Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
Leadership & Managing People
Strategy / MBA Resources
Case Study SWOT Analysis Solution
Case Study Description of Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley
This case follows Carla Ann Harris, an African-American executive on Wall Street, from her childhood to the eve of her 20th year at Morgan Stanley. In addition to her professional identity as an investment banker, Harris is also an accomplished gospel singer, an observant Catholic, a philanthropist, a public speaker, and a writer. Along with her successes and accomplishments, she has also faced setbacks and challenges. Despite the negative experiences African-American women face on Wall Street, Harris feels she has been successful because she "brings her authentic self to the table." A unique aspect of Harris' story is that throughout her journey she nourishes other aspects of her identity, such as her singing, her devotion to her faith, and her desire to help others-a difficult feat in the financial services industry given the culture of long hours, competitiveness, and cynicism. The case ends with a career decision: Harris must decide whether to start an ambitious program for emerging female and minority asset managers (the Emerging Manager Program or EMP). The program represents a way to bring together her professional expertise and personal passion to help people thrive in their work, but like all entrepreneurial ventures it has associated risks. The case helps students to understand how one's own identities are central to one's career development, relationship building, and professional growth; to consider how maintaining unique aspects of oneself can help people succeed in a challenging organizational culture; and to provide a forum for discussing issues of race and gender in a profession in which there are few minorities and women at senior levels.
Swot Analysis of "Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley" written by Lakshmi Ramarajan, Alex Radu includes – strengths weakness that are internal strategic factors of the organization, and opportunities and threats that Harris Carla facing as an external strategic factors. Some of the topics covered in Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley case study are - Strategic Management Strategies, Gender, Leadership, Organizational culture and Leadership & Managing People.
Some of the macro environment factors that can be used to understand the Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley casestudy better are - – customer relationship management is fast transforming because of increasing concerns over data privacy, there is backlash against globalization, digital marketing is dominated by two big players Facebook and Google, banking and financial system is disrupted by Bitcoin and other crypto currencies, geopolitical disruptions, increasing commodity prices, increasing government debt because of Covid-19 spendings,
increasing transportation and logistics costs, increasing household debt because of falling income levels, etc
Introduction to SWOT Analysis of Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley
SWOT stands for an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats . At Oak Spring University , we believe that protagonist in Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley case study can use SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool to assess the current internal strengths and weaknesses of the Harris Carla, and to figure out the opportunities and threats in the macro environment – technological, environmental, political, economic, social, demographic, etc in which Harris Carla 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 Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley can be done for the following purposes –
1. Strategic planning using facts provided in Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley case study
2. Improving business portfolio management of Harris Carla
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 Harris Carla
Strengths Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Strengths in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The strengths of Harris Carla in Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley Harvard Business Review case study are -
Superior customer experience
– The customer experience strategy of Harris Carla in the segment is based on four key concepts – personalization, simplification of complex needs, prompt response, and continuous engagement.
Innovation driven organization
– Harris Carla is one of the most innovative firm in sector. Manager in Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley Harvard Business Review case study can use Clayton Christensen Disruptive Innovation strategies to further increase the scale of innovtions in the organization.
Operational resilience
– The operational resilience strategy in the Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley 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.
Successful track record of launching new products
– Harris Carla has launched numerous new products in last few years, keeping in mind evolving customer preferences and competitive pressures. Harris Carla 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.
Ability to recruit top talent
– Harris Carla is one of the leading recruiters in the industry. Managers in the Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley are in a position to attract the best talent available. The firm has a robust talent identification program that helps in identifying the brightest.
Digital Transformation in Leadership & Managing People segment
- digital transformation varies from industry to industry. For Harris Carla digital transformation journey comprises differing goals based on market maturity, customer technology acceptance, and organizational culture. Harris Carla 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.
Analytics focus
– Harris Carla 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 Lakshmi Ramarajan, Alex Radu 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.
Low bargaining power of suppliers
– Suppliers of Harris Carla in the sector have low bargaining power. Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley has further diversified its suppliers portfolio by building a robust supply chain across various countries. This helps Harris Carla to manage not only supply disruptions but also source products at highly competitive prices.
High switching costs
– The high switching costs that Harris Carla 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.
Effective Research and Development (R&D)
– Harris Carla 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 Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley - staying ahead in the industry in terms of – new product launches, superior customer experience, highly competitive pricing strategies, and great returns to the shareholders.
Strong track record of project management
– Harris Carla is known for sticking to its project targets. This enables the firm to manage – time, project costs, and have sustainable margins on the projects.
High brand equity
– Harris Carla has strong brand awareness and brand recognition among both - the exiting customers and potential new customers. Strong brand equity has enabled Harris Carla to keep acquiring new customers and building profitable relationship with both the new and loyal customers.
