Albert Einstein was quoted as saying “Great spirits have always encountered viol
ID: 428471 • Letter: A
Question
Albert Einstein was quoted as saying “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” Every organization has their strengths and weaknesses; that is a reality that every organization must face, but it doesn’t mean the strengths will make the organization succeed or that the weaknesses will cause the organization to fail. Every effective manager/leader will most likely face opposition within their own organization; however, in order to capitalize on the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses, an organization must first understand their key internal forces. An internal analysis is an opportunity for the employees within the organization to understand how what they do fits into the organization as a whole.
Using either Southwest Airlines or Subway, create an abbreviated IFE and EFE chart using the format below.
EFE -- Key External Factors
Opportunities
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score
Threats
TOTALS
1.0
IFE -- Key Internal Factors
Strengths
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score
Weaknesses
TOTALS
1.0
Once you have completed both charts from Learning Activity #1 prepare a paragraph that discusses: (1) why you chose those strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and (2) what the weighted IFE and EFE scores mean for that organization from a strategic planning point of view.
Opportunities
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score
Threats
TOTALS
1.0
Explanation / Answer
EFE -- Key External Factors
Opportunities
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score
0.13
2
0.26
0.14
2
0.28
0.20
2
0.40
Threats
0.17
3
0.34
0.06
2
0.12
0.30
3
0.60
TOTALS
1.0
2
IFE -- Key Internal Factors
Strengths
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score
.23
4
0.92
.18
4
0.72
.16
3
0.48
Weaknesses
.18
1
0.18
.07
2
0.14
.18
1
0.18
TOTALS
1.0
2.62
When considering the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that most directly impact Southwest Airlines I had a difficult time because I do not have a deep level of knowledge in how the business itself is run and how deeply devoted Southwest Airlines is to these specific driving factors. Once I considered the multiple driving factors that internally and externally affect the airline industry as whole, I was then able to differentiate what Southwest does to stand out amongst their peers, as well as what they do that deduct from their overall success.
I decided to pick the strengths and weaknesses that are listed because I felt these are the top driving factors for why a customer would decide to fly with Southwest or with their competition. Then I determined their weight based on how important that factor is in making the final decision for the airline. A lack of luggage fees is certainly a driving factor in why people decide to fly with Southwest and when deciding Southwest, the fact that there are “no thrills” (no seat selection, no first class or business class) does not weigh as highly when it comes to cutting flight costs. On the other hand, not having as many flight options outside of the “Americas” is a downfall, but having a maximum number of daily flight options certainly alleviates that shortfall. The weighted score for the internal factors shows the Southwest is slightly above average with their internal decision making and operations.
Looking at the external factors, the same philosophy came into play as the internal factors, but on a much broader spectrum. A lot of these factors are out of the control of Southwest, but how they react and respond to these measures is what made me give the opportunities and threats their individual ranking. Gas prices are not Southwest’s control, but the fact that they still remain under the curve for pricing helps drive their business. Under my interpretation, this final external factor score shows that Southwest is below average in its response to external driving factors. Whether or not this is factual, it is based on my interpretation of Southwest’s response to internal and external factors.
Opportunities
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score
- International destinations
0.13
2
0.26
- Technological advancement, allowing more on flight opportunities
0.14
2
0.28
- Business and first class
0.20
2
0.40
Threats
- Fluctuating fuel prices
0.17
3
0.34
- Increase in online booking agencies and use
0.06
2
0.12
- Terrorism and the threat of terrorism
0.30
3
0.60
TOTALS
1.0
2
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