QSO 489 3-2 Final Project Milestone One: SWOT Analysis

Step-By-Step Guide 3-2 FINAL PROJECT MILESTONE ONE

Recap

QSO 489 3-1 Discussion revolved around the overview of our company and our initial findings of the SWOT. We will use data from the 3-1 Discussion initial findings in the QSO 489 Final Project.

Introduction to QSO 489 3-2 Final Project Milestone One

This How-To QSO 489 Guide assists you in creating a comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis for your chosen organization. The QSO 489 3-2 Final Project Milestone One: Swot Analysis is crucial in forming the strategic foundation for long-term planning and sustainability strategies outlined in a project management plan (PMP). Your task is to explore the internal and external environments of the organization in depth to identify key areas for improvement and potential strategies for success.

Comprehensive Description 

• Detail the organization’s history, mission, market position, and key operational areas.
• Provide a clear background to set the context for the SWOT analysis.

Example

Tesla, Inc. was founded in 2003 by a group of engineers who wanted to prove that people didn’t need to compromise to drive electric – that electric vehicles can be better, quicker, and more fun to drive than gasoline cars (Bredenfeld et al., 2020). Today, Tesla builds all-electric vehicles and infinitely scalable clean energy generation and storage products. Tesla believes the faster the world stops relying on fossil fuels and moves towards a zero-emission future, the better. Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. This mission drives the company’s strategy and decision-making, from vehicle design and manufacturing to energy solutions. As of 2021, Tesla has solidified its market position as a leader in electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy products with a global presence (Boesch, 2023). It operates multiple manufacturing facilities, including the Gigafactories in the U.S., Shanghai, and Berlin, drastically increasing Tesla’s production capabilities.

Discussion of Current Issues or Problems

• Identify and discuss current challenges the organization faces.
• Establish the problems that will be addressed through the SWOT analysis, supported by relevant data.

Example

Despite its revolutionary approach and success, Tesla faces several challenges that impact its operations and growth prospects. One of the most pressing issues is its struggle with manufacturing scale and supply chain stability (Purwidyantri & Prabowo, 2023). The rapid scaling of production volumes has led to frequent production bottlenecks, especially evident during the launches of new models like the Model 3 and Model Y. Another significant challenge is the global shortage of semiconductors and other critical components, which has stalled production lines and delayed deliveries. Additionally, Tesla has faced scrutiny over the safety and reliability of its Autopilot system, with several incidents attracting media attention and regulatory review (Bredenfeld et al., 2020). These issues could undermine consumer trust and affect sales, posing a significant problem that needs addressing through strategic initiatives and enhancements in technology and safety features.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

• List and describe the internal attributes and resources that give the organization an advantage over competitors.
• Highlight the positive internal factors that can be leveraged for success.

Weaknesses

• Identify internal limitations or areas the organization lacks compared to competitors.
• Acknowledge areas for improvement within the organization.

Opportunities

• Explore and list potential external conditions that could benefit the organization.
• Spot external chances for expansion or improvement.

Threats

• Identify external risks or barriers that could cause problems for the organization.
• Recognize external challenges that could hinder organizational growth or stability.

Example

Synthesizing Results

• Combine the findings from the SWOT analysis to form a coherent understanding of the organization’s strategic position.
• Integrate all aspects of the analysis to see the bigger picture and how different elements interact.

Example

The synthesis of Tesla’s SWOT analysis reveals a company with robust strengths and promising opportunities that can counterbalance its weaknesses and mitigate threats. To harness these strengths and opportunities while addressing the weaknesses and threats, Tesla can consider several strategic interventions (Saxena & Vibhandik, 2021). Enhancing the quality control processes to reduce manufacturing defects and improve customer satisfaction is critical. Expanding the charging infrastructure to support its growing customer base and investing in research and development for battery technology will allow Tesla to maintain its technological edge (Boesch, 2023).

Improvements and Solutions

• Develop strategic interventions to address the weaknesses and threats identified.
• Suggest actionable solutions that add value to the organization with minimal risk, enhancing long-term sustainability.

Example

Addressing the semiconductor shortage through strategic partnerships or investments in chip production could stabilize Tesla’s supply chain. Strengthening the public perception of its Autopilot and full self-driving technology through transparent communication and robust safety measures will also be vital. To tackle the high costs of its vehicles, Tesla could innovate in manufacturing processes or materials to reduce costs, thereby making its cars more accessible to a broader market segment.

Closing

This SWOT analysis is a strategic tool to guide Tesla in navigating its complex business environment, ensuring continued growth and innovation in the automotive and energy sectors. Following this How-To Guide, you can craft a professional draft for the QSO 489 Final Project. 

Precap

In the upcoming QSO 489 Discussion 4-1, we will share some ideas about how to produce a viable project plan for the Capstone Project. We will discuss the discipline of Project Management, too.

References

Boesch, J. (2023). A Strategic Audit of Tesla Inc. Honors Theses. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/honorstheses/612 Bredenfeld, L., Cherubim, M., Kellermann, A. C., Lehmann, C., Malberg, S., Rafn, J., Kwon, Y., & Choi, S. (2020). Tesla Moving Forward. 신산업경영저널, 38(1), 47–70. Purwidyantri, A., & Prabowo, B. A. (2023). Tesla Valve Microfluidics: The Rise of Forgotten Technology. Chemosensors, 11(4), 256.

Saxena, N., & Vibhandik, S. (2021, September 1). Tesla’s Competitive Strategies and Emerging Markets Challenges. | IUP Journal of Brand Management | EBSCOhost. https://openurl.ebsco.com/contentitem/gcd:153134462?sid=ebsco:plink:crawler&id=ebsco:gcd:153134462