Covid-19 has not only transformed business models of companies in Communication industry, but it has also influenced the consumer preferences. Mindfulness Productivity can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.
Remote work and new talent hiring opportunities
– The widespread usage of remote working technologies during Covid-19 has opened opportunities for Mindfulness Productivity 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 Mindfulness Productivity to hire the very best people irrespective of their geographical location.
Low interest rates
– Even though inflation is raising its head in most developed economies, Mindfulness Productivity 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.
Better consumer reach
– The expansion of the 5G network will help Mindfulness Productivity to increase its market reach. Mindfulness Productivity 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 Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention are -
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. Mindfulness Productivity needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Communication industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.
High dependence on third party suppliers
– Mindfulness Productivity 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.
Environmental challenges
– Mindfulness Productivity 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. Mindfulness Productivity can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Communication 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 Mindfulness Productivity business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.
Easy access to finance
– Easy access to finance in Communication field will also reduce the barriers to entry in the industry, thus putting downward pressure on the prices because of increasing competition. Mindfulness Productivity can utilize it by borrowing at lower rates and invest it into research and development, capital expenditure to fortify its core competitive advantage.
Learning curve for new practices
– As the technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning platform is getting complex, as highlighted in case study Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention, Mindfulness Productivity may face longer learning curve for training and development of existing employees. This can open space for more nimble competitors in the field of Communication .
Trade war between China and United States
– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Mindfulness Productivity in the Communication industry. The Communication 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.
Consumer confidence and its impact on Mindfulness Productivity 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 Mindfulness Productivity with greater competitive threats in the near to medium future. Secondly it will also put downward pressure on pricing throughout the sector.
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 Mindfulness Productivity.
Increasing wage structure of Mindfulness Productivity
– 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 Mindfulness Productivity.
Shortening product life cycle
– it is one of the major threat that Mindfulness Productivity is facing in Communication sector. It can lead to higher research and development costs, higher marketing expenses, lower customer loyalty, etc.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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 Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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 Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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 Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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 Mindfulness: Multiply Productivity Through Undivided Attention 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 Mindfulness Productivity needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.
