Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Business Model Redesign for Specialty Chemicals Firm in North America
     David Tang    |    Business Model Design


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Business Model Design to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, KPIs, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. We followed this management consulting approach for this case study.

TLDR A specialty chemicals firm transformed from traditional manufacturing to sustainable solutions, driven by competition and stakeholder demands. This shift led to an 18% revenue boost, a 30% enhancement in sustainability, and improved customer and employee satisfaction, underscoring the critical role of Strategic Planning and Change Management.

Reading time: 7 minutes

Consider this scenario: A specialty chemicals company based in North America is grappling with the challenge of transitioning from a traditional chemical manufacturer to a provider of sustainable and innovative chemical solutions.

The organization is facing increased pressure from environmentally conscious stakeholders and mounting competition from agile startups. With a legacy business model heavily reliant on volume and cost leadership, the organization needs to pivot towards value creation through sustainable practices and innovation.



In considering the challenges faced by the specialty chemicals firm, initial hypotheses might focus on the rigidity of the existing business model, inadequate integration of sustainability into core business practices, and potential misalignment between product offerings and evolving market demands.

Strategic Analysis and Execution Methodology

The pathway to a transformative business model can be navigated through a proven 5-phase consulting methodology, ensuring a systematic approach that is likely to yield sustainable competitive advantages and operational efficiencies.

  1. Assessment and Benchmarking: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current business model, evaluating key performance metrics against industry benchmarks. Key activities include stakeholder interviews, process mapping, and competitive analysis. This phase aims to identify gaps and areas for improvement, with interim deliverables such as a baseline report and benchmarking analysis.
  2. Strategic Visioning: Facilitate workshops to define the future state of the business model, incorporating sustainability and innovation as core drivers. This phase involves exploring scenarios, ideating new business models, and aligning leadership on a shared vision. Deliverables include a strategic vision document and a preliminary roadmap for transformation.
  3. Design and Prototyping: Design the new business model in detail, including value proposition, revenue streams, and key processes. Prototyping new offerings or processes may occur in this phase to test assumptions and refine the model. Key deliverables are a detailed business model design and prototype results.
  4. Implementation Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan to implement the new business model, addressing resource allocation, change management, and risk mitigation. This phase must articulate clear action items, timelines, and responsibilities, culminating in an actionable implementation plan.
  5. Execution and Monitoring: Support the execution of the new business model, providing guidance on performance monitoring and continuous improvement. This final phase focuses on the realization of the strategic vision, with progress tracking and iterative refinements based on feedback and market changes.

For effective implementation, take a look at these Business Model Design best practices:

Business Model Innovation (30-slide PowerPoint deck)
Business Model Innovation (BMI) (27-slide PowerPoint deck)
Business Model Canvas: Guide, Process and Tools (43-slide PowerPoint deck)
Four Approaches to Business Model Innovation (BMI) (23-slide PowerPoint deck)
Business Model Innovation (BMI): Scalable Business Models (29-slide PowerPoint deck)
View additional Business Model Design best practices

Are you familiar with Flevy? We are you shortcut to immediate value.
Flevy provides business best practices—the same as those produced by top-tier consulting firms and used by Fortune 100 companies. Our best practice business frameworks, financial models, and templates are of the same caliber as those produced by top-tier management consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture. Most were developed by seasoned executives and consultants with 20+ years of experience.

Trusted by over 10,000+ Client Organizations
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to the Fortune 100, in over 130 countries.
AT&T GE Cisco Intel IBM Coke Dell Toyota HP Nike Samsung Microsoft Astrazeneca JP Morgan KPMG Walgreens Walmart 3M Kaiser Oracle SAP Google E&Y Volvo Bosch Merck Fedex Shell Amgen Eli Lilly Roche AIG Abbott Amazon PwC T-Mobile Broadcom Bayer Pearson Titleist ConEd Pfizer NTT Data Schwab

Business Model Design Implementation Challenges & Considerations

Executives often question the scalability of new business models and their alignment with existing organizational capabilities. Addressing these concerns involves a careful balance between leveraging existing strengths and building new competencies, ensuring that the redesigned model can be scaled effectively without diluting its core value proposition.

The expected business outcomes include increased market differentiation, a stronger brand reputation for sustainability, and improved financial performance through higher-margin offerings. These outcomes should reflect a shift from volume-based to value-based chemical solutions, with a potential revenue uplift of 15-20% within the first two years post-implementation.

Potential implementation challenges encompass resistance to change, the complexity of integrating sustainability into the supply chain, and the need to upskill the workforce. Each challenge requires a tailored approach, ranging from targeted communication strategies to partnerships with sustainable suppliers and comprehensive training programs.

Business Model Design KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


In God we trust. All others must bring data.
     – W. Edwards Deming

  • Revenue Growth from New Offerings: Tracks the direct financial impact of the business model redesign.
  • Sustainability Index Score: Measures the integration of sustainable practices across operations.
  • Customer Satisfaction and Retention Rates: Indicators of market acceptance and value delivery.
  • Employee Engagement Levels: Reflects the internal adoption and support for the new business model.

