Publications

September 1987
Background Note

What Do Venture Capitalists Do?

Presents the results derived from 49 responses to a questionnaire mailed to 100 venture capitalists in late 1984. The purpose of the survey was to shed light on the relationship between venture capitalists and their portfolio companies. The survey revealed that the... View Details

Keywords: Borrowing and Debt; Venture Capital; Investment Portfolio; Recruitment; Surveys; Managerial Roles; Service Operations; Relationships; Service Industry

August 1987 (Revised September 1988)
Case

Sarah Jenks-Daly

March 1986 (Revised September 1986)
Case

Priam Corp.: Vertex Peripherals

February 1986 (Revised December 1987)
Case

Vertex Peripherals

March 1985 (Revised November 1988)
Case

Precision Parts, Inc. (A)

Contains a description of a decision confronting two entrepreneurs in mid-1981. They are considering purchasing a small manufacturer of precision electromechanical parts. Among the issues in the case are the following: 1) Should Taylor and Grayson buy Precision Parts,... View Details

Keywords: Leveraged Buyouts; Venture Capital; Financing and Loans; Cost vs Benefits; Investment Return; Strategy; Management Practices and Processes; Risk and Uncertainty; Outcome or Result; Manufacturing Industry

January 1985 (Revised November 1985)
Background Note

Note on the Microcomputer Software Industry--January 1982

Contains a history of the microcomputer software industry from the mid-1970s through early 1982. During that period growth was explosive. Many new companies were formed. However, the eventual structure of the industry was not yet clear. No truly dominant firms had... View Details

Keywords: Industry Growth; Business Strategy; Software; Computer Industry

February 1984
Background Note

Sustainable Growth Analysis

Keywords: Business Growth and Maturation

April 2010
Teaching Note

Dr. John's Products, Ltd. (TN)

Teaching Note for [803063]. View Details

Keywords: Innovation and Invention; Production; Distribution; Entrepreneurship; Consumer Products Industry

2009
Working Paper

Management and the Financial Crisis (We have met the enemy and he is us...)

The financial crisis of 2008-9 has revealed that our broad model of corporate governance is broken, independent of the shortcomings in the regulatory system. Managers and boards of directors in scores of systemically important firms failed to protect employees,... View Details

Keywords: Risk Management; Governing and Advisory Boards; Ethics; Corporate Governance; Financial Crisis

Read Now

June 2005 (Revised August 2010)
Case

Distrobot Systems, Inc.

Distrobot is a start-up that has developed a new system for warehouse automation. The company is trying to raise money to finance the launch of the product. The founder must decide how much capital to raise, from whom, and on what terms. View Details

Keywords: Financing and Loans; Product Launch; Business Startups; Business Strategy; Distribution Industry; Service Industry

October 2002 (Revised July 2009)
Case

Dr. John's Products, Ltd.

Describes an entrepreneur's attempts to invent, manufacture, and distribute an inexpensive electric toothbrush. View Details

Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Innovation and Invention; Intellectual Property; Product

March 2001
Case

FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

Describes some strategic and financial issues confronting the founder and executive director of a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving awareness of and interest in science and technology among elementary and high school students. The organization sponsors... View Details

Keywords: Middle School Education; Finance; Nonprofit Organizations; Cognition and Thinking; Strategy; Technology

1993
Chapter

Don't Fix What Isn't Broken

December 2002
Article

Expensing Options Solves Nothing

November–December 1999
Article

The New Economy is Stronger Than You Think

Keywords: Economy