Capstone Project: Strategy Formulation and Implementation Plan For E-Types
Capstone Project: Strategy Formulation and Implementation Plan For E-Types
4/10/2016
ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS
2. Situation Problem
2.1. The problems that e-types had two designs, not one. They began with the brief, the document that described
what TD was asking for, in a new logo, in a new identity. This fact generated a huge controversy. In the end,
they came up with three options for how they thought they might proceed. Present only the edgy design to
the client. Probability of winning the competition if they went this route was only about 20%. And by the
way, the
designers agreed that the edgy design was unlikely to win, but they didn't care. They weren't proud of the
other design; they wanted to present work that they were proud of, that fit their smash the world spirit.
Option two, present only the classical design to the client. Here, they believed, and by the way these
numbers are just their own estimates, they believed that they had an 80%chance of winning the competition if
they went with the classical design. And, again, the designers were adamantly opposed to it, despite it's high
probability of winning. Option three, they could present both designs and let the client choose which
design the client liked.
Solution Design
Company Mission- What they do - is clear: e-Types do identity. But e-Types vision - “Where they want to be”– in
future is not clear. Should they continue to prefer "edgy" work and build a reputation for that? Or should they "grow
up" and broaden their approach to appeal to more clients? They want to grow large, but growth costs money. In other
hand it is a very big deal for e- types if they could win TD Competition. It is opportunity for company to raise their
awareness as a creative company.
In my opinion they should think about long term relations with TD, for opportunities not only for TD Logo, but also for
Web site, Printed materials; office accessories etc…So e-Types should more precisely investigate Customer and
their stakeholder’s needs and exploit real needs and make new design according (New solution).
Yes it is problematic to communicate with TD about project details directly, but this issue can be resolved by
researching public resources and industry trends. e-Types should be flexible against problems. They should
create not only edgy / creative products also edgy /creative relationships with clients. All clients, especially TD,
valuable. e-Type should provide client with great Value and client will be ready to accept proposal. So my advice
is creating something edgy with a classical tone without affecting the TD nature and current positioning - Different,
Blended variant.
Yes, wining the competition is very important, but e-Types can benefit from participation also. Why not to
organize online survey to exploit preferences about subject and Online Voting for TD Logo’s. It will be great if e-
Type will invite competitors to publish their solutions for voting. This will demonstrate company’s openness and
raise its awareness. In other hand public activities will help TD team break any conservative limitations and make
preferences in favor of more modern design. But it is possible if e-Types have enough time to perform these
activities.
But if e-Types have not enough time, my recommendation is Option three, and they could present both designs and
let the client choose which design the client liked. Because in this case still is chance for edgy design and opened
opportunity to work with TD in short distance, this is way to break TD’s conservative environment, by educating
client and implementing other projects. This should be long term strategy. Don’t forget about income also.
Company should formulate Strategy for e-Types development which can based on the following:
Values
o Capture Opportunities and make things happen;
o Do things better than anyone else in identity industry;
o Foster openness, respect and create excitement;
o Teamwork, Innovations and Creativity.
MISSION
o We do Identity.
Vision
o We will be the most valued business partner of all our customers.
References:
http://e-types.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-Types- e-Types Awards
http://www.teamdanmark.dk–The Danish Elite Sport Act.
https://books.google.ge- Nordic Elite Sport: Same Ambitions, Different Track.
Strategy formulation is the process of developing the strategy1. As was perfectly explained during the Strategy
Formulation Course2, Business strategy is a critical tool for analyzing the competitive context in which e-Types operates
and for making informed recommendations for what actions it should take to gain competitive advantage. Strategy
formulation (Strategy Plan) refers to the process of choosing the most appropriate course of action for the realization of e-
Types organizational goals and objectives and thereby achieving the organizational vision.
To formulate e-Types strategy, following questions will be answered:
The process of e-Types strategy formulation (Building Strategy Plan) will involve following steps:
1. Setting e-Types objectives - Because the key component of any strategy statement is to set the long-term objectives of
the organization. Strategy is generally a medium for realization of organizational objectives. This will be First step in the
e-Types Strategy formulation. Once the e-Types objectives and the factors influencing strategic decisions will be
determined, it will be easy to take strategic decisions.
