Publications

October 2014 (Revised December 2015)
Background Note

China's Environmental Challenge

By: William C. Kirby, Nora Bynum, Erica M. Zendell and Brittany Crow

China faces enormous environmental challenges. This background note looks at the historical, economic and political origins of the environmental crisis that faces the world's fastest-growing economy. View Details

Keywords: Developing Countries and Economies; Globalized Economies and Regions; History; Crisis Management; Environmental Sustainability; China

January 2023 (Revised June 2024)
Case

Elon Musk at Tesla

By: George Serafeim and Amram Migdal

This case gives an overview of Elon Musk’s career arc through the lens of the 2003 founding of Tesla and its growth through 2022. Background information is included on Tesla’s unique strategic decisions, its operational and reputational struggles and successes, and the... View Details

08 Sep 2021
Blog Post

Building the Bridge from Nonprofit to VC with Joshua Mbanusi (MBA 2021)

A career pivot into venture capital from a “nontraditional” HBS professional background can seem daunting, or perhaps even impossible. In truth, it is a significant challenge to secure a full-time or internship role in venture capital... View Details

June 1976 (Revised March 1984)
Case

Polaroid-Kodak

By: Norman A. Berg

Describes Kodak's long-awaited challenge to Polaroid in the field of instant photography. Provides technological and company background of both Polaroid and Eastman-Kodak and their respective product lines. Discusses Polaroid's claim that Kodak infringed on 10 Polaroid... View Details

Keywords: Technology; Patents; Competition; Product Development

October 1971 (Revised June 1985)
Case

Fisher-Price Toys, Inc.

Reviews new product introduction and pricing decisions for a riding toy designed for preschool children. Designed to provide background in buyer behavior, market analysis, and corporate strategy. View Details

Keywords: Corporate Strategy; Consumer Behavior; Product Launch; Consumer Products Industry

November 1984 (Revised March 1999)
Case

Mayers Tap, Inc. (A)

Mayers Tap, Inc. has a poorly designed cost accounting system and is in the process of redesigning it. This case provides background details for the rest of the Mayers Tap, Inc. series. View Details

Keywords: Management Systems

Find at Harvard

May 2008
Case

Thomas Green: Power, Office Politics and a Career in Crisis

By: W. Earl Sasser Jr. and Heather Beckham

The case describes the dilemma of a marketing manager, Thomas Green, who, after being rapidly promoted, is harshly criticized by his boss, Frank Davis. Green and Davis disagree on work styles and market projections. Green believes the sales goals set by Davis are based... View Details

Keywords: Superior ＆ Subordinate; Performance Management; Personal Strategy ＆ Style; Management Style; Conflict Management; Communication; Rank and Position; Personal Characteristics; Power and Influence

27 Oct 2011
News

IBM's 1st female CEO seen as excellent fit

October 1984 (Revised March 1999)
Case

NIKE (E)

Provides the background for a discussion of Nike (E1), (E2), and (E3). Outlines Nike's senior management group's early program to deal with the company's increasingly difficult competitive circumstance. View Details

Keywords: Management Style; Competition; Situation or Environment; Management Teams; Apparel and Accessories Industry; Sports Industry

28 Mar 2017
Video

Learning from Classmates at HBS

July 2009 (Revised July 2011)
Technical Note

Note on Capital in the U.S. Financial Industry

By: Clayton S. Rose, Scott Waggoner and Sally Canter Ganzfried

This note was created to supplement classroom discussion in the EC course "Managing the Financial Firm" and provides background for exploring issues general managers in financial firms face in considering appropriate capital levels. View Details

Keywords: Capital; Financial Institutions; Management; Financial Services Industry; United States

Career Coach

Philippe Taieb

Philippe (HBS '99) has been a Coach at HBS since 2006. He has been fortunate to work with scores of MBA Students and Alumni having a wide array of backgrounds (e.g. Investment Management, Consulting, Entrepreneurship, General Management,... View Details

Keywords: Consulting; Consumer Products; Education; Emerging Markets; Entrepreneurship; Government; Health Care; Manufacturing; Social Enterprise; Sports; Clean Technology; Energy

February 2024
Background Note

Frederick Herzberg on Motivating Employees

By: Willy C. Shih

This background note summarizes Frederick Herzberg's development of his motivation-hygiene theory, his theory regarding job enrichment, and how the theory has evolved. This is at the core of extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation. View Details

Keywords: Motivation and Incentives; Theory; Service Industry; Manufacturing Industry; United States

John J-H Kim is a Senior Lecturer and part of the Social Enterprise Initiative at the Harvard Business School. He created and teaches the course Transforming Education Through Social Entrepreneurship—leaders and entrepreneurs who are improving the... View Details

May 1998 (Revised September 1999)
Background Note

Note on Managed Care

By: Richard M.J. Bohmer

Presents an overview of managed care. Describes the relationship between provider and insurance companies, examines the implications for consumers, and discusses financial arrangements and operational characteristics commonly observed in the industry. Also provides a... View Details

Keywords: Customers; Insurance; Health Care and Treatment; Service Operations; Relationships; Insurance Industry

20 Sep 2021
Video

Life at HBS Chat with MBA Students

August 2024
Background Note

A Brief Note on U.S. Presidential Transitions

By: Robert F. White

This note provides background information on the U.S. presidential transition process, including the history of presidential transitions, the modern transition process, and the responsibilities of the executive branch. It includes a brief overview of the primary laws... View Details

Keywords: Transition; Government Administration; Selection and Staffing; Political Elections; Laws and Statutes; Public Administration Industry; United States