Publications

March–April 1979
Article

Choosing Strategies for Change

By: Leonard A. Schlesinger and John P. Kotter

"From the frying pan into the fire," "let sleeping dogs lie," and "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" are all well-known sayings born of the fear of change. When people are threatened with change in organizations, similar maxims about certain people and departments... View Details

Keywords: Organizational Change and Adaptation; Strategy; Change Management

April 1979
Article

Communication Patterns, Project Performance, and Task Characteristics: An Empirical Evaluation and Integration in an R&D Setting

By: Ralph Katz and Michael Tushman

Keywords: Communication; Projects; Performance; Information; Integration; Research and Development

April 1979 (Revised June 1988)
Case

Receiving Tube Industry in 1966

Keywords: Competitive Strategy; Corporate Strategy; Competition

March 1979 (Revised June 1985)
Case

Chain Saw Industry in 1974

Describes the structure of the chain saw industry in 1974, when it is on the threshold of a major period of growth. Data are provided on each significant competitor. The discussion should center around strategies in a growing market for differently situated... View Details

Keywords: Industry Growth; Corporate Strategy; Industry Structures; Growth and Development Strategy; Manufacturing Industry

March 1979 (Revised December 1982)
Case

Allied Chemical Corp. (B)

By: George C. Lodge and Joseph L. Badaracco Jr.

Describes Allied's cooperative approach to government relations and the approach of some of the regulatory agencies Allied deals with. Based mainly on quotes from Allied and government officials. Asks the student to evaluate Allied's government relations--in general... View Details

Keywords: Business and Government Relations; Cooperation; Chemical Industry

March–April 1979
Article

How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy

By: M. E. Porter

Many factors determine the nature of competition, including not only rivals, but also the economics of particular industries, new entrants, the bargaining power of customers and suppliers, and the threat of substitute services or products. A strategic plan of action... View Details

Keywords: Competition; Strategy

February 1979 (Revised October 1982)
Case

Fiber-Optics Industry (B): Historical Development and Competitor Profiles--1978

Keywords: Applied Optics; History; Competition; Information Technology; Communications Industry; Telecommunications Industry

February 1979 (Revised July 1985)
Case

Fiber-Optics Industry (A): Products, Technology, and Markets--1978

Keywords: Competition; Competitive Strategy; Hardware; Communications Industry; Telecommunications Industry

1979
Book

Diversification through Acquisition: Strategies for Creating Economic Value

By: Malcolm S. Salter and Wolf A. Weinhold

Keywords: Mergers and Acquisitions; Strategy; Value; Diversification

April 1978 (Revised October 1994)
Case

Cumberland Metal Industries (A): Model Year 1978 Negotiations with Beta Motors

By: Benson P. Shapiro

Provides the background on Cumberland Metal Industries' entry into the automotive components market as a supplier of emission control equipment parts. Cumberland Metal must decide what bid to quote on Beta Motor's 1978 model year business. The company previously had a... View Details

Keywords: Decisions; Bids and Bidding; Market Participation; Negotiation; Competitive Strategy; Manufacturing Industry

April 1978 (Revised January 1985)
Case

Searle Medical Instruments Group (Abridged)

By: Steven C. Wheelwright

SMIG, a division of G.D. Searle, was a fast growing high market-share company in the field of nuclear medical instruments. It manufactured two basically different product lines, one very successful and the other less so. Although marketing was separate for these... View Details

Keywords: Change; Brands and Branding; Market Participation; Production; Success; Performance Capacity; Expansion; Medical Devices and Supplies Industry