Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Value Stream Mapping for Mid-Size Scenic Transportation Firm
     Joseph Robinson    |    Lean Management/Enterprise


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Lean Management/Enterprise 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 mid-size scenic transportation company faced operational inefficiencies and declining customer satisfaction, prompting the adoption of Lean Management principles and a new digital booking system. The initiative resulted in a 15% reduction in operational costs and a 20% increase in customer engagement, highlighting the importance of Strategic Planning and Technology Adoption in driving business transformation.

Reading time: 12 minutes

Consider this scenario: A mid-size scenic and sightseeing transportation company is facing operational inefficiencies and stagnant growth, necessitating the adoption of VSM and lean management principles.

The organization is struggling with a 10% decline in customer satisfaction and a 15% increase in operational costs, as well as external competition from new entrants. The primary strategic objective is to streamline operations and enhance customer experience.



This organization is a mid-size scenic and sightseeing transportation firm experiencing operational inefficiencies and stagnant growth. A deeper look indicates that inefficiencies in operational processes and a lack of lean management practices are contributing to rising costs and declining customer satisfaction. The CEO is concerned that without addressing these internal issues, the company will continue to lose ground to more agile competitors.

Industry & Market Analysis

The scenic and sightseeing transportation industry is characterized by moderate growth, driven by increased tourism and consumer interest in unique travel experiences. However, it faces challenges such as regulatory changes and fluctuating fuel prices.

We begin our analysis by analyzing the primary forces driving the industry:

  • Internal Rivalry: The threat of internal rivalry is moderate due to the presence of several established firms and new entrants offering competitive pricing and unique experiences.
  • Supplier Power: Supplier power is low as the industry relies on a variety of suppliers for fuel, vehicles, and maintenance services, creating multiple sourcing options.
  • Buyer Power: Buyer power is high, with customers having numerous options and easy access to information, making customer loyalty difficult to maintain.
  • Threat of New Entrants: The threat is high due to relatively low barriers to entry and increasing popularity of scenic and sightseeing tours.
  • Threat of Substitutes: The threat is moderate, as alternative leisure activities and travel options are readily available to consumers.

Emergent trends in the industry include a growing preference for eco-friendly transportation options and personalized travel experiences. Based on these trends, the following major changes in industry dynamics have been identified:

  • Increased demand for sustainable travel: This presents an opportunity to invest in eco-friendly vehicles but also incurs higher upfront costs.
  • Personalized travel experiences: This creates an opportunity to offer tailored tours, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, it may require significant customization and operational flexibility.
  • Technological advancements: Adoption of advanced booking systems and digital marketing can improve customer engagement but necessitates investment in technology.
  • Regulatory changes: Compliance with evolving regulations can be costly but also ensures market access and operational continuity.

The PEST analysis reveals that political factors such as regulatory changes and taxation policies can impact the industry. Economic factors include fluctuating fuel prices and tourism trends which affect demand. Social factors highlight a shift towards sustainable and personalized travel experiences. Technological factors underscore the importance of digital innovation to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement.

For effective implementation, take a look at these Lean Management/Enterprise best practices:

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The 8D Problem Solving Process & Tools (206-slide PowerPoint deck and supporting ZIP)
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Internal Assessment

The organization has strong tour offerings and a dedicated workforce but struggles with operational inefficiencies and outdated technology.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths include a well-established brand and experienced staff. Opportunities lie in adopting new technologies and expanding eco-friendly offerings. Weaknesses include high operational costs and limited digital presence. Threats involve increased competition and changing customer preferences.

Organizational Design Analysis

The current hierarchical structure impedes quick decision-making and stifles innovation. A more decentralized model could enhance responsiveness and foster innovative ideas from employees. A flatter structure with cross-functional teams could align operational processes with strategic goals, improving overall agility and customer service.

JTBD Analysis

Customers seek unique and memorable sightseeing experiences delivered efficiently and sustainably. The organization must focus on providing personalized services and eco-friendly options. Investing in technology to streamline booking and customer service processes will also be crucial. Addressing these jobs-to-be-done will help the organization better meet market demands and improve customer satisfaction.

Strategic Initiatives

The leadership team formulated strategic initiatives based on the comprehensive understanding gained from the previous industry analysis and internal capability assessment, outlining specific, actionable steps that align with the strategic plan's objectives over a 3-5 year horizon.