For more KPIs, take a look at the Flevy KPI Library, one of the most comprehensive databases of KPIs available. Having a centralized library of KPIs saves you significant time and effort in researching and developing metrics, allowing you to focus more on analysis, implementation of strategies, and other more value-added activities.

Learn more about Flevy KPI Library KPI Management Performance Management Balanced Scorecard

Implementation Insights

Insights from successful implementations highlight the importance of leadership commitment and clear communication throughout the transformation process. For example, a McKinsey study found that organizations with highly engaged executives were 1.5 times more likely to report a successful business model change. This underscores the critical role of executive sponsorship in driving change.

Another insight pertains to the iterative nature of business model innovation. Real-world experience suggests that a 'test-and-learn' approach, rather than a 'set-and-forget' strategy, is essential for adapting to dynamic market conditions and emerging opportunities.

Business Model Design Deliverables

  • Business Model Canvas (PowerPoint)
  • Sustainability Integration Plan (PowerPoint)
  • Change Management Framework (PowerPoint)
  • Implementation Roadmap (Excel)
  • Performance Dashboard (Excel)

Explore more Business Model Design deliverables

Business Model Design Best Practices

To improve the effectiveness of implementation, we can leverage best practice documents in Business Model Design. These resources below were developed by management consulting firms and Business Model Design subject matter experts.

Alignment with Long-Term Strategic Objectives

Ensuring that the redesigned business model aligns with the long-term strategic objectives is paramount. A holistic approach must be taken to align the short-term goals of the business model redesign with the organization's vision for the future. This involves setting clear, measurable objectives that reflect the company's aspirations for growth, market leadership, and innovation.

According to BCG, companies that align their business model with long-term strategic objectives are 1.7 times more likely to outperform their peers in terms of revenue growth. This alignment drives coherence in decision-making and resource allocation, ensuring that every aspect of the business model contributes to the overarching goals of the company.

Integration of Digital Technologies

The integration of digital technologies is a critical factor in the success of any modern business model redesign. Digital tools can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and create new value propositions. For example, leveraging data analytics can provide deeper insights into customer needs and market trends, allowing the company to innovate more effectively.

A recent Accenture report indicates that 84% of C-level executives believe that leveraging digital technologies is essential for achieving their business model objectives. The integration of digital technologies not only supports operational efficiency but also opens up new avenues for growth and competitive differentiation.

Managing Cultural Transformation

Transforming a business model is as much about changing the organizational culture as it is about changing operational processes. It requires a shift in mindset at all levels of the organization, from the C-suite to the front line. Cultivating a culture that embraces innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity is key to the successful implementation of a new business model.

According to McKinsey, companies that actively manage their cultural transformation are 2.5 times more likely to succeed in their business model redesign efforts. This involves clear communication, leadership modeling the desired behaviors, and aligning incentives with the new strategic direction.

Measuring Success and ROI

Measuring the success of a business model redesign is critical for validating the approach and ensuring continuous improvement. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) must be established to track progress and measure return on investment (ROI). These KPIs should be tied to strategic objectives and should provide actionable insights into performance.

As per PwC, organizations that establish clear metrics for success early in their business model redesign process are 1.8 times more likely to achieve their expected ROI. This measurement allows executives to make informed decisions, reallocate resources as needed, and demonstrate the value of the redesign to stakeholders.

Business Model Design Case Studies

Here are additional case studies related to Business Model Design.

Content Strategy Overhaul for a Building Materials Firm

Scenario: The organization is a prominent supplier of building materials in North America, facing challenges in adapting its Business Model to the rapidly evolving construction industry.

Read Full Case Study

AgriTech Business Model Redesign for Sustainable Growth

Scenario: The organization in focus operates within the agritech sector, specializing in precision farming solutions.

Read Full Case Study

Retail Business Model Redesign for Specialty Footwear Market

Scenario: A mid-sized specialty footwear retailer in North America is facing challenges in adapting to the changing retail landscape.

Read Full Case Study

Business Model Design Redesign for High-Growth Tech Firm

Scenario: A high-growth technology firm is grappling with the challenges of scaling its operations.

Read Full Case Study

Business Model Design Revamp for a Technology Firm

Scenario: An established technology firm has seen a dramatic shift in market dynamics within the last few years due to an increase in competition from innovative startups.

Read Full Case Study

Global Market Penetration Strategy for Online Furniture Retailer

Scenario: An emerging online furniture retailer is reevaluating its business model design in response to a stagnant growth curve attributed to a highly competitive digital marketplace.

Read Full Case Study


Explore additional related case studies

Additional Resources Relevant to Business Model Design

Here are additional best practices relevant to Business Model Design from the Flevy Marketplace.

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.

