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1 – 10 of 112Shane Greenstein and Michelle Devereux
Encyclopædia Britannica was the leading provider of encyclopedias in the English language, but after sales declined rapidly in the early 1990s the company was forced to file for…
Abstract
Encyclopædia Britannica was the leading provider of encyclopedias in the English language, but after sales declined rapidly in the early 1990s the company was forced to file for bankruptcy. Many different organizational and market factors contributed to this crisis, such as the diffusion of the PC, the invention of Encarta, the technical challenges of moving text to electronic formats, and the difficulties of inventing a new format while also operating the leading seller of books. Looking back, what could the company have done differently?
To illustrate important themes on a leading firm's response to technical opportunities and threats; teach students about technological waves, technological disruption, and different concepts of obsolescence; and examine strategic concepts such as attacker's advantages and skunk works.
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Gomez Electronics produces three models of portable compact disc (CD) players. The company uses a full-cost standard-costing system for both internal and external financial…
Abstract
Gomez Electronics produces three models of portable compact disc (CD) players. The company uses a full-cost standard-costing system for both internal and external financial reporting. However, the company's president is considering changing to a standard direct costing (i.e., variable costing) system for internal purposes. Students are asked to prepare two sets of income statements: one based on a standard full costing system, and the other based on a standard direct costing system. Each set of income statements provides information that reflects budgeted sales and budgeted production, as well as actual sales and actual production. Gomez Electronics has three production departments, all of which have excess capacity. The company has received and an offer from a large discount company to purchase a large quantity of CD players that, except for the plastic case, are similar to one of Gomez Electronics' CD players. The offer stipulates the price, the total quantity, and the delivery schedule. Students are asked to make a decision regarding whether to accept the discount company's offer. In addition, students are asked to make a recommendation regarding the adoption of a standard direct costing system for internal use.
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Julie Hennessy and Andrei Najjar
Focuses on Apple Computer's launch of iTunes and iPod as a way to give Wintel users a relationship with Apple. Deals with issues of brand equity, corporate and brand goal setting…
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Focuses on Apple Computer's launch of iTunes and iPod as a way to give Wintel users a relationship with Apple. Deals with issues of brand equity, corporate and brand goal setting, target selection, and matching product and service characteristics with goals and targets. Also allows for a discussion of channel partners, their interests, and their impact on the likely success or failure of a strategy.
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Robert F. Bruner, Kenneth M. Eades and Sean Carr
The cofounder of Compass Records, a small, independent music-recording company, must decide whether to “produce and own” the next album of an up-and-coming folk musician or simply…
Abstract
The cofounder of Compass Records, a small, independent music-recording company, must decide whether to “produce and own” the next album of an up-and-coming folk musician or simply “license” her finished recording. This case presents information sufficient to build cash-flow forecasts for either investment alternative. Discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis reveals that licensing will be the more attractive alternative unless the student assesses the value of the options for follow-on albums included in the “produce-and-own” contract.
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Robert F. Bruner, Robert M. Conroy, Kenneth M. Eades and Sean Carr
In July 2001, a new CEO joins this small manufacturer of CD-ROMs and DVDs to discover that the firm is in the midst of a financial crisis, induced by rapid growth. The CEO asks an…
Abstract
In July 2001, a new CEO joins this small manufacturer of CD-ROMs and DVDs to discover that the firm is in the midst of a financial crisis, induced by rapid growth. The CEO asks an analyst for help with five tasks: (1) review historical performance of the firm; (2) forecast financing requirements for the next two years; (3) exercise the forecasting model to identify “key driver” assumptions; (4) estimate Star River's weighted average cost of capital; and (5) analyze a proposed investment in a packaging machine. The analyst must offer insights and recommendations based on the work. The aim of the case is to exercise students’ abilities in financial forecasting and analysis and in the analysis of capital projects. Generally, the case offers a good omnibus review of foundational tools and concepts.
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Timothy M. Laseter, Jay Ashton and Vincent Gu
This case is used in Darden's first-year core operations class as part of a module on supply chain management. The Musictoday company provided online retailing services for such…
Abstract
This case is used in Darden's first-year core operations class as part of a module on supply chain management. The Musictoday company provided online retailing services for such clients as the Dave Matthews Band and the Rolling Stones. But the lack of a formal inventory-management process had Musictoday concerned about future stockouts that would result in lost sales. This case covers the basics of safety stock within the context of a periodic review system. It introduces students to the periodic review system and provides them with an opportunity to link the optimal review period with the EOQ concept.
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The case is related to strategy of innovation, strategic marketing and brand valuation.
Abstract
Subject area
The case is related to strategy of innovation, strategic marketing and brand valuation.
