×




Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution

Case Study Description of Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD


Laura Esserman, a surgeon and faculty member at the University of California at San Francisco, is engaged in a major effort to change the delivery of breast cancer services and the information systems used to support both research and patient care. In this video she shares her thoughts about how she could have done things differently and what might help her drive the change she is trying to make. She talks about the need to let ideas sink in and that it took a lot of time to make some of her ideas mainstream. Esserman emphasizes the importance of knowing when to let things go, making alliances, working in teams, and making sure that your allies benefit and get the credit they deserve. She concludes by discussing how she manages her work-life balance. This video is intended to be used with the written cases OB42A and OB42B Dr. Laura Esserman and is part of Jeffery Pfeffer's Paths to Power series. Also see OB42V-05 for additional video of Laura Esserman. Other titles available in this series include: OB56V-04 and OB56V-05 Rudy Crew, OB44 Keith Ferrazzi and accompanying video OB44V, OB55V Jack Valenti, and OB45 Gary Loveman and Harrah's Entertainment and accompanying video OB45V.

Authors :: Jeffrey Pfeffer

Topics :: Leadership & Managing People

Tags :: Influence, Leadership, Managing people, SWOT Analysis, SWOT Matrix, TOWS, Weighted SWOT Analysis

Swot Analysis of "Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD" written by Jeffrey Pfeffer includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Esserman Laura facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Influence, Leadership, Managing people and Leadership & Managing People.


Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD casestudy better are - – increasing energy prices, increasing transportation and logistics costs, increasing household debt because of falling income levels, technology disruption, there is increasing trade war between United States & China, geopolitical disruptions, supply chains are disrupted by pandemic , there is backlash against globalization, customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, etc



12 Hrs

$59.99
per Page
  • 100% Plagiarism Free
  • On Time Delivery | 27x7
  • PayPal Secure
  • 300 Words / Page
  • Buy Now

24 Hrs

$49.99
per Page
  • 100% Plagiarism Free
  • On Time Delivery | 27x7
  • PayPal Secure
  • 300 Words / Page
  • Buy Now

48 Hrs

$39.99
per Page
  • 100% Plagiarism Free
  • On Time Delivery | 27x7
  • PayPal Secure
  • 300 Words / Page
  • Buy Now







Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD


SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Esserman Laura, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Esserman Laura 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 Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Esserman Laura
3. Assessing feasibility of the new initiative in Leadership & Managing People field.
4. Making a Leadership & Managing People topic specific business decision
5. Set goals for the organization
6. Organizational restructuring of Esserman Laura




Strengths Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The strengths of Esserman Laura in Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD Harvard Business Review case study are -

Analytics focus

– Esserman Laura 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 Jeffrey Pfeffer 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.

Digital Transformation in Leadership & Managing People segment

- digital transformation varies from industry to industry. For Esserman Laura digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Esserman Laura has successfully integrated the four key components of digital transformation – digital integration in processes, digital integration in marketing and customer relationship management, digital integration into the value chain, and using technology to explore new products and market opportunities.

High brand equity

– Esserman Laura has strong brand awareness and brand recognition among both - the exiting customers and potential new customers. Strong brand equity has enabled Esserman Laura to keep acquiring new customers and building profitable relationship with both the new and loyal customers.

High switching costs

– The high switching costs that Esserman Laura 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.

Learning organization

- Esserman Laura 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 Esserman Laura is open place that encourages instructiveness, ideation, open minded discussions, and creativity. Employees and leaders in Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD Harvard Business Review case study emphasize – knowledge, initiative, and innovation.

Ability to recruit top talent

– Esserman Laura is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD are in a position to attract the best talent available. The firm has a robust talent identification program that helps in identifying the brightest.

Innovation driven organization

– Esserman Laura is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.

Low bargaining power of suppliers

– Suppliers of Esserman Laura in the sector have low bargaining power. Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD has further diversified its suppliers portfolio by building a robust supply chain across various countries. This helps Esserman Laura to manage not only supply disruptions but also source products at highly competitive prices.

Superior customer experience

– The customer experience strategy of Esserman Laura in the segment is based on four key concepts – personalization, simplification of complex needs, prompt response, and continuous engagement.

Successful track record of launching new products

– Esserman Laura has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Esserman Laura 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.

Cross disciplinary teams

– Horizontal connected teams at the Esserman Laura 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.

Diverse revenue streams

– Esserman Laura is present in almost all the verticals within the industry. This has provided firm in Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD 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.






Weaknesses Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis

The weaknesses of Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD are -

Skills based hiring

– The stress on hiring functional specialists at Esserman Laura has created an environment where the organization is dominated by functional specialists rather than management generalist. This has resulted into product oriented approach rather than marketing oriented approach or consumers oriented approach.

High dependence on star products

– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD 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 Esserman Laura has relatively successful track record of launching new products.

High cash cycle compare to competitors

Esserman Laura 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.

Slow decision making process

– As mentioned earlier in the report, Esserman Laura 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. Esserman Laura 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.

