Publications

June 2007 (Revised April 2009)
Case

Intel 2006: Rising to the Graphics Challenge

By: Willy C. Shih and Elie Ofek

Examines the evolution of the PC hardware industry over the span of two and a half decades. The open architecture design of the IBM Personal Computer followed by the rapid appearance of clones drove a high level of standardization and modularity in the industry, and... View Details

Keywords: History; Customer Value and Value Chain; Decision Choices and Conditions; Information Infrastructure; Competitive Strategy; Mergers and Acquisitions; Technology Industry

March 2013
Case

An Entrepreneur's New Product Development Journey

By: Elie Ofek

This case tracks the new product development process undertaken by Gauri Nanda, the founder and CEO of Nanda Home, as she ventures to innovate beyond her initial product launches. Having achieved commercial success with her first product Clocky, a roll away alarm clock... View Details

Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Decision Making; Product Development; Manufacturing Industry; Consumer Products Industry

10 Sep 2008
Research & Ideas

Long-Tail Economics? Give Me Blockbusters!

you can make money in many creative industries by selling specialized products to niche markets identified via the Internet. For example, the new CEO of GlaxoSmithKline, the pharmaceuticals giant, likens the search for blockbusters to... View Details

Keywords: by John Quelch; Entertainment & Recreation; Pharmaceutical

14 Feb 2023
Research & Ideas

When a Vacation Isn’t Enough, a Sabbatical Can Recharge Your Life—and Your Career

workers In all of these trajectories, DiDonna says, it’s clear that a sabbatical is more than just a long vacation; rather, those who take advantage of them can make profound changes, ranging from a renewed focus at their job to a radical... View Details

Keywords: by Michael Blanding

07 Nov 2023
News

Love and Money

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Spotify More Skydeck episodes Dan Morrell: Which is the best dating app? Can money actually buy love? When do you talk about money in a new relationship and how do you broach the topic? How can well-meaning parents actually help their... View Details

08 Aug 2022
HBS Case

Building an 'ARMY' of Fans: Marketing Lessons from K-Pop Sensation BTS

What would it take to attract customers who are so loyal that they would not only buy your products, but would also lavish your distributors with flowers and purchase advertising to elevate your brand? Ask the minds behind K-pop sensation... View Details

Keywords: by Shalene Gupta; Media & Broadcasting; Music

Web

Bankruptcy | Baker Library | Bloomberg Center | Harvard Business School

mortgage assets on our balance sheet was a big problem, regardless of any quality or hedging arguments that might be made.” [16] Glen Le Lievre, "Too big to fail." The Wall Street Journal Cartoon Collection, Baker Library, Harvard Business School. "I thought we were... View Details

27 Sep 2018
Research & Ideas

Religion in the Workplace: What Managers Need to Know

change their dress codes and even their brand identities to accommodate religious garb? Can owners of small, private companies reject customers based on religious convictions? These tricky questions might make anyone squirm with all of... View Details

Keywords: by Dina Gerdeman; Food & Beverage; Apparel & Accessories

May 2020
Article

Sales Leadership During and After the Crisis

By: Frank V. Cespedes

Because customer acquisition and retention are the lifeblood of a for-profit enterprise, sales activities establish foundational conditions for a business. In turn, sales managers’ responsibilities in a crisis extend beyond keeping the lights on. Their leadership makes... View Details

Keywords: Sales; Leadership; Health Pandemics; Crisis Management

Read Now

December 1992 (Revised November 1994)
Case

Becton Dickinson Division: Marketing Organization

By: Frank V. Cespedes

The marketing director for the largest division of a health care products company is reviewing the structure and staffing of the division's marketing organization. The division has authorization to hire an additional marketing manager. Hence, the immediate case... View Details

Keywords: Business Conglomerates; Health Care and Treatment; Human Resources; Recruitment; Selection and Staffing; Managerial Roles; Product Marketing; Measurement and Metrics; Organizational Structure; Strategy; Consumer Products Industry; Health Industry

26 May 2009
Research & Ideas

Improving Market Research in a Recession

Editor's Note: Harvard Business School professor John Quelch writes a blog on marketing issues, called Marketing Know: How, for Harvard Business Online. It is reprinted on HBS Working Knowledge. Recession-challenged consumers are buying... View Details

Keywords: by John Quelch

29 Sep 2014
Research & Ideas

Why Do Outlet Stores Exist?

says both about companies' selling strategy and about their customers' buying preferences. His latest research explores grocery stores—a much more complicated and competitive environment than apparel. "I want to see what happens, for... View Details

Keywords: by Michael Blanding; Apparel & Accessories; Fashion; Retail

16 Jun 2008
Research & Ideas

Seven Tips for Managing Price Increases

while increasing retail price points. 5. Unbundle. Customers who previously welcomed the convenience of buying product, options, and services rolled into one may now ask for a detailed price breakdown. Make... View Details

Keywords: by John Quelch

June 2018 (Revised January 2020)
Case

Renegotiating NAFTA

By: Laura Alfaro, Haviland Sheldahl-Thomason and Sarah Jeong

January 1, 2019 marked the 25th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Twenty-five years after the landmark trade pact was signed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, considerable debate surrounded it. Trade and trade agreements were a... View Details

Keywords: Trade; Negotiation; Agreements and Arrangements; Cost vs Benefits; Auto Industry; United States; Mexico; Canada