Harvard Case - Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney
"Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney" Harvard business case study is written by Michael N. Young, Donald Liu, Derek Au, Karen Hung, Crystal Wong, Marty Yam. It deals with the challenges in the field of Strategy. The case study is 16 page(s) long and it was first published on : Aug 23, 2006
At Fern Fort University, we recommend that Ocean Park adopt a multi-pronged strategy focused on innovation, diversification, and strategic partnerships to compete with Disney and thrive in the evolving entertainment landscape. This strategy involves redefining the value proposition by leveraging technology and analytics to create immersive experiences, expanding beyond traditional theme park offerings into new markets, and forging strategic alliances with global players to enhance brand recognition and attract new audiences.
2. Background
This case study focuses on Ocean Park Hong Kong, a popular theme park facing increasing competition from Disney's expansion into the region. Ocean Park struggles to maintain its market share and profitability due to declining visitor numbers, rising operating costs, and the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences. The case explores the challenges and opportunities Ocean Park faces as it seeks to reinvent itself and remain a leading attraction.
The main protagonists are the Ocean Park management team, tasked with developing a strategy to overcome the challenges and secure the park's future. The case study also highlights the role of the Hong Kong government, a significant stakeholder in the park's success.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
SWOT Analysis:
- Strengths: Strong brand recognition in Hong Kong, commitment to conservation and education, existing infrastructure, experienced workforce.
- Weaknesses: Limited financial resources, reliance on tourism, lack of innovation, outdated facilities, limited marketing reach.
- Opportunities: Growing demand for unique and immersive experiences, increasing disposable income in Asia, potential for diversification, technological advancements.
- Threats: Competition from Disney and other entertainment options, economic downturn, environmental concerns, regulatory changes.
Porter's Five Forces:
- Threat of new entrants: Moderate, as building a theme park is expensive and requires significant investment.
- Bargaining power of buyers: High, as consumers have many entertainment options and can easily switch between them.
- Threat of substitute products: High, as consumers can choose other forms of entertainment, such as movies, concerts, or online games.
- Bargaining power of suppliers: Moderate, as Ocean Park relies on a variety of suppliers, but some have limited bargaining power.
- Rivalry among existing competitors: High, as the theme park industry is highly competitive with established players like Disney and local competitors.
Value Chain Analysis:
- Primary Activities:
- Inbound Logistics: Procurement of animals, food, and other supplies.
- Operations: Running theme park attractions, shows, and educational programs.
- Outbound Logistics: Managing visitor flow and transportation.
- Marketing & Sales: Promoting the park and selling tickets.
- Customer Service: Providing a positive visitor experience.
- Support Activities:
- Infrastructure: Maintaining facilities and equipment.
- Human Resource Management: Recruiting, training, and managing staff.
- Technology Development: Utilizing technology to enhance visitor experience.
- Procurement: Sourcing supplies and services.
Business Model Innovation:
Ocean Park needs to move beyond traditional theme park offerings and embrace business model innovation to differentiate itself from competitors. This includes:
- Experiential Marketing: Utilizing technology to create immersive experiences, such as virtual reality rides, augmented reality games, and interactive exhibits.
- Diversification: Expanding into new markets, such as edutainment, hospitality, and retail, to generate new revenue streams.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with global brands, technology companies, and educational institutions to enhance offerings and attract new audiences.
Strategic Planning:
Ocean Park should develop a comprehensive strategic plan based on a clear vision, mission, and values. This plan should include:
- Market Segmentation: Identifying target audiences and tailoring offerings to their needs and preferences.
- Blue Ocean Strategy: Creating a new market space by offering unique and differentiated experiences that cater to unmet needs.
- Disruptive Innovation: Introducing new technologies and business models that disrupt the existing industry landscape.
- Balanced Scorecard: Measuring performance across financial, customer, internal processes, and learning and growth perspectives.
4. Recommendations
- Embrace Technology and Analytics: Invest in innovative technologies like AI, VR, AR, and data analytics to create immersive experiences, personalize visitor journeys, and optimize operations.
- Diversify Offerings: Expand beyond traditional theme park attractions by developing edutainment programs, offering unique dining experiences, and creating retail opportunities.
- Forge Strategic Alliances: Partner with global entertainment companies, technology providers, and educational institutions to enhance brand recognition, attract new audiences, and leverage their expertise.
- Strengthen Brand Management: Develop a consistent brand message and identity across all platforms, focusing on conservation, education, and entertainment.
