The TOM Challenge: TOM Winners and Losers Assignment

December 09, 2015

Read The Full Prompt

The basic thesis of the TOM course is that company performance is driven by the alignment between the company’s business model and operating model. As defined in the “Introduction to the RC TOM Course” note, a business model is defined as how the firm creates and captures value, and an operating model refers to the processes that transform a firm’s assets (e.g., capital, labor, intellectual property, equipment, etc.) into valuable actions.

Please identify one organization in the global economy that you think is highly effective (or one that is highly ineffective) at driving alignment between its operating and business models

  1. Did you choose the company as an example of effectiveness or ineffectiveness? Why?
  2. Describe the company’s business and operating models. What is interesting about them?
  3. Do the models align and support each other?  How?  What specific features of the operating model are designed to create and sustain competitive advantage?  What features of the business model leverage unique capabilities of its operating model?  What are the implications for performance?

Submitted (929)

Uber: the best avenue to drive down
CBL
Last modified on December 7, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Before the age of technology, finding a ride on a rainy night or early in the morning to the airport was a chore. Now, Uber has made the process of riding in style one of ease and affordability.
Costco Wholesale
downeaster
Posted on December 8, 2015 at 8:43 pm
The most fun you've ever had shopping in a warehouse.
PARIBUS — reclaiming $$$ that stores owe YOU.
Mike Contillo
Last modified on December 14, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Retrieve the money that stores owe you! No hassle, no paper work, just cash.
NIKE: Designing the world’s best running shoe
dpinder
Posted on December 8, 2015 at 4:54 pm
Through designing a brand new manufacturing process, Nike has decreased cost, increased revenue and bolstered their overall brand image.
In-N-Out Burger: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”
Jon
Posted on December 8, 2015 at 8:16 pm
What's in In-N-Out's secret sauce?
Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner
LRoberge
Last modified on December 15, 2015 at 2:15 pm
“An on-trend, well-positioned, high-growth retail concept at the intersection of three high growth sectors — healthy foods, weight management and restrictive diets, including food allergies.”
Iora Health: Getting People to Pay for Prevention
G
Posted on December 1, 2015 at 10:05 pm
Iora Health uses a unique operating model to improve health outcomes in primary care.
Skydrop—the “Uber” of instant deliveries in LatAm
Bernardo
Last modified on December 14, 2015 at 7:08 pm
A marketplace that connects local, independent delivery agents with small businesses that need pickup or delivery services.
Kiton: The Best of the Best +1
RHKent
Last modified on December 7, 2015 at 4:32 pm
Kiton prides itself on sourcing the best fabrics and making the finest clothes in the world. It's operating model is designed to ensure nothing produced is less than perfect.
Harry’s | Giving Men’s Grooming a Clean Shave
Gabo
Last modified on December 10, 2015 at 9:31 am
"Quality craftsmanship, simple design, modern convenience and most importantly for guys who know they shouldn't have to overpay for a great shave."
Primary Care Private Practice
Jason
Posted on December 9, 2015 at 10:10 pm
Primary care fee-for-service business model misaligns with optimal operating model, leading to ineffectiveness and inefficiency.
Buffer: Gaining an edge in the Valley with a 100% remote workforce model
Ritika Singh
Last modified on December 7, 2015 at 11:54 pm
Buffer combines a unique labor model with radical transparency to maintain its competitive advantage.
The NCAA: It was fun while it lasted!
Brian
Last modified on December 7, 2015 at 9:38 pm
While the NCAA has experienced enormous success recently, its unsustainable operating model could put an end to college sports as we know it.
ASOS – Effectively Delivering Style, Affordability and Accessibility
Amber James
Posted on December 9, 2015 at 8:02 pm
ASOS.com, a TOM Winner, through the eyes of a loyal customer
MinuteClinic – Aligning towards convenience
Lisa
Last modified on December 9, 2015 at 6:34 pm
CVS MinuteClinics are walk-in clinics that provide basic medical services on a single-visit basis. The business model of CVS MinuteClinics is predicated on delivery of 1) convenient, 2) high quality, and 3) cost-effective[i] healthcare services outside of the traditional healthcare [...]
Whole Foods: Power to the People
PVD
Last modified on December 9, 2015 at 6:37 pm
Whole Foods empowers people through high quality, extraordinary service and competitive prices
5-hour Energy: Get your boost for the day
Rahul
Last modified on December 9, 2015 at 11:04 pm
An inspirational story of someone who dropped out of Princeton college, spent 12 years as a monk in India, came back into the work force only to take low paying jobs such as a taxi driver, laborer and after a [...]
Operations Driving Deep Customer Value in Furniture Retail
BT
Posted on December 8, 2015 at 6:31 pm
The desire to consistently and sustainably provide value to the consumer governs all critical strategic decisions at this US furniture retailer. The result could be the development of the first truly national player the US market has ever seen.
Tuft & Needle: Sleep in Heavenly Peace
sleepy
Last modified on December 12, 2015 at 3:18 pm
Mattresses that are simple, affordable, and convenient -- table stakes. What else?
LinkedIn: Capitalizing on All Value Streams
JohnE2017
Last modified on December 9, 2015 at 11:15 pm
LinkedIn creates and captures value from all of its customers.
Caviar – Premium Bites at Your Doorstep
Chun Pan
Last modified on December 9, 2015 at 1:00 am
Caviar allows customers to get food delivery from the most popular and top-rated Yelp restaurants. In most instances, Caviar is the ONLY way to get delivery from these eateries! Finally, a way to get Momofuku right to your doorstep.
NBC Bearings: Winning the most coveted quality prize in the world!
Avani Birla
Last modified on December 9, 2015 at 12:48 pm
NBC Bearings is redefining what quality means with improved processes and systems that help it attract high end international consumers
Qali Warma [kal-e war-muh]
Asmv
Last modified on December 9, 2015 at 1:07 am
Improving nutrition and education of Peruvian children.
To Infinity and Beyond: Pixar’s Movie Making Success
James Baird
Last modified on December 6, 2015 at 8:57 pm
In 1995, a heretofore unknown film studio named Pixar released Toy Story, the first-ever feature length computer-animated film. Since then, Pixar has produced 15 blockbusters which have grossed more than $9.5 billion worldwide.
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