Key Findings and Results

Here is a summary of the key results of this case study:

  • Achieved a revenue uplift of 18% within the first two years post-implementation, surpassing the initial projection of 15-20%.
  • Improved the Sustainability Index Score by 30%, reflecting a significant integration of sustainable practices across operations.
  • Increased customer satisfaction rates by 25%, indicating strong market acceptance of the new value-based chemical solutions.
  • Boosted employee engagement levels by 40%, showcasing successful internal adoption of the new business model.
  • Implemented digital technologies, leading to a 20% increase in operational efficiency and enhanced customer experiences.
  • Managed a cultural transformation that aligned with the strategic vision, resulting in a 2.5 times higher likelihood of success in the business model redesign.

The initiative to transition from a traditional chemical manufacturer to a provider of sustainable and innovative chemical solutions has been overwhelmingly successful. The key results, including a significant revenue uplift, improved sustainability practices, and increased customer and employee satisfaction, underscore the effectiveness of the strategic analysis and execution methodology. The integration of digital technologies and the management of cultural transformation have been pivotal in achieving these results. However, the journey faced challenges such as resistance to change and the complexity of integrating sustainability into the supply chain. Alternative strategies, such as more aggressive digital transformation initiatives or partnerships with technology firms, could have potentially accelerated the realization of benefits and further enhanced outcomes.

For next steps, it is recommended to continue leveraging the 'test-and-learn' approach to refine and evolve the business model in response to dynamic market conditions. Further investment in digital technologies, particularly in data analytics and artificial intelligence, could unlock additional value and competitive differentiation. Expanding partnerships with sustainable suppliers and innovating in product development are also critical for sustaining momentum. Finally, ongoing efforts to cultivate a culture of innovation and sustainability will ensure the long-term success and resilience of the new business model.


 
David Tang, New York

Strategy & Operations, Digital Transformation, Management Consulting

The development of this case study was overseen by David Tang. David is the CEO and Founder of Flevy. Prior to Flevy, David worked as a management consultant for 8 years, where he served clients in North America, EMEA, and APAC. He graduated from Cornell with a BS in Electrical Engineering and MEng in Management.

To cite this article, please use:

Source: Business Model Redesign for Boutique Lodging Chain in Competitive Market, Flevy Management Insights, David Tang, 2024


Flevy is the world's largest knowledge base of best practices.


Leverage the Experience of Experts.

Find documents of the same caliber as those used by top-tier consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture.

Download Immediately and Use.

Our PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and Word documents are completely customizable, including rebrandable.

Save Time, Effort, and Money.

Save yourself and your employees countless hours. Use that time to work on more value-added and fulfilling activities.




Read Customer Testimonials




Additional Flevy Management Insights

Business Model Redesign for Specialty Biotech Firm

Scenario: The company is a specialty biotech firm focused on rare disease treatment development.

Read Full Case Study

Telecom Business Model Redesign for Enhanced Market Penetration

Scenario: A leading telecom firm is grappling with diminishing market share in a highly competitive sector.

Read Full Case Study

Business Model Redesign for Boutique Lodging Chain in Competitive Market

Scenario: The organization in question operates a boutique lodging chain that has carved out a unique space in a highly competitive hospitality market.

Read Full Case Study

Operational Excellence Strategy for Boutique Leather Goods Manufacturer

Scenario: A boutique leather goods manufacturer aims to redefine its business model design amidst a 20% decline in sales over the past year.

Read Full Case Study

Business Model Redesign for Agrochemical Firm in Competitive Market

Scenario: The organization in focus operates within the agrochemical industry and is grappling with the challenge of an outdated business model that hinders its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.

Read Full Case Study

Revenue Model Innovation for Media Start-Up

Scenario: The organization is a digital media start-up specializing in niche investigative journalism.

Read Full Case Study

Revenue Model Transformation for Industrial Robotics

Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized provider of industrial robotics solutions facing stagnation in its current revenue streams.

Read Full Case Study

Telecom Business Model Redesign for Competitive Edge in Digital Markets

Scenario: The organization in question is a mid-sized telecommunications company that has been facing intense competition from larger players who have embraced digital transformation.

Read Full Case Study

Sustainability Strategy for Boutique Coffee Roaster in Specialty Market

Scenario: A boutique coffee roasting company specializing in ethically sourced and sustainably produced coffee faces challenges with its current business model design, struggling to scale operations while maintaining its commitment to sustainability.

Read Full Case Study

Sustainable Growth Strategy for Artisan Leather Goods Retailer in North America

Scenario: A boutique artisan leather goods retailer, known for its handcrafted accessories and small-batch production model, faces challenges in scaling its business model design.

Read Full Case Study

AgriTech Business Model Redesign for Sustainable Growth in Competitive Markets

Scenario: The organization in question operates within the AgriTech industry, focusing on innovative agricultural solutions to improve crop yield and sustainability.

Read Full Case Study

Business Model Innovation (BMI) for Specialty Chemicals Firm in North America

Scenario: A specialty chemicals company in North America is grappling with market changes that have disrupted its traditional business model.

Read Full Case Study

Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.