Want FREE Templates on Strategy & Transformation? Download our FREE compilation of 50+ slides. This is an exclusive promotion being run on LinkedIn.







Flevy Management Insights Case Study
ROI Enhancement for Maritime Shipping Firm


There are countless scenarios that require Return on Investment. Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Return on Investment to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. Let us analyze the following scenario.

Reading time: 8 minutes

Consider this scenario: The organization in question operates within the maritime industry and has been grappling with suboptimal Return on Investment figures.

Despite a robust market presence and a substantial fleet operation, the organization's ROI has not kept pace with industry benchmarks. Recent strategic investments in fleet expansion and technology upgrades have yet to yield the expected financial returns, leading to concerns about resource allocation and long-term financial sustainability.



The organization's recent ROI challenges may stem from a mismatch between capital investment decisions and market demand or from inefficiencies in operational execution. Another hypothesis could be that the organization's investment in technology has not been fully leveraged due to a lack of integration with existing processes.

Strategic Analysis and Execution Methodology

Addressing the ROI concerns requires a meticulous and phased approach, ensuring that each aspect of the organization's investment and operations is aligned with the overarching goal of maximizing returns. The benefits of this structured process include a detailed understanding of investment impact, streamlined operations, and an enhanced strategic vision.

  1. Investment Assessment & Strategic Alignment: Evaluate the alignment of recent investments with the organization's strategic objectives, market conditions, and customer needs. Analyze financial performance and compare it with industry benchmarks.
  2. Operational Efficiency Analysis: Conduct a thorough review of current operations, identifying bottlenecks and areas of underperformance. Implement lean management techniques to optimize processes.
  3. Technology Utilization & Integration: Assess the level of technology adoption and integration within the organization. Identify opportunities to leverage technology for better data analytics, decision-making, and operational efficiency.
  4. Change Management & Training: Initiate a change management program to ensure that the workforce is adept at utilizing new technologies and processes. Focus on training and development to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
  5. ROI Tracking & Performance Management: Establish a robust performance management framework to track ROI improvements. Adjust strategies based on real-time data and feedback loops.

Learn more about Change Management Performance Management Lean Management

For effective implementation, take a look at these Return on Investment best practices:

Private Equity Profit Distribution Waterfall Model (Excel workbook)
Equipment Purchase Cost / Benefit Analysis (Excel workbook)
Return on Investment (Project Management/Lean) (Excel workbook)
Risk and Return in Investment (Financial Management) (51-slide PowerPoint deck)
Marketing Campaign Budget ROI Worksheet (Excel workbook)
View additional Return on Investment 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

Return on Investment Implementation Challenges & Considerations

Executives may question the thoroughness of the investment assessment phase and its ability to uncover the true root causes of the ROI shortfall. A comprehensive analysis, coupled with industry benchmarking, will ensure that strategic misalignments are identified and addressed. The second consideration is the organization's capacity to adopt new operational efficiencies without disrupting daily activities. A phased implementation plan will mitigate this risk by allowing gradual integration of new processes. Lastly, executives might be concerned with the adoption of new technologies. A focus on training and change management will be critical to ensure a smooth transition and full utilization of technological investments.

Post-methodology implementation, the organization can expect to see an optimized capital allocation strategy, a reduction in operational costs, improved fleet utilization, and ultimately, a tangible increase in ROI. These outcomes should be quantifiable through increased financial performance metrics and achieving or surpassing industry ROI benchmarks.

Implementation challenges may include resistance to change from staff, the complexity of integrating new technologies with legacy systems, and the need for continuous monitoring and adjustment of new processes to ensure they are delivering the expected ROI.

Learn more about Benchmarking

Return on Investment 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.


That which is measured improves. That which is measured and reported improves exponentially.
     – Pearson's Law

  • Capital Utilization Efficiency: Monitors how effectively the organization's capital investments are generating revenue.
  • Operational Cost Savings: Tracks reductions in operational costs as a result of process optimization.
  • Technology Adoption Rate: Measures the extent and speed at which new technologies are being utilized by the organization.
  • Employee Engagement and Training Completion: Ensures that staff are fully engaged with new processes and technologies.

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

During the execution of the established methodology, it became evident that employee engagement is a critical factor in achieving ROI goals. According to a McKinsey study, firms with highly engaged employees were 21% more profitable than those with low engagement levels. This underscores the importance of incorporating comprehensive training and change management practices to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Another insight gained was the importance of data analytics in driving ROI. By implementing advanced data analytics tools, the organization was able to identify underperforming assets and make informed decisions on asset reallocation or divestment. Gartner research indicates that data-driven organizations are 23 times more likely to acquire customers, 6 times as likely to retain those customers, and 19 times as likely to be profitable as a result.

Learn more about Continuous Improvement Employee Engagement Data Analytics

Return on Investment Deliverables

  • ROI Analysis Report (PowerPoint)
  • Operational Efficiency Roadmap (Excel)
  • Technology Integration Plan (PowerPoint)
  • Change Management Framework (Word)
  • Performance Management Dashboard (Excel)

Explore more Return on Investment deliverables

Return on Investment Best Practices

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

Return on Investment Case Studies

A leading global shipping company implemented a similar ROI enhancement strategy, resulting in a 15% improvement in their ROI within two years. The company focused on optimizing their fleet operations and investing in digital technologies to improve route planning and reduce fuel costs.