2. Evaluating the Organizational Environment - Industry analysis findings (Porters 5 Forces3 for Industry
Analysis and competitive intensity), was considered in the evaluation of
company’s environment in (S.W.O.T./T.O.W.S. 4 analysis) analysis. From
Industry analysis: 1) the threat of new
entry is quite high: if anyone looks as if analysis it is clear that for e-Types Competitive Advantage cost advantage isn’t
they're making a sustained profit, new preferable way and company should think in the differentiation advantage for
competitors can come into the industry
easily, reducing profits. 2) Competitive
future success. Analyzing Company’s current portfolio and future opportunities
rivalry is extremely high: if someone raises (BCG5 matrix) we develop for e-Types SO - "Maxi- Maxi" - Strategy that use
prices, they'll be quickly undercut. Intense strengths to maximize opportunities (companion material).
competition puts strong downward pressure
on prices. 3) Buyer Power is strong, again
implying strong downward pressure on Based on synthesis of collected information we formulate following needs and
prices.
4) There is some threat of substitution. vision for e-Types:
1 http://www.managementstudyguide.com
2 Strategy Formulation by Marcus Møller Larsen - Copenhagen Business School (via www.Coursera.com)
3 http://business-fundas.com/2011/michael-porters-5-forces-model/
4 https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newSTR_89.htm
5 BCG Growth Share matrix - http://www.netmba.com/strategy/matrix/bcg
April 10, 2016 Page 4
e-Types - CAPSTONE PROJECT: STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
1. Values
1.1. Capture Opportunities and make things happen;
1.2. Do things better than anyone else in the identity industry;
1.3. Foster openness, respect and create excitement;
1.4. Synergy, Teamwork, Innovations and Creativity.
2. Mission
2.1. We do Identity.
3. Vision
3.1. We will be the most valued business partner of our customers;
So our recommendation for e-Types strategy is: Listening to the customer and remaining tied to their core values
are both important aspects. Customers should trust them with their concepts. e-Types must reinforce its
existing business perception and culture through. This will raise Market Growth in the attractive industry and
Raise e-Types market share. In general lack of considering of customers’ needs is source of the sub-optimal
strategies and Companies failing. In this attractive digital market, No Company can control Customers,
Company only can propose valued for customers – (Value – Cost paid and Benefits received - from customer
side of view!). Customer will Vote between proposals otherwise company will be candidate for List of Failed
Businesses and Unsuccessful Companies.
3. E-Types Strategic Objectives - Taking into account all of the steps that are necessary to achieving each of e-Types goals
we draw e-Types strategy Objectives in 3 dimensions: Corporate, Business and Functional objectives (companion
material). They should be prioritized and planned during Strategy Implementation process.
Strategy implementation is the translation of chosen strategy into organizational action so as to achieve strategic goals and
objectives. Оur current goal is e-Types Strategy plan development.
1. Strategy Implementation Plan Focus – From six areas of the strategy implementation: Goals and Metrics (1),
Organizational structure (2), Communication (3), Resistance and Risks (4), Organizational culture (5), and Power and
Informal networks (6), We will focus our attention on the following areas: (1), (2) and (3).
2. Our Strategy Proposal for e-Types: - In the previous course, for e-Types following strategy was developed 6: e-Types
must reinforce its existing business perception and culture through Listening to the customer and remaining tied to their
core values and continually raising customers experience in the modern design (edgy) directions.
6 Capstone Project: Formulating a Strategy in a 21st Century Creative Company – Link There
April 10, 2016 Page 5
e-Types - CAPSTONE PROJECT: STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
3. Sustainability of the expected state - Proposed strategy will raise Market Growth in the attractive Identity industry,
Raise e-Types market share and positively affect company’s financial balance. In general lack of considering of
customers’ needs is source of the sub-optimal strategies and Companies failing. In this attractive digital market, No
Company can control Customers, Company only can propose valued for customers – (Value – Cost paid and Benefits
received - from customer side of view!). Customer will Vote between proposals otherwise company will be candidate
for List of Failed Businesses and Unsuccessful Companies
4. Our recommended specific actions in the focus areas:
To Support e-Types new strategy implementation, we recommend following specific actions within that 3 Focus Areas:
Goals and Metrics (1) (Business Growth Perspectives and Sustainability considerations) 7
Organizational structure - is an organization's internal pattern of relationships, authority and communication. To Company’s
Strategic Objectives, E-Types structure should support to develop new features for new Edgy product, based on feedback
from customers, market the new features and retain ones that are popular with customers, delegate decisions about new
product features to Creative and middle manager and give them the necessary authority.