- Optimize Financial Management: Implement cost-cutting measures, explore alternative funding sources, and prioritize investments in high-impact projects.
- Enhance Customer Service: Implement a customer-centric approach, focusing on providing a seamless and memorable experience.
- Develop a Strong Leadership Team: Recruit and retain talented individuals with a passion for innovation, customer service, and sustainability.
- Embrace Corporate Social Responsibility: Emphasize environmental sustainability, community engagement, and ethical business practices to attract socially conscious consumers.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on a thorough analysis of Ocean Park's internal and external environment, considering:
- Core Competencies: Building on Ocean Park's existing strengths in conservation, education, and entertainment, the recommendations focus on leveraging these competencies to create a unique and compelling value proposition.
- External Customers and Internal Clients: The recommendations cater to the evolving needs and preferences of target audiences, while also considering the needs of internal stakeholders, including employees and investors.
- Competitors: The recommendations aim to differentiate Ocean Park from competitors by focusing on innovation, diversification, and strategic partnerships.
- Attractiveness: The recommendations are expected to enhance Ocean Park's financial performance by increasing visitor numbers, generating new revenue streams, and improving operational efficiency.
6. Conclusion
Ocean Park faces significant challenges in competing with Disney and other entertainment options. However, by embracing innovation, diversification, and strategic partnerships, Ocean Park can redefine its value proposition, attract new audiences, and secure its long-term sustainability. By leveraging technology, expanding its offerings, and forging strategic alliances, Ocean Park can create a unique and compelling experience that sets it apart from competitors and ensures its continued success in the evolving entertainment landscape.
7. Discussion
Alternatives Not Selected:
- Focusing solely on cost leadership: While cost-cutting measures can be beneficial, they are unlikely to be sufficient to compete with Disney's extensive resources and brand recognition.
- Merging with another theme park: While a merger could provide economies of scale, it might not be feasible due to regulatory hurdles and potential cultural clashes.
- Selling the park to a larger corporation: This option would eliminate the risk of competition but would also result in a loss of control and potentially a change in focus.
Risks and Key Assumptions:
- Implementation challenges: Successfully implementing the proposed strategy requires significant investment, organizational change, and effective communication.
- Technological advancements: The rapid pace of technological change could render some investments obsolete, necessitating continuous adaptation.
- Market acceptance: There is no guarantee that consumers will embrace the new offerings and experiences proposed by Ocean Park.
8. Next Steps
- Develop a detailed strategic plan: This plan should outline specific goals, objectives, initiatives, and timelines for implementing the recommendations.
- Secure funding: Identify potential funding sources and develop a financial plan to support the necessary investments.
- Build a strong leadership team: Recruit and develop individuals with the skills and experience necessary to lead the transformation.
- Communicate the strategy: Clearly communicate the vision, mission, and values of the new strategy to all stakeholders, including employees, investors, and the public.
- Monitor progress and adapt: Regularly track progress against key performance indicators and make adjustments to the strategy as needed.
By taking these steps, Ocean Park can embark on a journey of transformation that will allow it to compete effectively in the evolving entertainment landscape and secure its long-term success.
Hire an expert to write custom solution for HBR Strategy case study - Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney
more similar case solutions ...
Case Description
Ocean Park was the only amusement park in Hong Kong until 2005, when Hong Kong Disney exploded onto the scene. Outlines Ocean Park's history and its response to Disney's encroachment into its market. Ocean Park acted swiftly and decisively to capitalize on the excitement generated by Disney, thus turning what could have been a threat into an opportunity. In terms of business-level strategy, the park moved to accentuate the differences with Disney rather than compete head-on. As the CEO stated, "We have no intention of trying to out-Disney Disney." The park focused on its aquarium, animals, and thrill-rides as opposed to the "fantasy" and animated characters that make up Disney's core competence. By following this strategy, the park was able to capture a large portion of Disney visitors that came from Mainland China. Also discusses a recent restructuring, human resources management issues, and other challenges that the park faced in 2006.
🎓 Struggling with term papers, essays, or Harvard case studies? Look no further! Fern Fort University offers top-quality, custom-written solutions tailored to your needs. Boost your grades and save time with expertly crafted content. Order now and experience academic excellence! 🌟📚 #MBA #HarvardCaseStudies #CustomEssays #AcademicSuccess #StudySmart Write my custom case study solution for Harvard HBR case - Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney
Hire an expert to write custom solution for HBR Strategy case study - Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney
Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney FAQ
What are the qualifications of the writers handling the "Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney" case study?
