Publications

September 1986 (Revised February 2007)
Case

Solagen: Process Improvement in the Manufacture of Gelatin at Kodak

By: Dorothy A. Leonard and Brian DeLacey

Kodak must decide whether to make a major investment in a production facility designed around a new technique for producing the gelatin critical to so many film and paper products. Currently, gelatin making is an arcane art, unchanged in 150 years and heavily dependent... View Details

Keywords: Arts; Buildings and Facilities; Factories, Labs, and Plants; Experience and Expertise; Engineering; Investment; Time Management; Production; Research and Development; Semiconductor Industry

September 1985
Background Note

Pre-Start Analysis: A Framework for Thinking About Business Ventures

By: Howard H. Stevenson and John R. Van Slyke

Describes the thought process an entrepreneur should undergo before committing to a course of action. Covers understanding the opportunity--assessing the critical skills, resources, relationships, and approvals--developing an action plan; forming a business entity;... View Details

Keywords: Business Ventures; Entrepreneurship; Framework; Growth and Development Strategy; Management Skills; Resource Allocation

February 1985 (Revised September 1988)
Case

Komatsu Ltd.

By: Christopher A. Bartlett

Reviews and updates the structure and characteristics of the earth-moving equipment industry presented in the companion case, Caterpillar Tractor Co. After revealing that CAT has suffered major financial losses during the period from 1981 through 1984, the case... View Details

Keywords: Financial Crisis; Machinery and Machining; Price; Growth and Development; Brands and Branding; Product Development; Production; Competitive Strategy; Global Strategy; Manufacturing Industry; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; Industrial Products Industry

1985
Chapter

Mastering Change: The Skills we Need

By: R. M. Kanter

Keywords: Change Management; Competency and Skills

October 1982
Case

Assessing Managerial Talent at AT&T (A) (Condensed)

By: Michael Beer

Keywords: Talent and Talent Management; Leadership Development; Human Resources; Management; Telecommunications Industry; United States

July 1982
Exercise

Network Formulation Exercises

By: Roy D. Shapiro

Keywords: Management Skills

April 1982 (Revised June 1993)
Case

Hart Schaffner & Marx: The Market for Separately Ticketed Suits

By: Richard S. Tedlow

Calls for a decision on whether Hart Schaffner & Marx, the nation's leading manufacturer of high quality, branded suits, should expand its product line by marketing suits that are separately ticketed (i.e., the coat, vest, and slacks are sold from individual hangers... View Details

Keywords: Advertising; Decisions; Price; Markets; Distribution Channels; Production; Mathematical Methods; Competitive Strategy; Apparel and Accessories Industry

November 1981
Case

Assessing Managerial Talent at AT&T (A)

By: Michael Beer

Provides background on the assessment center used by AT&T to assess managerial potential for upper middle management. Contains assessment reports for two candidates. Raises questions about manpower training and development. Students may be asked which of the candidates... View Details

Keywords: Managerial Roles; Performance Evaluation; Management Teams; Executive Education; Management Skills

Article

On Market Timing and Investment Performance Part II: Statistical Procedures for Evaluating Forecasting Skills

By: Robert C. Merton and Roy D. Henriksson

Keywords: Investment; Performance; Mathematical Methods; Forecasting and Prediction

July 1981
Background Note

Introduction to Computing for Managers, Overview Note

By: James I. Cash Jr.

Keywords: Management Skills

July 1980
Background Note

Action Planning and Implementation: A Manager's Checklist

By: Leonard A. Schlesinger and James P. Ware

A checklist of suggested guidelines for managers embarking on action planning and implementation activities. Used as a supplement to assist in the preparation of case materials. View Details

Keywords: Management Skills; Business Processes

June 1975 (Revised July 1975)
Background Note

Experience and Cost: Some Implications for Manufacturing Policy

By: Steven C. Wheelwright

Keywords: Experience and Expertise; Cost Management

1 Feb 1974
Conference Presentation

Women in Organizations: Change Agent Skills

By: R. M. Kanter

Keywords: Gender; Change; Organizations

Research Summary

By: Boris Groysberg

Professor Groysberg's research focuses on the challenges of managing professional service firms. In particular, his work investigates how a firm can be systematic in achieving a sustainable competitive advantage by leveraging its employees. In a number of related... View Details

2012
Case

Advanced Leadership Pathways: Richard Fahey and Robert Saudek (A): Lighting Liberia

By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Anne Arlinghaus

After successful careers as lawyers Richard Fahey and Robert Saudek set out to tackle a large-scale infrastructure challenge in a complex environment by increasing Liberian citizens’ access to lighting solutions. They developed the Liberian Energy Network, which aimed... View Details