Cincinnati Zoo
Case Analysis 1: Cincinnati Zoo
IBM Global Center for Smarter Analytics
Company Background
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the most popular attractions and a Top Zoo for Children according to Parent’s Magazine. Each year, more than 1.3 million people visit its 71-acre site, which is home to more than 500 animal and 3,000 plant species.
Although the Zoo is a non-profit organization and is partially subsidized by Hamilton County, more than two thirds of its $26 million annual budget is generated through its own fundraising efforts.
Cincinnati Zoo takes pride in the fact that it has the lowest public subsidy of any zoo in Ohio and generates more than two thirds of its $26 million annual budget through its own fundraising efforts. In challenging economic conditions, the Zoo wanted to reduce its reliance on subsidies even further by increasing visitor attendance and revenues from secondary sources such as membership, food and retail outlets. This would secure the Zoo’s future and enable it to continue its pioneering work in conservation, preservation and research.
Currently, Cincinnati Zoo makes use of four separate legacy point-of-sale systems with a single platform to provide data on all admission, membership, retail and food service sales. To monitor the number of visitors in certain areas, the zoo staff members make their rounds to observe.
You have been hired by Cincinnati Zoo to provide them a solution that will enable them achieve their business objectives.
Business Objectives
Increase attendance and revenues by enhancing the customer experience for each visitor
Boost sales for food and retail outlets through more effective marketing and promotions
Optimize labor costs by gaining a better understanding of demand patterns throughout the year
Maximize the workforce by identifying areas of the park that are in need of more staff
Questions
1. What are the problems with the existing system of the Cincinnati
IBM Global Center for Smarter Analytics
Company Background
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the most popular attractions and a Top Zoo for Children according to Parent’s Magazine. Each year, more than 1.3 million people visit its 71-acre site, which is home to more than 500 animal and 3,000 plant species.
Although the Zoo is a non-profit organization and is partially subsidized by Hamilton County, more than two thirds of its $26 million annual budget is generated through its own fundraising efforts.
Cincinnati Zoo takes pride in the fact that it has the lowest public subsidy of any zoo in Ohio and generates more than two thirds of its $26 million annual budget through its own fundraising efforts. In challenging economic conditions, the Zoo wanted to reduce its reliance on subsidies even further by increasing visitor attendance and revenues from secondary sources such as membership, food and retail outlets. This would secure the Zoo’s future and enable it to continue its pioneering work in conservation, preservation and research.
Currently, Cincinnati Zoo makes use of four separate legacy point-of-sale systems with a single platform to provide data on all admission, membership, retail and food service sales. To monitor the number of visitors in certain areas, the zoo staff members make their rounds to observe.
You have been hired by Cincinnati Zoo to provide them a solution that will enable them achieve their business objectives.
Business Objectives
Increase attendance and revenues by enhancing the customer experience for each visitor
Boost sales for food and retail outlets through more effective marketing and promotions
Optimize labor costs by gaining a better understanding of demand patterns throughout the year
Maximize the workforce by identifying areas of the park that are in need of more staff
Questions
1. What are the problems with the existing system of the Cincinnati