Business Analysis: Cannondale Bicycles

Cannondale Bicycles have a history which spans over 40 decades. The company began in 1971 by making bicycle trailers. From that their product line quickly expanded and their first bikes were made available in 1983. Cannondale is known for being an innovative company, producing high quality bikes, accessories, and apparel for bicycling enthusiast. They remain on the forefront of bicycle development, many of their designs and ideas are firsts in the industry which are copied by competitors. Cannondale also has a proven track record for superior performance. Their professional cycling teams consistently prove themselves amongst the high ranking on the score boards, and often place first in many challenging races. Cannondale is a subsidiary of

Innovation design leaders in the industry
2. Branding and name recognition
3. Quality product
4. Streamlined distribution (direct to dealers, removed middleman distributors)
5. Variety of product lines (bikes that span over six categories, offering over 100 different styles).
6. International business (available in over 70 countries)
7. “Handmade in USA” slogan (however, a large portion of bikes are now made in Taiwan)

Weaknesses:
1. Realignment of company
2. Pricing is generally higher for the competition area
3. No direct buying (have to go through a dealer for bikes, and

When the organization is planning their strategic plan they can see how it compares to the core values and mission, and then compare it to the SWOT to determine the probable effects. If there are any particular areas which they want to ensure they encompass, they may need to adjust their strategy. There can be similarities to the different areas of the SWOT, and some of the items identified can overlap. What may be considered a strength, when viewed from a different perspective may be identified as a weakness as well. In the example of Cannondale, Innovation can be a strength, but it can also be an opportunity. Similarly, there may be cause and effect that the organization management should take into consideration when determining their strategies. By planning for one area could very likely have an impact on another. For example if the company exploits their strength in new ways, they may be taking advantage of an opportunity. Leadership has to decide what is important for the future progress of the organization. It isn’t likely for them to be able to plan for every item addressed in the SWOT analysis. They have to plan for those that maximizes the future of the company and which management feels gives the greatest return that are in line with the company’s