Describes the history and challenges of the economically distressed inner city areas of St. Louis, a major U.S. metropolitan area. Profiles regional and inner city economics and describes a new effort by community leaders to develop and implement a strategy to revitalize the inner city economy.
John Johnson, the owner of the FinePrint Company, is presented with several opportunities to consider: (1) whether to accept a one-time special printing order (the A case), (2) whether to outsource some of his printing to another printing company (the B case, UVA-C-2194), and (3) whether to both accept the one-time special order and outsource it to another printing company (the C case, UVA-C-2195). In making his decision, he must consider the relevance of certain costs, the behavior of those costs, and the extent to which he has capacity constraints.
Supplement to case UV1722. John Johnson, the owner of the FinePrint Company, is presented with several opportunities to consider: (1) whether to accept a one-time special printing order (the A case, UVA-C-2193), (2) whether to outsource some of his printing to another printing company (the B case), and (3) whether to both accept the one-time special order and outsource it to another printing company (the C case, UVA-C-2195). In making his decision, he must consider the relevance of certain costs, the behavior of those costs, and the extent to which he has capacity constraints.
Supplement to case UV1722. John Johnson, the owner of the FinePrint Company, is presented with several opportunities to consider: (1) whether to accept a one-time special printing order (the A case, UVA-C-2193), (2) whether to outsource some of his printing to another printing company (the B case, UVA-C-2194), and (3) whether to both accept the one-time special order and outsource it to another printing company (the C case). In making his decision, he must consider the relevance of certain costs, the behavior of those costs, and the extent to which he has capacity constraints.
This note provides a brief review of the Muslim religion, including the geographical representation of its believers, a description of its basic tenets, and a sketch of its historical development. Also provided is a brief synopsis of the Prophet Muhammad, and a distinction is made between the Sh'ia and the Sunni faiths. The note was written to complement the teaching of any case that assumes knowledge of Islam.
Examines RealNetwork's (Real's) strategy for the rapidly emerging online music market. In contrast to rivals who sell individual copies of songs, Real offers online music on a subscription basis. For a $10 monthly fee, subscribers to Real's Rhapsody service have unlimited rights to stream all songs from a 600,000-title library to any PC and can burn CD copies of these songs for 79 cents apiece. Real faces significant marketing challenges in persuading consumers to "rent" rather than own their music. The company must decide which channel partners--broadband access providers, consumer electronics retailers, PC manufacturers, or portals--are best equipped to help sell its services. Finally, Real must determine how to differentiate its services from those soon to be offered by a glut of new competitors poised to enter the online music market, including Wal-Mart, Viacom, Sony, Dell, and Microsoft.
ACCION International has been a major innovator in microfinance for 30 years. Reviews organizational context under which key industry-shaping concepts were developed (from peer group lending, guarantee funds, equity investment funds, and regulated commercial banking institutions to joint ventures with banks) and assesses future challenges.
The Hong Kong brand Nin Jiom was popularly known in the territory by its flagship product Pei Pa Koa Cough Syrup. It was through the profitable mass selling of such an over-the-counter traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that Nin Jiom thrived through decades of history. By the early 2000s, the rapidly modernizing consumer culture in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong government's new TCM policies required manufacturers of TCM products to adapt constantly to a changing business environment. Nin Jiom's attention to this earned it an annual turnover of several hundred million Hong Kong dollars by early 2000s. The company was able to continue expanding overseas and in mainland China. How did Nin Jiom's products fit in an era when the Hong Kong government and the Hong Kong as well as western public paid more attention to TCM than before? How did the company manage to maintain its success as a TCM brand in modern Hong Kong?
Agnes Insurance calls in KPMG Forensic to conduct a routine "fraud and misconduct diagnostic" requested by a potential merger partner. The diagnostic reveals a money laundering operation that has gone undetected for several years. The chief financial officer must decide what to do about the money laundering incident as well as how to ensure it does not happen again.
Examines the challenges and opportunities for strategic integration at LVMH, global, luxury brands company based in Paris. The company is composed of established and newly developed brands of luxury goods such as apparel, leather goods, watches, wines and liquors, and fragrances, which it manufactures and sells in countries around the world. Includes in-depth interviews with key LVMH executives.
Choosing the right summer internship can often mean landing a plum position in the company after graduation. Ria Kumar arrived fully prepped for the summer slot interview having studied industry reports, research articles, and analyst reports. She talked to alumni and even spent time at the local Wal-Mart studying the merchandising assortment and product placement. Not surprisingly, she was offered the 12-week internship. The disguised (A) case describes Kumar's 12 weeks and allows students to think about the issues her experience brings forth. Were there red flags? Was her supervision appropriate? Would she be offered a position post graduation? Would she want it? In the (B) case, Kumar decides to work part-time in the local Wal-Mart to gain an "in-store" perspective. Again, she behaved proactively as part of her strategy to get the job offer. The in-store-experience, however, left an unfavorable view of the organization in Kumar's mind. What had her expectations been when she started the part-time job? What did this suggest about corporate management practices?
Choosing the right summer internship can often mean landing a plum position in the company after graduation. Ria Kumar arrived fully prepped for the summer slot interview having studied industry reports, research articles, and analyst reports. She talked to alumni and even spent time at the local Wal-Mart studying the merchandising assortment and product placement. Not surprisingly, she was offered the 12-week internship. The disguised (A) case describes Kumar's 12 weeks and allows students to think about the issues her experience brings forth. Were there red flags? Was her supervision appropriate? Would she be offered a position post graduation? Would she want it? In the (B) case, Kumar decides to work part-time in the local Wal-Mart to gain an "in-store" perspective. Again, she behaved proactively as part of her strategy to get the job offer. The in-store-experience, however, left an unfavorable view of the organization in Kumar's mind. What had her expectations been when she started the part-time job? What did this suggest about corporate management practices?
With so many team-driven activities for students in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of a business school, students need to have an opportunity to discuss the issues and dilemmas that may arise. Harry's difficulties in mastering finance cause some members of the team to feel frustrated, because they have to spend so much time helping him. When the members pressure the others to spend less time with Harry, other problems arise in the team dynamics, involving such issues as trust, participation, team performance, and quality of learning. Students need to explore alternative ways to improve the situation.
Different organizational stakeholders, such as investors, customers, employees, and suppliers, actually have many shared needs and interests. Among other things, they all want companies to give them accurate information, show respect for their time, and be honest and forthright. Cultivating a stakeholder-friendly culture that is responsive to these common needs can be a source of competitive advantage for a firm. Examples of both friendly and unfriendly actions suggest a checklist that managers can use to improve their interactions with their important stakeholders.
By June 2003, IBM had made significant progress in changing the way it managed new, emerging businesses. Describes the development of a separate management program at IBM designed to identify, fund, and shepherd new businesses through growth. Traces the history of the program, its evolution, and the current challenges senior management faces in scaling up the program.