  • Lean Management Implementation: This initiative focuses on adopting lean management principles and VSM to streamline operations and reduce waste. The goal is to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs by 10%. This will lead to cost savings and better resource utilization, requiring investment in lean training and process optimization resources.
  • Technology Upgrade: Invest in a new digital booking and customer management system to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. This will improve customer engagement and satisfaction, driving revenue growth. The initiative requires significant CapEx for technology acquisition and OpEx for ongoing maintenance and training.
  • Sustainable Fleet Expansion: Transition to eco-friendly vehicles to meet the growing demand for sustainable travel options. This will enhance the company's market position and appeal to eco-conscious customers. The initiative requires substantial investment in new vehicles and infrastructure, as well as training for staff.
  • Market Expansion: Enter new geographic markets with tailored scenic tours to capture untapped demand. This aims to increase market share and revenue growth. The initiative involves market research, local partnerships, and marketing efforts, along with human resources for local operations.

Lean Management/Enterprise Implementation 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.


Measurement is the first step that leads to control and eventually to improvement.
     – H. James Harrington

  • Operational Cost Reduction: Measure the percentage decrease in operational costs to ensure efficiency improvements.
  • Customer Satisfaction Score: Monitor customer feedback to gauge the success of service enhancements and identify areas for improvement.
  • Booking System Utilization: Track the adoption rate and usage of the new digital booking system to assess its impact on customer engagement.
  • Eco-Friendly Vehicle Adoption: Measure the percentage of fleet transitioned to eco-friendly vehicles to ensure alignment with sustainability goals.

These KPIs will provide insights into the effectiveness of the strategic initiatives, highlighting areas of success and identifying potential issues that require attention. Monitoring these metrics will help ensure the organization stays on track to achieve its strategic objectives.

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Stakeholder Management

Success of the strategic initiatives hinges on the involvement and support of both internal and external stakeholders, including frontline staff, technology partners, and marketing teams.

  • Senior Management: Responsible for strategic oversight and resource allocation.
  • Operations Team: Key to implementing lean management and operational changes.
  • IT Department: Crucial for technology upgrades and digital initiatives.
  • Customers: Provide essential feedback on service improvements.
  • Marketing Team: Vital for market expansion and promotional efforts.
  • Suppliers: Important for timely delivery of eco-friendly vehicles and technology.
  • Training Providers: Essential for lean management and new technology training.
Stakeholder GroupsRACI
Senior Management
Operations Team
IT Department
Customers
Marketing Team
Suppliers
Training Providers

We've only identified the primary stakeholder groups above. There are also participants and groups involved for various activities in each of the strategic initiatives.

Learn more about Stakeholder Management Change Management Focus Interviewing Workshops Supplier Management

Lean Management/Enterprise Best Practices

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

Lean Management/Enterprise Deliverables

These are a selection of deliverables across all the strategic initiatives.

  • Lean Management Implementation Plan (PPT)
  • Digital Transformation Roadmap (PPT)
  • Sustainable Fleet Expansion Financial Model (Excel)
  • Market Expansion Strategy Report (PPT)
  • Operational Efficiency Metrics Dashboard (Excel)

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Lean Management Implementation

The implementation team utilized the Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Lean Six Sigma frameworks to streamline operations and reduce waste. VSM was instrumental in identifying and visualizing the flow of materials and information through the production process. This framework was particularly useful for pinpointing inefficiencies and bottlenecks, enabling the team to focus on areas with the highest potential for improvement. Lean Six Sigma provided a structured approach to problem-solving and process improvement, combining lean principles with statistical analysis to reduce variability and enhance quality. The team followed this process:

  • Mapped the current state value stream to identify all steps in the process and distinguish value-added from non-value-added activities.
  • Conducted a root cause analysis using Lean Six Sigma tools such as the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology to identify sources of waste and inefficiencies.
  • Developed a future state value stream map to design a more efficient process flow, eliminating identified waste and optimizing value-added activities.
  • Implemented the changes incrementally, monitoring progress and making adjustments as necessary to ensure continuous improvement.

The application of VSM and Lean Six Sigma resulted in a significant reduction in operational costs by 15% and improved overall process efficiency. The organization experienced enhanced resource utilization and a more streamlined workflow, leading to higher productivity and better customer satisfaction.

Technology Upgrade

The team employed the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) framework to guide the digital transformation. The TOE framework was valuable in assessing the organization's technological readiness, internal capabilities, and external environment. This holistic approach ensured that all critical factors were considered before implementing new technology. The DOI framework helped in understanding how new technologies spread within the organization, focusing on the adoption process and factors influencing acceptance. The team followed this process:

  • Conducted a TOE analysis to evaluate the current technological infrastructure, organizational readiness, and external environmental factors impacting the adoption of the new digital booking system.
  • Identified key stakeholders and conducted training sessions to build technological competence and readiness within the organization.
  • Utilized the DOI framework to map out the adoption lifecycle, identifying early adopters and leveraging their influence to facilitate broader acceptance of the new system.
  • Implemented pilot programs to test the new system, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments before full-scale deployment.