Structure should consider Centralization – Decision making Degree, Formalization of the rules and processes that
prescribe employees behavior and specifies who and how performs different tasks. Should be considered Specialization -
creating special units which combines exploiting e-Types existing competencies with pursuing new Edgy products, services
and markets. This Unit may have specific clear Objectives and performance measurements to support e-Types Overall
Objectives. Because Design market is very attractive and disruptive, e-Type should consider to have special workforce
which permanently predicts, detects and reacts to changes in the environment, Customers and competitor’s behavior.
Communication (2)
As explained during the course8, for Sustainability of the expected state, it is essential to explain to e- Types employees
the new strategy and how it will be rolled out, explanation should cover:
8 https://www.coursera.org/learn/strategy-implementation/lecture/8ze1X/what-to-communicate
Giorgi Lobjanidze
www.linkedin.com/in/giushki [email protected] +995 577 613434
WHAT SHOULD E-
TYPES DO GOING
FORWARD?
Ideas for today and tomorrow
“We challenge your ways and encourage new thinking. We craft bold solutions that inspire people around us. We don’t follow trends, but
work hard to make others follow you. We crystallize big ideas to build strong brands.
Brands that stand out and clearly communicate what they are all about. Brands that move the world forward. Based on hard thinking,
creative edge, extensive experience, and true love of brands we design that one, visionary idea. The idea that conveys the very core of
your brand, that inspires action, guides visual and verbal communication, and provides meaningful change for your business”.
E-Types Mission - What they do - is clear: e-Types do identity. But e-Types vision - “Where they want to be” – in future is not clear.
Should they continue to prefer "edgy" work and build a reputation for that? Or should they "grow up" and broaden their approach to
appeal to more clients? They want to grow large, but growth costs money. In other hand it is a very big deal for e-types if they could win
TD Competition. It is opportunity for company to raise their awareness as a creative company.
Treat of Substitution
1. Internet / Dotcom boom – Opens Opportunity for startups
and Existing Brands;
2. Brand Identity Market is very wide (Brand ID, Website, Printed
Materials …);
3. Edgy/Modern Identity Design not usual for potential
Customers.
Growth Share Matrix (BCG)
Using BCG Growth-Share Matrix – as a e-Types
portfolio planning model – in the Market Growth and
Market Share dimensions relative to the Largest
Competitor and taking in consideration
5 2 that Market Growth It is a proxy for industry
attractiveness and market share is a proxy for
6 competitive advantage, we have following picture
for e-Types portfolio, where:
8 7
1. Edgy / Modern Identity for Modern Style Clients;
2. Edgy / Modern Identity for Conservative Clients;
3. Conservative Identity for Modern Style Clients;
4. Conservative Identity for Conservative Clients;
5. Edgy / Modern Printed Identity;
6. Edgy / Modern Web Identity;
7. Edgy / Modern for Identity for Global Market;
8. New Identity Trends …
3 4 1
SWOT Analysis
1. Strengths (What do e-Types do well?/ What unique resources can e-Type draw on? What do others see as e-Type strengths? )
1. Talented Staff in the Modern Identity industry Design;
2. Good implemented Modern / Edgy projects portfolio;
3. Team Working Synergy – Producing Joint effect in the approved projects.
4. The e-Types owners like to challenge themselves and their clients to create radical, innovative designs.
5. e-Types challenge Clients edgy ways and encourage new thinking.
6. Stated desire to reexamine and appropriately adapt their activities in a constant “learning” process;
2. Weakness (What could e-Type improve? Where does e-Type have fewer resources than others? What are others likely to see as weaknesses ?)
1. Strategic Thinking Synergy – No agreement about company future.
2. For e-Types owners, money is not as central as their personal satisfaction of doing what they love, the way they love doing it.
3. No clear arguments about Refuse to work on certain jobs;
4. Poor and not organized effort to Reexamine and appropriately adapt their activities in a constant “learning” process;
5. Long time discussions about next steps and no decisions about customers real preferences;
6. Weak habits of value proposition to customer (Value – Cost paid and Benefits received - from Client side of view );
3. Opportunity (What opportunities are open to e-Types? What trends could e-Type take advantage of? How can e-Type turn their strengths into opportunities ?)
1. Internet / Dotcom boom – Opportunity for easy research information about clients and industry trends;
2. Entering in the new market segments: Web Site, Printing materials …
3. Visibility which highlights company vision to the public;
4. Awareness as a Creative, Open and Client friendly Company;
5. Growth via a constant “learning” process”.
4. Threads (What threats could harm e-Type? What is e-Type competition doing? What threats do e-Types weaknesses expose Company to ?)