Student level/applicability
The case consolidates techniques and methodologies of businesses that demonstrate use of technology and innovation to attain competitive edge. It is appropriate for Master's, executive level programme and advance specialized courses of strategy and entrepreneurship. Introductory classes on basics of strategy and information technology will be value add for students.
Case overview
In the growing digital era of virtualization, the businesses are depended on technology to facilitate their multiple operations. Virtual events of conference and exhibition provide broad opportunity to connect and collaborate in real time across the globe. The case discussion applies to potential use of virtual platform as a collaborative tool to achieve business objectives. This case highlights the strategic decision making by an IT company – VSL, regarding product migration and services diversification. It focuses on considering the appropriate strategy of innovation and to make the right decisions. Strategy of innovation and marketing techniques applied by VSL management to sustain in the competitive environment describes the essence of the case. The case is written with the objective to enhance user conceptual understanding through VSL brand valuation and international strategic alliance with 6Connex.
Expected learning outcomes
The case familiarises the students with the complexities and challenges involved in a real business environment and put emphasises on the role of played by management for effective decision making. The case helps students to comprehend the relevance of innovation to achieve competitive edge. The case provides an opportunity of exposure to students so that they can understand the key elements of efficient marketing, strategy of innovation and brand valuation. (Elaborate teaching objectives are appended in the teaching note.)
Supplementary material
Teaching notes.
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Mohanbir Sawhney, Ben Cooley, Jeff Crouse, James Dougan, Jh Johnson, John Johnson, Kumar Venkataraman, Shun Zhang and Andrew Malkin
Chris Barnett, director of global business solutions for Rand McNally, was deliberating how Rand McNally should respond to the emergence of wireless technologies for its…
Abstract
Chris Barnett, director of global business solutions for Rand McNally, was deliberating how Rand McNally should respond to the emergence of wireless technologies for its traditional business of providing static maps and route-planning services. As maps became electronic, interactive, mobile, and enhanced with value-added features, Rand McNally's mapping business was gravely threatened. The opportunities for Rand McNally weren't obvious, and the pace at which wireless technology would disrupt its traditional business was also unclear. Barnett was considering three opportunities: syndicate Rand McNally's brand and mapping content to popular Web sites, become a provider of value-added services to businesses, or focus on automobile manufacturers and try to forge relationships for providing in-car mapping services.
To discuss organizational design, potential responses to disruptive technologies, and market opportunity analysis in order to identify the kind of technology, organizational, and sales force restructuring required to align Rand McNally's organization with the new environment.
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In 2010, Hero Honda (HH), the largest global two-wheeler manufacturing company (based on unit sales), terminated its 26 year old JV with Honda, effective 2014. In August 2011, HH…
Abstract
In 2010, Hero Honda (HH), the largest global two-wheeler manufacturing company (based on unit sales), terminated its 26 year old JV with Honda, effective 2014. In August 2011, HH, rebranded itself as “Hero”, with a nationwide campaign across media; over three months, the campaign was rolled out on 30 TV channels, leading websites, 200 radio stations, and 4, 000 cinema halls. Signages were changed in 4, 500 touchpoints over a weekend. The case documents the market and brand position of HH and its principal competitors, Bajaj and Honda in India, the rationale for ending the JV, the rebranding requirements, and the actions taken. Pedagogically, we evaluate the rebranding effort to sustain, create, and build consumer memories and emotions.
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Raj V. Amonkar, Tuhin Sengupta and Debasis Patnaik
The learning outcomes of this paper are as follows: to understand the context of seaport logistics and supply chain design structure, to apply Monte Carlo simulation in the…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this paper are as follows: to understand the context of seaport logistics and supply chain design structure, to apply Monte Carlo simulation in the interface of the supply chain and to analyze the Monte Carlo simulation algorithm and statistical techniques for identifying the key seaport logistics factors.
Case overview/synopsis
It was 9:00 p.m. on November 10, 2020, and Nishadh Amonkar, the CEO of OCTO supply chain management (SCM) was glued to the television watching the final cricket match of the Indian Premier League, 2020. Amonkar’s mobile phone rang and it was a call from Vinod Nair, a member Logistics Panel of Ranji Industries Federation. Nair informed Amonkar that it was related to the rejection of several export consignments of agricultural products from Ranji (in the western part of India). The rejection was due to the deterioration in the quality of the exported agricultural products during transit from Ranji to various locations in Europe.
Complexity academic level
This course is suitable at the MBA level for the following courses: Operations research (Focus/Session: Applications on Monte Carlo Simulation). SCM (Focus/Session: Global SCM, Logistics Planning, Distribution Network). Logistics management (Focus/Session: Transportation Planning). Business statistics (Focus/Session: Application of Hypothesis Testing).
Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 9: Operations and logistics.
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