The implementation of the TOE and DOI frameworks led to a successful rollout of the new digital booking system, resulting in a 20% increase in customer engagement and a 10% improvement in operational efficiency. The organization saw higher adoption rates and smoother integration of the new technology, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Sustainable Fleet Expansion

The implementation team used the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework and the Resource-Based View (RBV) framework to guide the transition to eco-friendly vehicles. The TBL framework was essential in evaluating the initiative's impact on social, environmental, and economic dimensions, ensuring a balanced approach to sustainability. The RBV framework focused on leveraging the organization's internal resources and capabilities to achieve a competitive edge through sustainable practices. The team followed this process:

  • Conducted a TBL analysis to assess the social, environmental, and economic impacts of transitioning to eco-friendly vehicles, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals.
  • Identified and evaluated internal resources and capabilities using the RBV framework to determine the organization's readiness for the transition.
  • Developed a phased implementation plan, prioritizing the replacement of older vehicles with eco-friendly options based on their environmental impact and operational efficiency.
  • Engaged stakeholders, including suppliers and regulatory bodies, to ensure compliance and support for the transition.

The application of the TBL and RBV frameworks resulted in a smooth transition to a more sustainable fleet, reducing the company's carbon footprint by 25% and enhancing its market position. The organization achieved cost savings through improved fuel efficiency and gained positive recognition for its commitment to sustainability.

Market Expansion

The team employed the Growth-Share Matrix (BCG Matrix) and the VRIO framework to guide the market expansion strategy. The BCG Matrix was useful in identifying potential markets based on their growth potential and the company's relative market share, enabling a focused approach to market entry. The VRIO framework helped in assessing the organization's resources and capabilities to determine their value, rarity, imitability, and organizational support, ensuring the chosen markets aligned with the company's strengths. The team followed this process:

  • Conducted a BCG Matrix analysis to identify high-growth markets with low competition, prioritizing them for expansion.
  • Evaluated the organization's resources and capabilities using the VRIO framework to ensure they aligned with the requirements of the target markets.
  • Developed tailored market entry strategies for each prioritized market, including local partnerships, marketing campaigns, and regulatory compliance measures.
  • Implemented pilot programs in selected markets to test the feasibility and gather insights for full-scale expansion.

The application of the BCG Matrix and VRIO frameworks led to a successful market expansion, increasing the company's market share by 15% and driving revenue growth. The organization effectively leveraged its strengths to enter new markets, achieving a competitive edge and diversifying its revenue streams.

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Key Findings and Results

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

  • Reduced operational costs by 15% through the implementation of Lean Six Sigma and Value Stream Mapping.
  • Increased customer engagement by 20% following the rollout of a new digital booking system.
  • Improved customer satisfaction scores by 12% due to enhanced service efficiency and personalized experiences.
  • Transitioned 30% of the fleet to eco-friendly vehicles, reducing the company's carbon footprint by 25%.
  • Expanded market share by 15% through successful entry into new geographic markets.
  • Achieved a 10% improvement in operational efficiency with the adoption of new technology and streamlined processes.

The overall results of the initiative indicate a successful implementation of lean management principles and strategic investments in technology and sustainability. The 15% reduction in operational costs and 20% increase in customer engagement are particularly noteworthy, demonstrating significant improvements in efficiency and customer interaction. Additionally, the transition to eco-friendly vehicles and the expansion into new markets have strengthened the company's market position and appeal. However, some areas did not meet expectations, such as the slower-than-anticipated adoption rate of the new booking system, which suggests a need for more comprehensive training and change management. Furthermore, while customer satisfaction improved, the 12% increase fell short of the targeted 15%, indicating room for further enhancements in service delivery. Alternative strategies could include a more phased approach to technology implementation and increased focus on customer feedback mechanisms to better align services with customer expectations.

Based on the analysis, the recommended next steps include continuing to monitor and optimize the new processes and technology to ensure sustained improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction. Further investment in employee training and development will be crucial to maximize the benefits of the new systems and processes. Additionally, expanding the eco-friendly fleet should remain a priority to meet growing demand for sustainable travel options. Finally, exploring new market opportunities and leveraging digital marketing strategies will help maintain growth momentum and further enhance the company's competitive edge.

Source: Value Stream Mapping for Mid-Size Scenic Transportation Firm, Flevy Management Insights, 2024

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