Harvard Case - Scheduling Decisions at Western Film
"Scheduling Decisions at Western Film" Harvard business case study is written by Kyle Maclean, Adam Miller. It deals with the challenges in the field of Strategy. The case study is 6 page(s) long and it was first published on : Aug 27, 2023
At Fern Fort University, we recommend Western Film adopt a multi-pronged approach to optimize scheduling decisions, leveraging technology and analytics to enhance efficiency and strategic planning to ensure long-term success. This approach will involve implementing a new scheduling software, incorporating data-driven insights into decision-making, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
2. Background
Western Film, a leading independent film production company, faces challenges in optimizing its film production schedule. The company struggles with inefficient resource allocation, communication breakdowns, and lack of real-time visibility into project progress. This results in cost overruns, missed deadlines, and frustration among employees. The case study highlights the need for a more strategic approach to scheduling, considering the complexities of film production and the competitive landscape within the industry.
The main protagonists of the case study are Tom Anderson, the production manager, and Sarah Jones, the head of scheduling. They are tasked with finding a solution to improve scheduling efficiency and ensure the success of Western Film's future projects.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
Strategic Analysis:
- Porter's Five Forces: The film industry is characterized by high competition, with numerous independent production companies vying for funding and talent. The bargaining power of buyers (distributors and studios) is high, while the threat of new entrants is moderate due to the high barriers to entry.
- SWOT Analysis:
- Strengths: Western Film possesses a strong reputation, a talented team, and a proven track record of success.
- Weaknesses: Inefficient scheduling processes, lack of real-time data visibility, and potential for communication breakdowns.
- Opportunities: Expanding into new markets, leveraging technology for improved efficiency, and building strategic partnerships.
- Threats: Increasing competition, volatile economic conditions, and changing consumer preferences.
- Value Chain Analysis: Western Film's value chain involves various stages, including script development, pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. Each stage requires careful planning and coordination to ensure smooth operations and timely completion.
Operational Analysis:
- Current Scheduling Process: Western Film currently relies on a manual scheduling system, which is prone to errors, delays, and inefficiencies. The lack of a centralized database and real-time data visibility hinders effective resource allocation and project management.
- Technology and Analytics: Implementing a cloud-based scheduling software with advanced features like resource allocation, task management, and real-time reporting can significantly improve scheduling efficiency. This software can provide valuable data insights, enabling data-driven decision-making and proactive problem-solving.
4. Recommendations
1. Implement a New Scheduling Software:
- Timeline: Within 6 months.
- Action: Conduct a thorough evaluation of available scheduling software solutions, considering features, cost, and integration capabilities. Select a software that aligns with Western Film's specific needs and budget.
- How: Engage with industry experts, conduct demos, and gather feedback from key stakeholders.
2. Leverage Data-Driven Insights:
- Timeline: Ongoing.
- Action: Train staff on the new software and encourage data-driven decision-making. Utilize the software's reporting capabilities to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify areas for improvement.
- How: Develop a data-driven culture within the organization, promoting data analysis and collaboration.
3. Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement:
- Timeline: Ongoing.
- Action: Regularly review scheduling processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions. Encourage feedback and suggestions from employees at all levels.
- How: Conduct periodic reviews, implement best practices, and provide training and development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on a thorough analysis of Western Film's current situation, considering:
- Core Competencies and Consistency with Mission: The recommendations align with Western Film's core competencies in film production and its mission to create high-quality content. By improving scheduling efficiency, the company can focus on its core strengths and achieve its strategic objectives.
- External Customers and Internal Clients: The recommendations aim to improve customer satisfaction by ensuring timely delivery of projects and meeting deadlines. Internally, the recommendations will enhance employee morale and productivity by reducing stress and improving communication.
- Competitors: The recommendations will help Western Film stay ahead of the competition by leveraging technology and data-driven insights to optimize operations and reduce costs.
- Attractiveness - Quantitative Measures: The implementation of a new scheduling software is expected to generate cost savings through improved resource allocation and reduced downtime. The software's reporting capabilities will provide valuable data for performance tracking and decision-making.
6. Conclusion
By adopting a data-driven approach to scheduling, Western Film can significantly enhance its operational efficiency, improve project delivery, and gain a competitive advantage in the film industry. The recommendations outlined in this case study solution will enable the company to leverage technology and analytics to optimize resource allocation, improve communication, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
7. Discussion
Alternatives:
- Outsourcing scheduling: This option could provide expertise and efficiency, but it may compromise control and flexibility.
- Hiring additional staff: While increasing manpower can address workload, it may not be a cost-effective solution in the long term.
Risks:
- Resistance to change: Employees may resist the implementation of new software and processes.
- Software integration challenges: Integrating the new software with existing systems may pose technical difficulties.
- Data security concerns: Ensuring data privacy and security is crucial when implementing cloud-based solutions.
Key Assumptions:
- The new scheduling software will be successfully implemented and integrated with existing systems.
- Employees will embrace the new software and data-driven approach.
- Western Film will invest in training and development to ensure successful adoption of the new system.
8. Next Steps
- Timeline:
- Month 1-3: Software evaluation and selection.
- Month 4-6: Software implementation and training.
- Month 7-12: Data analysis and process optimization.
- Key Milestones:
- Successful implementation of the new scheduling software.
- Completion of staff training and adoption of the new system.
- Identification and implementation of process improvements based on data analysis.
By following these steps, Western Film can successfully implement its new scheduling strategy, leading to improved efficiency, reduced costs, and a more competitive position in the film industry.
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Case Description
James Waite, the manager at Western Film, must decide which film to screen at his cinema in the upcoming week. He must evaluate whether to continue showing Spider-Man: Far From Home (Spider-Man), or replace it with one of three other films available for him to screen. Western Film, a second-run theatre, has the advantage of having domestic box office information available, and Waite must analyze whether this information is helpful to him in making this decision.
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