Publications

October 2000 (Revised September 2002)
Case

Doyle's Dealmaking Dilemma (B): Final Negotiations

By: James K. Sebenius

Supplements the (A) case. View Details

Keywords: Negotiation Style; Compensation and Benefits; Job Search; Private Equity; Competency and Skills

December 1998 (Revised May 1999)
Case

Specialty Medical Chemicals

By: Richard G. Hamermesh and Lucinda Doran

A new general manager is supposed to rekindle growth. Seven months later, he questions the abilities of his direct reports. An organizational psychologist is brought in to assess his people. The general manager now has to decide who to keep and how to structure his... View Details

Keywords: Decisions; Employees; Leadership Development; Management Teams; Organizational Structure; Cognition and Thinking

17 Dec 2015
News

A Bridge to the Future

practical and poignant. The program included keynote presentations from two Harvard University professors: Jonathan Zittrain, who spoke on the future of the Internet; and Daniel Schrag, who addressed the impact of climate change. In their... View Details

01 Jun 2001
News

HBS Press Books in Brief

they must do to reshape their businesses for the 21st century. The Attention Economy: Understanding the New Currency of Business, by Thomas H. Davenport and John C. Beck, presents a revolutionary model for managing and measuring attention. In today’s... View Details

Keywords: Publishing Industries (except Internet); Information

July–August 2019
Article

The Soul of a Startup

By: Ranjay Gulati

There’s an essential, intangible something in start-ups—an energy, a soul. It inspires enthusiasm and fosters a sense of deep connection and mutual purpose. While this spirit persists, engagement is high and businesses keep their edge.
But all too often,... View Details

Keywords: Business Startups; Mission and Purpose; Customer Focus and Relationships; Employees; Creativity; Business Growth and Maturation

Find at Harvard

Register to Read

September 1996 (Revised May 1997)
Case

Mobil USM&R (C): Lubricants Business Unit

By: Robert S. Kaplan

The general manager of a Lubricants Business Unit in Mobil's U.S. Marketing and Refining division launched a project to develop a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) for his unit. The purpose was to provide focus for all employees of the unit, enabling it to operate on an... View Details

Keywords: Balanced Scorecard; Employees; Customization and Personalization; Performance Evaluation; Measurement and Metrics; Management Teams; Projects; Energy Industry; Mining Industry; United States

February 2016
Case

Express Scripts: Promoting Prescription Drug Home Delivery (A)

By: John Beshears, Patrick Rooney and Jenny Sanford

The pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) sector processes prescription drug claims on behalf of companies that offer a prescription drug benefit to their employees. This case follows Bob Nease, Chief Scientist at Express Scripts, as he considers methods to promote home... View Details

Keywords: Pharmaceuticals; Prescription Drugs; Pharmacy Benefit Manager; PBM; Healthcare; Behavioral Economics; Choice Architecture; Active Choice; Service Delivery; Decision Choices and Conditions; Health Care and Treatment; Order Taking and Fulfillment; Compensation and Benefits; Pharmaceutical Industry

February 2011
Case

oDesk: Changing How the World Works

By: Boris Groysberg, David A. Thomas and Jennifer M. Tydlaska

It is 2010, and Gary Swart, CEO of oDesk, is contemplating the next steps for his organization. Founded in 2004 in California, oDesk operates an online marketplace which matches Employers with Contractors. oDesk provides fact-based information on Contractors, including... View Details

Keywords: Recruitment; Leadership; Growth and Development Strategy; Digital Platforms; Marketplace Matching; Corporate Strategy; Internet and the Web; Consulting Industry

August 2010 (Revised September 2011)
Background Note

Retiree Pension and Health Benefits

By: David F. Hawkins

Note on accounting for retiree pension and health benefits under IFRS and U.S. GAAP. View Details

Keywords: Financial Reporting; International Accounting; Health Care and Treatment; Compensation and Benefits; Standards; Retirement; United States

May 2003 (Revised November 2005)
Case

Marks & Spencer: The Phoenix Rises

By: Joseph L. Bower

The great U.K. retailer fell on hard times in 1998. In 2001, a new CEO was recruited who appears to have succeeded in turning around this world-renown company. This case examines the steps he took (strategic, structural, and recruiting key people) and highlights a... View Details

Keywords: Global Strategy; Recruitment; Leadership Development; Crisis Management; Supply and Industry; Business Strategy; Competitive Strategy; Segmentation; Retail Industry

March 1993 (Revised September 1993)
Case

Praxair: Creating a Board (A)

By: Jay W. Lorsch

Discusses the process a CEO/chairman goes through in creating a new board. Specifically, follows a CEO's decision-making process in selecting board members. Also includes decisions about the selection process for board members and the structure and process of board... View Details

Keywords: Governing and Advisory Boards; Decision Making; Corporate Governance; Conferences; Business or Company Management; Selection and Staffing