Steve Briggs, a PhD biologist, is asked to propose a strategy to take global life-science giant Novartis into the rapidly expanding field of plant genomics.
Incat is a cutting-edge manufacturer of high-speed aluminum catamaran ferries. The company has been an entrepreneurial success story, growing to be the largest private employer in its home state of Tasmania, Australia. By 2000, Robert Clifford, the company's dynamic CEO and founder, must choose between two lucrative orders for different ferry designs. One order builds off of the current 96-meter design while the other would push Incat to make a quantum jump to 200 meters. Analysis of the tradeoffs in this "bet-the-company" decision raises issues of manufacturing complexity, operations capabilities, and the challenges of sustainable growth.
Stainless Steel Studios is the latest entrepreneurial venture of renowned computer game designer Rick Goodman. Goodman must now decide the role of customer feedback in crafting the next generation of computer games. This case addresses how operations systems can be designed to manage significant uncertainty.
DuPont must decide whether to launch a new non-GM (genetically modified) soybean that is tolerant to chemical sprays. In the face of rapid introductions of GM products by competitors, DuPont faces the challenge of ensuring the identity preservation of its new product through the agricultural distribution network. DuPont must choose the best business model to manage this large and unwieldy value chain.
Mary Alice McKenzie is facing numerous issues in growing her Vermont-based fresh-prepared foods business. She must address immediate operational problems--such as bottlenecks and capital equipment decisions--as well as decide on a long-term strategic position. This case investigates how she can structure her operations today to take advantage of the continued growth in the home meal replacement market.
Describes the procedures and processes used by Cisco Systems in its acquisition of high-technology firms. Its goal is to retain key engineering talent and to leverage existing product development efforts, but to quickly merge acquired companies its own systems and procedures. In addition to describing the general approach used by Cisco, this case describes some of the specifics involving its acquisition of Summa Four, a designer/manufacturer of a related product line, whose major activities are located in New England.