WGU D081 TASK 2 INNOVATIVE AND STRATEGIC
THINKING |PASSED ON FIRST ATTEMPT |LATEST
UPDATE WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION
AT WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Task 2: Innovative and Strategic Thinking
Course Code: D081
Student Name:
Student ID:
Date:
Program Mentor Name:
A. Risks of Entering the Indian Market
1. Financial Risk
Entering the emerging market of India presents a significant financial risk for the boat
manufacturing company. The company must design and develop a new version of its
foldable boat to comply with the regulations and material requirements established by
the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). Specifically, the NFDB requires the
use of plastics manufactured within India to reduce landfill waste and promote
environmental sustainability.
To meet these requirements, the manufacturer would need to invest heavily in
research and development (R&D), product testing, material sourcing, and compliance
certification. Because these materials have not been previously used in the company’s
production process, additional costs would arise from experimentation, waterproofing
validation, durability testing, and potential redesigns. There is no guarantee that the
redesigned boat will receive NFDB approval or gain traction in the market. Therefore,
the financial loss risk stems from the possibility that the company may invest
substantial capital into development, marketing, and distribution without achieving
sufficient sales to recover its investment.
2. Reputational Risk
Another major risk involves potential damage to the company’s reputation and brand
image. The manufacturer has built a strong reputation for its innovative foldable boat
design, which resembles a carrying case and unfolds like origami into a waterproof
vessel suitable for calm waters. This distinctive design differentiates the company in
its existing market.
, However, the new version required for the Indian market would incorporate unfamiliar
materials and untested modifications. If the redesigned boat were to fail structurally,
leak, or perform poorly—especially during active fishing operations—it could result in
injury, loss of property, or public criticism. Such an incident could harm the company’s
credibility not only in India but also in other potential Asian markets. Negative
publicity could undermine the brand’s image as a safe, innovative, and
environmentally responsible manufacturer, making future expansion more difficult.
B. SWOT Analysis
B1. Internal Strengths
1. Culture of Innovation
One of the company’s strongest competitive advantages is its culture of innovation.
The organization encourages creative thinking and cross-functional collaboration. By
involving professionals from nontraditional backgrounds—such as video game
designers and IT specialists—the company leverages diverse perspectives to improve
product design and user experience.
Additionally, the company fosters a culture where experimentation and failure are
viewed as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. This mindset supports
continuous improvement and allows the organization to adapt to new challenges, such
as redesigning its product to comply with Indian regulatory standards.
2. Unique Product Testing Process
Another strength is the company’s distinctive testing process. Unlike traditional boat
manufacturers, this company hires local fishermen to test new designs in real-world
conditions. For the Indian market, this strategy would involve partnering with local
fishermen to evaluate the redesigned boat’s functionality, durability, and practicality.
This hands-on testing approach provides authentic feedback and ensures that the final
product aligns with the needs of the target demographic. It also increases customer
buy-in, as local fishermen become directly involved in product refinement.
B2. Internal Opportunities for Strategic Alignment
The company can leverage its innovation-driven culture and real-world testing process
to tailor the foldable boat specifically to the needs of Indian fishermen. By integrating
locally sourced materials and incorporating direct user feedback, the manufacturer
can position itself as both environmentally responsible and community-focused.
THINKING |PASSED ON FIRST ATTEMPT |LATEST
UPDATE WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION
AT WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Task 2: Innovative and Strategic Thinking
Course Code: D081
Student Name:
Student ID:
Date:
Program Mentor Name:
A. Risks of Entering the Indian Market
1. Financial Risk
Entering the emerging market of India presents a significant financial risk for the boat
manufacturing company. The company must design and develop a new version of its
foldable boat to comply with the regulations and material requirements established by
the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). Specifically, the NFDB requires the
use of plastics manufactured within India to reduce landfill waste and promote
environmental sustainability.
To meet these requirements, the manufacturer would need to invest heavily in
research and development (R&D), product testing, material sourcing, and compliance
certification. Because these materials have not been previously used in the company’s
production process, additional costs would arise from experimentation, waterproofing
validation, durability testing, and potential redesigns. There is no guarantee that the
redesigned boat will receive NFDB approval or gain traction in the market. Therefore,
the financial loss risk stems from the possibility that the company may invest
substantial capital into development, marketing, and distribution without achieving
sufficient sales to recover its investment.
2. Reputational Risk
Another major risk involves potential damage to the company’s reputation and brand
image. The manufacturer has built a strong reputation for its innovative foldable boat
design, which resembles a carrying case and unfolds like origami into a waterproof
vessel suitable for calm waters. This distinctive design differentiates the company in
its existing market.
, However, the new version required for the Indian market would incorporate unfamiliar
materials and untested modifications. If the redesigned boat were to fail structurally,
leak, or perform poorly—especially during active fishing operations—it could result in
injury, loss of property, or public criticism. Such an incident could harm the company’s
credibility not only in India but also in other potential Asian markets. Negative
publicity could undermine the brand’s image as a safe, innovative, and
environmentally responsible manufacturer, making future expansion more difficult.
B. SWOT Analysis
B1. Internal Strengths
1. Culture of Innovation
One of the company’s strongest competitive advantages is its culture of innovation.
The organization encourages creative thinking and cross-functional collaboration. By
involving professionals from nontraditional backgrounds—such as video game
designers and IT specialists—the company leverages diverse perspectives to improve
product design and user experience.
Additionally, the company fosters a culture where experimentation and failure are
viewed as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. This mindset supports
continuous improvement and allows the organization to adapt to new challenges, such
as redesigning its product to comply with Indian regulatory standards.
2. Unique Product Testing Process
Another strength is the company’s distinctive testing process. Unlike traditional boat
manufacturers, this company hires local fishermen to test new designs in real-world
conditions. For the Indian market, this strategy would involve partnering with local
fishermen to evaluate the redesigned boat’s functionality, durability, and practicality.
This hands-on testing approach provides authentic feedback and ensures that the final
product aligns with the needs of the target demographic. It also increases customer
buy-in, as local fishermen become directly involved in product refinement.
B2. Internal Opportunities for Strategic Alignment
The company can leverage its innovation-driven culture and real-world testing process
to tailor the foldable boat specifically to the needs of Indian fishermen. By integrating
locally sourced materials and incorporating direct user feedback, the manufacturer
can position itself as both environmentally responsible and community-focused.