Weaknesses Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley | Internal Strategic Factors
What are Weaknesses in SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The weaknesses of Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley are -
Employees’ incomplete understanding of strategy
– From the instances in the HBR case study Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley, it seems that the employees of Harris Carla don’t have comprehensive understanding of the firm’s strategy. This is reflected in number of promotional campaigns over the last few years that had mixed messaging and competing priorities. Some of the strategic activities and services promoted in the promotional campaigns were not consistent with the organization’s strategy.
Low market penetration in new markets
– Outside its home market of Harris Carla, firm in the HBR case study Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley needs to spend more promotional, marketing, and advertising efforts to penetrate international markets.
Capital Spending Reduction
– Even during the low interest decade, Harris Carla 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 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 Harris Carla supply chain. Even after few cautionary changes mentioned in the HBR case study - Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley, it is still heavily dependent upon the existing supply chain. The existing supply chain though brings in cost efficiencies but it has left Harris Carla vulnerable to further global disruptions in South East Asia.
No frontier risks strategy
– After analyzing the HBR case study Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley, it seems that company is thinking about the frontier risks that can impact Leadership & Managing People strategy. But it has very little resources allocation to manage the risks emerging from events such as natural disasters, climate change, melting of permafrost, tacking the rise of artificial intelligence, opportunities and threats emerging from commercialization of space etc.
Slow to strategic competitive environment developments
– As Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley HBR case study mentions - Harris Carla 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 operating costs
– Compare to the competitors, firm in the HBR case study Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley 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 Harris Carla 's lucrative customers.
Interest costs
– Compare to the competition, Harris Carla has borrowed money from the capital market at higher rates. It needs to restructure the interest payment and costs so that it can compete better and improve profitability.
High dependence on star products
– The top 2 products and services of the firm as mentioned in the Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley 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 Harris Carla has relatively successful track record of launching new products.
High cash cycle compare to competitors
Harris Carla 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.
Products dominated business model
– Even though Harris Carla 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 - Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley should strive to include more intangible value offerings along with its core products and services.
Opportunities Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley | 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 Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley are -
Developing new processes and practices
– Harris Carla 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.
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. Harris Carla can explore opportunities that can attract volunteers and are consistent with its mission and vision.
Lowering marketing communication costs
– 5G expansion will open new opportunities for Harris Carla in the field of marketing communication. It will bring down the cost of doing business, provide technology platform to build new products in the Leadership & Managing People segment, and it will provide faster access to the consumers.
Finding new ways to collaborate
– Covid-19 has not only transformed business models of companies in Leadership & Managing People industry, but it has also influenced the consumer preferences. Harris Carla can tie-up with other value chain partners to explore new opportunities regarding meeting customer demands and building a rewarding and engaging relationship.
Building a culture of innovation
– managers at Harris Carla 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.
Harnessing reconfiguration of the global supply chains
– As the trade war between US and China heats up in the coming years, Harris Carla 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, Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley, 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
– Harris Carla 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.
Using analytics as competitive advantage
– Harris Carla 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 Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley - to build a competitive advantage using analytics. The analytics driven competitive advantage can help Harris Carla to build faster Go To Market strategies, better consumer insights, developing relevant product features, and building a highly efficient supply chain.
Increase in government spending
– As the United States and other governments are increasing social spending and infrastructure spending to build economies post Covid-19, Harris Carla can use these opportunities to build new business models that can help the communities that Harris Carla operates in. Secondly it can use opportunities from government spending in Leadership & Managing People sector.
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 Harris Carla in the consumer business. Now Harris Carla 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, Harris Carla is facing challenges because of the dominance of functional experts in the organization. Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley 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.
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 Harris Carla 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.
Leveraging digital technologies
– Harris Carla 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.
Threats Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley External Strategic Factors
What are Threats in the SWOT Analysis / TOWS Matrix / Weighted SWOT Analysis
The threats mentioned in the HBR case study Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley are -
Consumer confidence and its impact on Harris Carla 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.
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 Harris Carla.
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 Harris Carla 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.
Increasing wage structure of Harris Carla
– 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 Harris Carla.
Increasing international competition and downward pressure on margins
– Apart from technology driven competitive advantage dilution, Harris Carla 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 Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley .
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. Harris Carla needs to understand the core reasons impacting the Leadership & Managing People industry. This will help it in building a better workplace.
Stagnating economy with rate increase
– Harris Carla 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.
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. Harris Carla 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.
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 Harris Carla in the Leadership & Managing People sector and impact the bottomline of the organization.
Regulatory challenges
– Harris Carla 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.
Environmental challenges
– Harris Carla 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. Harris Carla can take advantage of this fund but it will also bring new competitors in the Leadership & Managing People industry.
Trade war between China and United States
– The trade war between two of the biggest economies can hugely impact the opportunities for Harris Carla in the Leadership & Managing People industry. The Leadership & Managing People 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.
Weighted SWOT Analysis of Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley 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 Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley 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 Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley 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 Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley 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 Carla Ann Harris at Morgan Stanley 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 Harris Carla needs to make to build a sustainable competitive advantage.
