Publications

December 1992 (Revised September 1994)
Background Note

Note on Organizational Effectiveness

By: Michael Beer

Discusses what is meant by organizational effectiveness. First, the concept of organizations as social systems is introduced. Second, a model of organization effectiveness is introduced and discussed. View Details

Keywords: Organizational Design; Performance Efficiency

17 Jan 2023
Cold Call Podcast

Nestlé’s KitKat Diplomacy: Neutrality vs. Shared Value

Keywords: Re: Geoffrey G. Jones; Consumer Products

The Slow Pace of Fast Change: Bringing Innovations to Market in a Connected World (HBS Press; Boston 2003)

FOR EXECUTIVES, strategists, and students of technology-driven industries, this is a powerful playbook for the high-stakes innovation game. The market is full of fluctuating, and seemingly illogical, fortunes: A long shot like eBay catches fire, while a... View Details

07 Mar 2013
News

The Harvard Professor Who Wants to Transform Capitalism

January 1997 (Revised July 1997)
Case

Value-At-Risk

Introduces the student to the recently developed concept of value-at-risk (VAR) in risk analysis. By working through a stylized example using spreadsheet tools, the student learns the conceptual framework of VAR and its implementation mechanics. View Details

Keywords: Risk Management

05 May 2020
Video

Narayana Murthy

Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of the India-based software company Infosys, discusses how he attracted talent to his start-up by pioneering the concept of employee stock options, and providing excellent career... View Details

February 1993 (Revised May 1993)
Background Note

Responsibility Centers and Performance Measurement

By: William J. Bruns Jr.

Introduces the concepts of responsibility centers and performance measurement. Expense centers, financial responsibilities such as profit centers, and investment centers are introduced, defined, and illustrated with simple examples. View Details

Keywords: Accounting; Management Systems

December 2005 (Revised February 2006)
Background Note

Where do successful strategies come from?

By: Jan W. Rivkin

The second of four module notes for students taking an advanced course on competitive strategy. Presents concepts and techniques to help students understand the origins of effective strategies. View Details

Keywords: Competitive Strategy

April 1996 (Revised December 2011)
Background Note

Responding to Market Failures

Broadly defines the concept of market failure and explores options for responding to it. It pays particular attention to the role of business leaders in addressing market deficiencies. View Details

Keywords: Management; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact

04 Jun 2012
News

What is 'Creating Shared Value'?

20 Oct 2011
Research & Ideas

Getting the Marketing Mix Right

Businesses rely on solid marketing strategies to boost sales—yet the tools used to evaluate these strategies often provide misleading results, leaving managers with the inability to accurately measure how they can get the best bang for their marketing buck. “Companies... View Details

Keywords: by Dina Gerdeman

06 Apr 2016
Research & Ideas

Should Entrepreneurs Pitch Products or Ideas for Products?

In trying to secure financial backing for a new product, independent innovators generally face the question of how much to invest in development before showing it around. Should they create, say, a working prototype (and maybe even generate sales) or pitch the idea for... View Details

Keywords: by Carmen Nobel; Motion Pictures & Video; Entertainment & Recreation; Banking

March 2004
Background Note

An Introduction to Work-Life Balance

An overview of issues relating to and factors affecting the concept of balance between work and personal life including the history of work-life balance and employer/employee perspectives. View Details

Keywords: Work-Life Balance

Video

5 Steps in the Change Management Process

November 1990 (Revised May 2004)
Case

Mile High Cycles

By: William J. Bruns Jr.

Introduces the concept of cost variances. Looking at a bicycle manufacturer with one product and three departments, the case presents budgeted and actual data for material, labor, and overhead. View Details

Keywords: Cost; Business Divisions; Accounting; Bicycle Industry

November 1987
Background Note

The Magic Matrix: Products and Accounts

By: Benson P. Shapiro

Describes an interfunctional approach to product mix management and account selection. The approach uses a matrix of products and accounts. Also describes the concepts and implementation of the approach. View Details

Keywords: Marketing Strategy; Product Marketing; Customers