1. Internet / Dotcom boom – Opportunity for all rivals in the global and local market;
2. Refuse to work on certain jobs, turning down those clients that do not “fit in” with the creative edge e-Types is accustomed to deliver its clients;
3. e-Types partners might send a negative message to their work force that can in turn, distance themselves from their ideals;
4. Risk of losing the “edge” and efficiently compete in a usually saturated market.
e.T ypes Competitive advantage
Recommended Competitive advantage:
Industry analysis Conclusions:
1) The threat of new entry is quite high: if anyone looks as From industry and e-Types Environment analysis it is
if they're making a sustained profit, new competitors can clear that for e-Types Competitive advantage, cost
come into the industry easily, reducing profits; advantage isn’t preferable way and company should
2) Competitive rivalry is extremely high: if someone raises think in the differentiation advantage for future
prices, they'll be quickly undercut. Intense competition success.
puts strong downward pressure on prices.
3) Buyer Power is strong, again implying strong
e.Types should offer something which is so unique,
downward pressure on prices.
so sought after so that customers are willing to pay a
4) There is some threat of substitution. premium for their product and only your product,
then Company will have a differentiation advantage.
Strategy implementation is the translation of chosen strategy into organizational action so as to achieve strategic goals and
objectives. Strategy implementation is also defined as the manner in which an organization should develop, utilize, and amalgamate
organizational structure, control systems, and culture to follow strategies that lead to competitive advantage and a better
performance. Оor goal is e-Types Strategy plan development.
For e-Types Strategy Implementation plan development following activities should be performed:
1. Recall Strategy Goals and objectives from e-Types Strategy;
2. Evaluate strategy in the Balanced Scorecard System (BSC);
3. Evaluate strategy in the Objectives and Key Results System (OKR);
4. Build Strategy implementation plan in the 6 dimensions: Goals and Metrics (1), Organizational structure (2), Communication (3), Resistance
and Risks (4), Organizational culture (5), and Power and Informal networks (6);
5. Combine previous results and Build General Strategy implementation Plan.
6. As visualized in the diagram Corrective actions can be performed during this process.
E-Types Vision Statement and Objectives
Values Business Objectives (5 forces)
• Capture Opportunities and make things happen; Do things
1. Work closely to Clients, promote edgy designs and encourage new thinking;
• better than anyone else in the identity industry; 2. Promote radical, innovative designs for Customers and Potential
Foster openness, respect and create excitement; Synergy, Customers;
• Teamwork, Innovations and Creativity. 3. Organize e-Types partners forum (Or some kind of Survey and Feedback Solution)
• where customers can send a positive / negative message about e--Types work and work
MISSIO We do Identity. force, Customers ideals about different aspects of Company and Design;
4. Raise Awareness as a Creative, Open and Client friendly and Stable Company;
N 5. Organize e-Types partners forum (Or some kind of Survey and Feedback Solution)
• We will be the most valued business partner of our where customers can send a positive / negative message about e--Types work and work
Vision customers. force, Customers ideals about different aspects of Company and Design.
•
MISSION
• We do Identity.
Internal Business Process Perspective - (To satisfy Vision • Customer Perspective - (To achieve our
our customers and stakeholders, at what business • We will be the most valued business partner of vision, how should we appear to our
our customers.
processes must we excel?) customers?)
Strategy
• Capture Opportunities and make things happen;
• Develop new products; • Do things better than anyone else in the identity industry;
• Service Excellence;
• Understanding Customer Segments; • Foster openness, respect and create • Trusted Business Partner;
excitement; • Value Proposition;
• Provide Valuable Response; • Synergy, Teamwork, Innovations and Creativity.
• Cross-Sell the Product Line; • Enhance Customer Visibility (Internal
• Shift to Appropriate Chanel. and External).
• Innovative product development cycle.
Customer
Perspective Service Trusted Value Customer
Enhance
Excellence Business Partner Proposition Customer
Growth
How should we BRAND
appear to customers?
Provide
Process That Cross-Sell
Process than Valuable
Process Enhance the Product
enhance and Response Line
Perspective Customer value
Deliver Edgy
At what do we need products
to excel to fulfill
customer Understanding Innovative product Shift to
expectations? Customer development cycle Appropriate
Develop new Segments Chanel
products