Problem Solution: InterClean, Inc.
Companies today face a global market that is rapidly changing to the ever-growing needs of its consumers. No longer can corporate leaders take a hands-off approach and expect survival of their organization. In order to meet demand management is searching for new means for gaining a competitive advantage. Some businesses develop new products while others completely change the entire business model. Regardless of the changes made, failing to apply a well thought out plan can have serious implications on the success of the organization. InterClean is such an industry that relied too heavily on corporate vision and not having a well defined plan for how to get there. Throughout this analysis, it will become evident that Mr. Spenser lacked the foresight needed to achieve InterClean’s vision. The analysis will also propose a defined plan that will assist in achieving the end-state goals.
Situation Analysis
Issue and Opportunity Identification
As companies begin to look beyond simple product sales, InterClean has a desire to become the industry leader in sanitation solutions. This type of market positioning means that InterClean is seeking to compete as a prospector firm. A prospector firm “…attempts to be the first to market with new products and services. (They) rely heavily on innovation, flexibility and speed. They exploit new market and product opportunities” (Dreher & Dougherty, 2001, p. 103). One aspect of prospector firms is building a workforce that is knowledgeable in not only specific products, but also external factors that may affect the type of product sold. CEO David Spencer wrote that InterClean’s employees be fully trained ...