Our writers hold advanced degrees in their respective fields, including MBAs and PhDs from top universities. They have extensive experience in writing and analyzing complex case studies such as " Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney ", ensuring high-quality, academically rigorous solutions.
How do you ensure confidentiality and security in handling client information?
We prioritize confidentiality by using secure data encryption, access controls, and strict privacy policies. Apart from an email, we don't collect any information from the client. So there is almost zero risk of breach at our end. Our financial transactions are done by Paypal on their website so all your information is very secure.
What is Fern Fort Univeristy's process for quality control and proofreading in case study solutions?
The Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney case study solution undergoes a rigorous quality control process, including multiple rounds of proofreading and editing by experts. We ensure that the content is accurate, well-structured, and free from errors before delivery.
Where can I find free case studies solution for Harvard HBR Strategy Case Studies?
At Fern Fort University provides free case studies solutions for a variety of Harvard HBR case studies. The free solutions are written to build "Wikipedia of case studies on internet". Custom solution services are written based on specific requirements. If free solution helps you with your task then feel free to donate a cup of coffee.
I’m looking for Harvard Business Case Studies Solution for Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney. Where can I get it?
You can find the case study solution of the HBR case study "Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney" at Fern Fort University.
Can I Buy Case Study Solution for Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney & Seek Case Study Help at Fern Fort University?
Yes, you can order your custom case study solution for the Harvard business case - "Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney" at Fern Fort University. You can get a comprehensive solution tailored to your requirements.
Can I hire someone only to analyze my Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney solution? I have written it, and I want an expert to go through it.
🎓 Struggling with term papers, essays, or Harvard case studies? Look no further! Fern Fort University offers top-quality, custom-written solutions tailored to your needs. Boost your grades and save time with expertly crafted content. Order now and experience academic excellence! 🌟📚 #MBA #HarvardCaseStudies #CustomEssays #AcademicSuccess #StudySmart Pay an expert to write my HBR study solution for the case study - Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney
Where can I find a case analysis for Harvard Business School or HBR Cases?
You can find the case study solution of the HBR case study "Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney" at Fern Fort University.
Which are some of the all-time best Harvard Review Case Studies?
Some of our all time favorite case studies are -
Can I Pay Someone To Solve My Case Study - "Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney"?
Yes, you can pay experts at Fern Fort University to write a custom case study solution that meets all your professional and academic needs.
Do I have to upload case material for the case study Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney to buy a custom case study solution?
We recommend to upload your case study because Harvard HBR case studies are updated regularly. So for custom solutions it helps to refer to the same document. The uploading of specific case materials for Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney ensures that the custom solution is aligned precisely with your needs. This helps our experts to deliver the most accurate, latest, and relevant solution.
What is a Case Research Method? How can it be applied to the Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney case study?
The Case Research Method involves in-depth analysis of a situation, identifying key issues, and proposing strategic solutions. For "Hong Kong's Ocean Park: Taking on Disney" case study, this method would be applied by examining the case’s context, challenges, and opportunities to provide a robust solution that aligns with academic rigor.
"I’m Seeking Help with Case Studies,” How can Fern Fort University help me with my case study assignments?
Fern Fort University offers comprehensive case study solutions, including writing, analysis, and consulting services. Whether you need help with strategy formulation, problem-solving, or academic compliance, their experts are equipped to assist with your assignments.
Achieve academic excellence with Fern Fort University! 🌟 We offer custom essays, term papers, and Harvard HBR business case studies solutions crafted by top-tier experts. Experience tailored solutions, uncompromised quality, and timely delivery. Elevate your academic performance with our trusted and confidential services. Visit Fern Fort University today! #AcademicSuccess #CustomEssays #MBA #CaseStudies
How do you handle tight deadlines for case study solutions?
We are adept at managing tight deadlines by allocating sufficient resources and prioritizing urgent projects. Our team works efficiently without compromising quality, ensuring that even last-minute requests are delivered on time
What if I need revisions or edits after receiving the case study solution?
We offer free revisions to ensure complete client satisfaction. If any adjustments are needed, our team will work closely with you to refine the solution until it meets your expectations.
How do you ensure that the case study solution is plagiarism-free?
All our case study solutions are crafted from scratch and thoroughly checked using advanced plagiarism detection software. We guarantee 100% originality in every solution delivered
How do you handle references and citations in the case study solutions?
We follow strict academic standards for references and citations, ensuring that all sources are properly credited according to the required citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).