Aligning sales with marketing

– It come across in the case study Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD 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 Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD can leverage the sales team experience to cultivate customer relationships as Esserman Laura is planning to shift buying processes online.

Workers concerns about automation

– As automation is fast increasing in the segment, Esserman Laura 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.

Low market penetration in new markets

– Outside its home market of Esserman Laura, firm in the HBR case study Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.

Employees’ incomplete understanding of strategy

– From the instances in the HBR case study Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD, it seems that the employees of Esserman Laura 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.

Slow to harness new channels of communication

– Even though competitors are using new communication channels such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Snap, Esserman Laura is slow explore the new channels of communication. These new channels of communication mentioned in marketing section of case study Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD 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 Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD 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 Esserman Laura 's lucrative customers.

Capital Spending Reduction

– Even during the low interest decade, Esserman Laura 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.




Opportunities Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD | 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 Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD are -

Changes in consumer behavior post Covid-19

– Consumer behavior has changed in the Leadership & Managing People industry because of Covid-19 restrictions. Some of this behavior will stay once things get back to normal. Esserman Laura can take advantage of these changes in consumer behavior to build a far more efficient business model. For example consumer regular ordering of products can reduce both last mile delivery costs and market penetration costs. Esserman Laura can further use this consumer data to build better customer loyalty, provide better products and service collection, and improve the value proposition in inflationary times.

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. Esserman Laura can explore opportunities that can attract volunteers and are consistent with its mission and vision.

Manufacturing automation

– Esserman Laura can use the latest technology developments to improve its manufacturing and designing process in Leadership & Managing People 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.

Better consumer reach

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

Using analytics as competitive advantage

– Esserman Laura 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 Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Esserman Laura to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.

Creating value in data economy

– The success of analytics program of Esserman Laura has opened avenues for new revenue streams for the organization in the industry. This can help Esserman Laura to build a more holistic ecosystem as suggested in the Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD case study. Esserman Laura 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, Esserman Laura 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, Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD, to buy more products closer to the markets, and it can leverage its size and influence to get better deal from the local markets.

Loyalty marketing

– Esserman Laura 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.

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 Esserman Laura in the consumer business. Now Esserman Laura can target international markets with far fewer capital restrictions requirements than the existing system.

Redefining models of collaboration and team work

– As explained in the weaknesses section, Esserman Laura is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD 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.

Building a culture of innovation

– managers at Esserman Laura 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 Leadership & Managing People segment.

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 Esserman Laura 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.

Developing new processes and practices

– Esserman Laura can develop new processes and procedures in Leadership & Managing People 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 Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis


The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD are -

High dependence on third party suppliers

– Esserman Laura 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.

Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins

– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Esserman Laura 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 Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD .

Stagnating economy with rate increase

– Esserman Laura 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 Esserman Laura.

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. Esserman Laura needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Leadership & Managing People industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.

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 Esserman Laura in the Leadership & Managing People sector and impact the bottomline of the organization.

Shortening product life cycle

– it is one of the major threat that Esserman Laura is facing in Leadership & Managing People sector. It can lead to higher research and development costs, higher marketing expenses, lower customer loyalty, etc.

Barriers of entry lowering

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

Environmental challenges

– Esserman Laura 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. Esserman Laura can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Leadership & Managing People industry.

Regulatory challenges

– Esserman Laura 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 Leadership & Managing People industry regulations.

Consumer confidence and its impact on Esserman Laura 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.

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 Esserman Laura business can come under increasing regulations regarding data privacy, data security, etc.

Technology disruption because of hacks, piracy etc

– The colonial pipeline illustrated, how vulnerable modern organization are to international hackers, miscreants, and disruptors. The cyber security interruption, data leaks, etc can seriously jeopardize the future growth of the organization.




Weighted SWOT Analysis of Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD 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 Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD 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 Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD 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 Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD 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 Laura Esserman -- Paths to Power (Part 2), (Video) DVD 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 Esserman Laura needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.



--- ---

Leading Change at Simmons (A) SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Tiziana Casciaro, Amy C. Edmondson, Stacy McManus, Kate Roloff , Leadership & Managing People


Western Technology Investment SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Ramana Nanda, William A. Sahlman, Nicole Keller , Finance & Accounting


Wendy Peterson SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Linda A. Hill, Alisa Zalosh , Organizational Development


When Cultures Collide: 2015 HIV Outbreak in Southern Indiana (B) SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Arnold M. Howitt, Kirsten Lundberg , Leadership & Managing People


Amazon.com (A) SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Jeffrey Rayport, Dickson L. Louie , Technology & Operations


The Facebook IPO Litigation SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Lena G. Goldberg, Annelena Lobb , Leadership & Managing People


BellSouth Enterprises: The Cellular Billing Project SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

John J. Sviokla, Mark Keil, Steve Simonson , Technology & Operations


So You Think You Can Innovate? SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix

Andrew Atkins, Michael Seitchik, Zia Zaman , Strategy & Execution