Publications

Research Summary

Cost Management Systems

By: Robert S. Kaplan

Robert S. Kaplan continues to explore the design and use of activity-based cost management systems for manufacturing and service companies. His most recent work, done collaboratively with Professor Michael E. Porter, applies time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC)... View Details

January 1998 (Revised February 1998)
Case

Timberjack Parts: Packaged Software Selection Project

By: F. Warren McFarlan, Mark Keil and Darryl S. Romanow

This case provides a realistic, current, and detailed view of software procurement in an international business environment where the competition in enterprise-wide software solutions is growing. Focuses on the selection of packaged software to serve multiple sites... View Details

Keywords: Applications and Software; Information Technology; Analytics and Data Science; Multinational Firms and Management; Operations; Management Practices and Processes; Computer Industry; Information Technology Industry

This project explores the dynamics of organizational misconduct using a longitudinal analysis of firms’ litigation. I answer several important questions about misconduct: When are managers most likely to engage in illegal activities? Why do they perceive certain... View Details

April 2011 (Revised July 2011)
Case

Renewing GE: The Africa Project (A)

By: David A. Thomas and Stephanie J. Creary

This case profiles the evolution of General Electric's African American Form (AAF), an employee affinity group, and its efforts to increase the company's involvement in Africa. The AAF formed in 1991 to help advance GE's recruitment, retention and development of black... View Details

Keywords: Diversity; Global Strategy; Multinational Firms and Management; Employees; Employee Relationship Management; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Corporate Strategy; Expansion; Africa; United States

1993
Chapter

Comprehensive Change Strategies: Beyond Piecemeal Projects

By: R. M. Kanter

Keywords: Change Management; Strategy; Organizational Change and Adaptation

May 1996 (Revised December 1996)
Case

Enron Development Corporation: The Dabhol Power Project in Maharashtra, India (B)

By: Krishna G. Palepu, V. Kasturi Rangan and Sarayu Srinivasan

A new administration/government takes power in a state in India and cancels a power project agreed upon/created by the previous state government and an American-based energy company. The project cancellation is based on allegations of irregularities, exorbitant costs,... View Details

Keywords: Cross-Cultural and Cross-Border Issues; Crisis Management; Business and Government Relations; Conflict Management; Energy Industry; India; United States

Program

Managing Innovation

companies across the globe. With new insight into innovation processes, you will be ready to take action and lead a highly creative, innovation-focused culture that can consistently deliver results. This program is eligible for the Certificate of View Details

March 2004 (Revised November 2012)
Teaching Note

P&G Japan: The SK-II Globalization Project (TN)

By: Christopher A. Bartlett

Traces changes in P&G's international strategy and structure, culminating in Organization 2005, a reorganization that places strategic emphasis on product innovation rather than geographic expansion and shifts power from local subsidiary to global business management.... View Details

Keywords: Business Subsidiaries; Trade; Globalization; Global Strategy; Innovation Strategy; Business or Company Management; Beauty and Cosmetics Industry; Consumer Products Industry; Hong Kong; Japan; Taiwan; Europe

September 2000 (Revised November 2021)
Background Note

Using Aggregate Project Planning to Link Strategy, Innovation, and the Resource Allocation Process

By: Clayton M. Christensen

Links two very useful pieces of management research--resource allocation processes as studied by Bowen and Burgelman and the aggregate project plan expounded by Wheelwright and Clark. View Details

Keywords: Strategic Planning; Innovation and Management; Resource Allocation; Projects; Management

2013
Teaching Note

Xinhua Hospital: Implementation of EMR Project (TN)

By: F. Warren McFarlan, Ning Jia, Weiqi Liu and Shanshan Cao

Established in 1958, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (hereafter referred to as "Xinhua Hospital") is an integrated modern teaching and research hospital with a comprehensive set of disciplines and a specialization in... View Details

Keywords: China; Hospitals; China

Program

Owner/President Management

months over three calendar years, the Owner/President Management (OPM) program is a transformative learning experience that will boost your leadership skills—and the value of your enterprise. Key Benefits Whether you seek a broader global... View Details

Program

General Management Program

Summary Taking your organization and your career to the next level requires going beyond your field of expertise to gain an end-to-end view of the enterprise, an in-depth understanding of business operations, and a multidisciplinary approach to leadership. The General... View Details

Research Summary

Crisis Management

By: Dutch Leonard

This project examines the special challenges of leadership in crisis situations and the associated challenges of leadership in preparing in advance for the possibility of crises to come. It includes both physical life safety crises (natural disasters, industrial... View Details

May 1996 (Revised July 1998)
Case

Enron Development Corporation: The Dabhol Power Project in Maharashtra, India (A)

By: V. Kasturi Rangan, Krishna G. Palepu, Ahu Bhasin, Mihir A. Desai and Sarayu Srinivasan

A large, lucrative power plant is negotiated for construction/operation by an American power company in India's evolving privatized power sector. The process of incorporating the project is captured in this case. The American company will own and operate the plant in... View Details

Keywords: Change Management; Forecasting and Prediction; Private Sector; Cross-Cultural and Cross-Border Issues; Emerging Markets; Market Entry and Exit; Agreements and Arrangements; Private Ownership; Projects; Energy Industry; India; United States

June 2004 (Revised June 2006)
Supplement

Vertex Pharmaceuticals: R&D Portfolio Management (A)

By: Gary P. Pisano, Lee Fleming and Eli Strick

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a drug discovery company that recently decided to pursue a vertically integrated business model, chose to build up its clinical development and commercial capabilities and infrastructure. For the first time in its history, Vertex will... View Details

Keywords: Research and Development; Investment Portfolio; Pharmaceutical Industry

May 2003
Module Note

Managing Product Development

By: Stefan H. Thomke

Introduces students to the managerial aspects critical to conceiving, designing, and developing innovative products and services. Considers the full range of activities required: learning about customer needs, understanding and managing experimentation and problem... View Details

Keywords: Product Design; Product Development; Service Operations; Business or Company Management; Projects; Management Practices and Processes; Experience and Expertise; Customers; Research; Management Skills; Integration

2008
Working Paper

Product Development and Learning in Project Teams: The Challenges are the Benefits

By: Amy C. Edmondson and Ingrid M. Nembhard

The value of teams in new product development (NPD) is undeniable. Both the interdisciplinary nature of the work and industry trends necessitate that professionals from different functions work together on development projects to create the highest quality product in... View Details

Keywords: Competency and Skills; Learning; Management Skills; Product Development; Projects; Groups and Teams; Conflict Management; Social and Collaborative Networks

July 2004 (Revised July 2005)
Case

Activision: The 'Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer' Project

By: Alan D. MacCormack, Enrico D"Angelo and Kerry Herman

Mike Ward, the producer in charge of developing the Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer game for Activision, must decide whether to launch the game in time for the 2002 Christmas season. Complicating his decision are the lukewarm response from consumers to TV test spots of the... View Details

Keywords: Games, Gaming, and Gambling; Product Development; Customer Satisfaction; Projects; Business or Company Management; Product Launch; Marketing Strategy; Decision Choices and Conditions; Industry Structures; Innovation Strategy; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; United States