Publications

23 May 2017
First Look

First Look at New Ideas and Research: May 23, 2017

consumer distrust of domestic infant formula brands that still pervaded China in 2016. Foreign brands, priced at a substantial premium, were strongly preferred by consumers who could afford them. The field of domestic infant formula View Details

Keywords: Carmen Nobel

Harland Sanders

stores in 1958 to over 600 in 1963. The success of the franchise provided much wealth to the honorary Colonel, and even after he sold the company in 1964, he remained the staple of the company’s brand image, as did his special,... View Details

Keywords: Restaurants & Lodging

Henry P. Crowell

Whereas traditional producers marketed oatmeal to wholesalers, Crowell packaged and marketed his brand of oatmeal, Quaker Oats, nation-wide as a breakfast cereal, a unique product at the time. Crowell utilized aggressive marketing... View Details

Keywords: Food & Tobacco

26 Jul 2016
News

Alumni Capture the Essence of Pokemon GO Craze

can be derived from the phenomenon. To gather alumni thoughts and takeaways, we went on social media with a question: “How can other brands replicate the breakout success of Pokemon GO or can they?” Here are a sampling of their responses:... View Details

Keywords: Arts, Entertainment

Ritu Kumar

Keywords: Fashion, textiles, retail

Profile

Laura Sandoval

in ecommerce with Zarbee’s Naturals (now a consumer brand of Johnson & Johnson), Laura turned her attention to an MBA. “I saw big gaps in the pursuit of the ‘triple bottom line: finding ways to use business to benefit people, profits,... View Details

September 2008 (Revised October 2008)
Case

Marc Abrahams: Annals of an Improbable Entrepreneur

By: Boris Groysberg and Michael Slind

Marc Abrahams was a media entrepreneur who specialized in science humor. In 2008, he sought to boost the scale and monetization potential of his business. That business, called Improbable Research, encompassed a magazine (Annals of Improbable Research), a high-profile... View Details

Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Selection and Staffing; Human Capital; Growth and Development Strategy; Brands and Branding; Personal Development and Career

Find at Harvard

October 2000 (Revised November 2005)
Case

Hilton HHonors Worldwide: Loyalty Wars

By: John A. Deighton and Stowe Shoemaker

Hilton Hotels regards the frequent guest program as the industry's most important marketing tool, directing marketing efforts at the heavy user. What is Hilton to do then, when a competitor ups the ante? This case illustrates the economics of frequency marketing in... View Details

Keywords: Customer Relationship Management; Decision Choices and Conditions; Brands and Branding; Competitive Strategy; Accommodations Industry

November 1991
Case

Magic Johnson: Endorsements ""After""...?

By: Stephen A. Greyser

On Thursday, November 7, 1991, Los Angeles Lakers star Earvin "Magic" Johnson announced his retirement from basketball in the wake of having tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Magic Johnson was one of the most popular figures in sports, both... View Details

Keywords: Marketing Strategy; Value; Sports; Advertising; Alliances; Problems and Challenges; Decision Choices and Conditions; Brands and Branding; Consumer Products Industry; Sports Industry; Entertainment and Recreation Industry

September 2020
Teaching Note

Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters

By: Alexander J. MacKay

Teaching Note for HBS Case No. 719-451. View Details

Keywords: Cold Brew Coffee; Specialty Coffee; On-premise Coffee Market; Retail Expansion Strategy; Entrepreneurship; Business Model; Brands and Branding; Expansion; Strategy; Decision Making; Competitive Strategy; Competitive Advantage; Management; Competition

September 1991 (Revised December 1991)
Case

G. Heileman Brewing Co. (A): Power Failure At PowerMaster

By: Stephen A. Greyser

In June 1991, Heileman announced plans to introduce a high-alcohol malt liquor under the name PowerMaster (PM). Although the company claimed PM would be positioned as an upscale product and marketed on the basis of its superior taste, minority advocates and alcohol... View Details

Keywords: Advertising Campaigns; Ethics; Lawfulness; Brands and Branding; Product Positioning; Demand and Consumers; Market Entry and Exit; Food and Beverage Industry