Another case study involves a maritime firm that undertook a comprehensive review of their capital expenditures. By reallocating investments towards high-demand routes and streamlining their operations, they achieved a 10% increase in ROI in the first year post-implementation.

Explore additional related case studies

Ensuring the ROI on Capital Investments Aligns with Strategic Goals

In the realm of capital investment, the alignment with strategic objectives is paramount for realizing a satisfactory Return on Investment. A common issue that surfaces is the disconnect between the investments made and the strategic direction of the organization. This misalignment often results in suboptimal asset utilization and a dilution of potential returns. To address this, a rigorous framework that evaluates the strategic fit of each investment is necessary. According to BCG, companies that regularly review their portfolios and reallocate capital accordingly can achieve up to a 30% higher cumulative total shareholder return than those that do not. Therefore, it is advisable to establish a dynamic capital allocation process that is responsive to market changes and aligned with the organization’s long-term strategic vision. This process must be underpinned by robust analytics and the willingness to divest from non-core or underperforming assets.

Learn more about Return on Investment

Integrating Technology to Achieve Operational Efficiency

Technology integration is a critical factor in enhancing operational efficiency and, by extension, ROI. However, the mere adoption of technology does not guarantee success. The true value lies in the effective integration of these technologies into the existing operational fabric of the organization. A study by Deloitte reveals that companies that prioritize the integration of digital technologies into their operations can see a 20% increase in their productivity. To achieve this, organizations must invest in both the technology and the necessary training for their workforce to maximize its potential. Additionally, it is essential to establish a clear technology roadmap that outlines the intended outcomes and the steps required to get there. This roadmap should be revisited periodically to ensure that it remains relevant in the face of evolving technological advancements and changing market dynamics.

Change Management and Employee Engagement

Change Management and Employee Engagement are critical components that can significantly affect the ROI of new strategic initiatives. Despite the best-laid plans, if the workforce is not on board with the changes, the likelihood of success diminishes greatly. A report by McKinsey found that 70% of change programs fail to achieve their goals, largely due to employee resistance and lack of management support. To mitigate this risk, it is imperative to develop a comprehensive change management strategy that communicates the benefits of change, provides adequate training, and engages employees at all levels. This strategy should not be a one-time initiative but an ongoing effort that is woven into the fabric of the organization's culture. By fostering a culture that embraces change and innovation, companies can ensure that their employees are not just prepared for change but are active participants in the change process, leading to increased efficiencies and better ROI on new investments.

Performance Management and Continuous Improvement

Performance Management is a cornerstone of continuous improvement and is instrumental in sustaining the gains achieved through ROI enhancement initiatives. An effective performance management system goes beyond traditional financial metrics and incorporates a balanced scorecard approach that measures and manages a range of performance indicators. This holistic view ensures that improvements are not only recognized but also sustained over time. According to a study by KPMG, companies with highly mature performance management practices report 2.5 times the revenue growth and 2 times the EBITDA of companies with less mature practices. To capitalize on this, organizations should implement a performance management system that is dynamic, providing real-time feedback and enabling swift corrective actions. This system should also promote accountability by linking performance to individual and team incentives, thus aligning personal goals with those of the organization.

Learn more about Balanced Scorecard Revenue Growth

Additional Resources Relevant to Return on Investment

Here are additional best practices relevant to Return on Investment 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:

  • Enhanced capital utilization efficiency, leading to a 15% increase in revenue generation from capital investments.
  • Operational cost savings of 20% achieved through the implementation of lean management techniques.
  • Technology adoption rate improved by 40%, significantly enhancing data analytics and decision-making capabilities.
  • Employee engagement scores increased by 25% post-training and change management initiatives, correlating with higher productivity levels.
  • Realized a 10% improvement in fleet utilization through better data analytics and operational efficiency.
  • Established a performance management system that led to a 30% faster response to market changes and operational adjustments.

The initiative has been largely successful, evidenced by significant improvements across key performance indicators. The alignment of capital investments with strategic goals has resulted in a notable increase in revenue generation, addressing the primary concern of suboptimal ROI figures. Operational cost savings and enhanced fleet utilization directly contribute to the organization's financial sustainability and competitive advantage in the maritime industry. The marked improvement in technology adoption and employee engagement underscores the effectiveness of the change management strategy, which has been pivotal in overcoming resistance and integrating new processes. However, the integration of technology with legacy systems posed challenges, suggesting that a more focused strategy on technological compatibility and phased integration might have enhanced outcomes further.

For next steps, it is recommended to continue refining the performance management system to ensure it remains adaptive to changing market dynamics and organizational needs. Further investment in technology, specifically in areas that facilitate seamless integration with existing systems, will be crucial. Additionally, ongoing training and development programs should be prioritized to sustain high levels of employee engagement and adaptability. Finally, a periodic review of the capital allocation process is advised to ensure continued alignment with strategic objectives and market demands, potentially incorporating more rigorous analytics and forecasting tools to guide investment decisions.

Source: ROI Enhancement for Maritime Shipping Firm, Flevy Management Insights, 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

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.