Spiraling costs and organizational mayhem
Prioritize cost-reduction opportunities
Improve planning and simplify decision-making
Over 10% cost reduction in the first year

Cost reductions without creative accounting
Problem:
MediaMiracle had expanded rapidly, and its creative department was burning through resources at an unsustainable rate.
MediaMiracle's creative department was experiencing a rapid rise in the volume and complexity of its work.  Because of the large number of emergency and rush jobs and inadequate planning, costs were spiraling out of control.

Poor organization was partly to blame for these problems. Creative development needs were being handled across multiple lines of business (LOBs), creating confusion.

  • it was unclear whether the LOBs were client or agency of the creative department.
  • the distinct needs of LOBs were driving requirement for expertise.
  • in creative decision-making, the roles of the creative groups, functional areas and LOBs all overlapped.

MediaMiracle's resources were being stretched to the breaking point by a lack of clear processes and prioritization within and across LOBs, cultural and technological barriers against re-use of creative material, and inadequate staffing. Bain was asked to recommend solutions to these problems.