Seeking to dispose of an outmoded oil drilling platform in the North Sea, Shell finds itself confronted by Greenpeace and other environmentalists. The protesters land 12 people onto the rig and initiate media coverage of their "occupation." The case follows the events during the spring and summer of 1995, focusing on the United Kingdom and Continent countries. Students are confronted with the need to recommend communication approaches and actions at various stages of the developments.
Describes the television advertising and presents examples of the comparable print ads, then documents new measurement tools and presents the results of key surveys that address audience awareness. Also includes other relevant activities to support Siemens USA's corporate identity. These include umbrella activities, such as a presence in Atlanta for the Summer Olympics, joint trade activities, work with colleagues in Munich to support major projects in China, and the introduction of a Web page.
Stream International's Crawfordsville, Indiana facilities undertake the design and implementation of an activity-based costing project. After analyzing the costs assigned to 161 work activities, Crawfordsville managers present five proposals for change based on ABM results, then meet to decide which to implement.
Traces the growth of Wainwright, a small automotive supply company, focusing on its commitment to quality in 1981 and the evolution of its quality culture. Breakthrough programs that stress "trust and belief" in the workforce and commitment to customers result in Wainwright winning the Malcolm Baldrige Award in 1994.
The retail bank division of Chemical Bank faces declining margins and increased competition in its credit and deposit gathering and processing business. It wishes to implement a new strategy to become a preferred financial service provider to target customer groups. The division adapts the balanced scorecard to clarify and communicate the new strategy and to identify the key drivers for strategic success. The case describes the development of strategic objectives and measures for four perspectives: financial, customer, internal, and learning growth, and the process for implementing the new measurement and management system.
Intel, the largest-selling manufacturer of microprocessor computer chips, finds itself in a brand-threatening situation when a flaw is revealed in its top-of-the-line Pentium chip. The story is front-page news for weeks. The company invested tens of millions of dollars in advertising its branded Pentium chip as a high-quality component via the campaign slogan "Intel Inside." Issues include salience of the problem, when Intel knew of the problem, how it was revealed, and what actions should be undertaken. Teaching Purpose: Students analyze consequences of a company miscue that becomes a much bigger story than initially anticipated. Analogies may be made to other company crisis situations involving brands and communications.
Explores the uses of scanning technology, interactive software, and powerful data bases to assist customer relations representatives in resolving customer complaints. Competitive alliances in international markets are noted, but the focus is on the evolving commitment to customer service and the measures, technology, and economics that come into play to recover customers who have complained.
Explores the interface of an information system that keeps track of guests and their preferences, and the people systems that deliver multiple services at Ritz-Carlton hotels. The luxury hotel chain's unique service credo and commitment to quality principles are discussed as well as the attention to hiring and training. At the heart of the case is the Ritz-Carlton commitment to serving the customer.
Describes and examines from its inception Benetton's long-running and increasingly controversial image advertising campaign. Initiated in 1985, the highly visual campaign runs internationally primarily in print and on billboards. In its early years, it was widely praised as creative and socially aware. More recently, especially in the United States, many observers, including some Benetton customers and retailers, have been critical of the advertising; some criticisms point to the advertisements as "shocking." Details of the campaign are described, along with reactions to it from observers and retailers. In addition, the rationale of the program is articulated, as well as Benetton's philosophy behind the communications. In mid-1994, management is reviewing the campaign in the wake of particularly vocal criticism of the most recent ads. Teaching Purpose: Focuses on the pros and cons of the advertising strategy over time--particularly in terms of objectives with consumers, the trade, and other stakeholders. Among the major elements for analysis are customer and media responses, as well as the fit of the advertising in various cultures, markets, and customer segments. Includes color exhibits.
Describes the history, theory, and practice of high-commitment work systems. The history reviews classical approaches (i.e. Frederick Taylor), the human relations movement, the human resources approach, quality of work life, and empowerment. The theory examines the underlying principles of design. The practice section reviews the experiences to date with these systems, including such innovations as gainsharing and such problems as defining the role of supervisor.
Describes BASF's corporate advertising program in the United States. In 1992, BASF's U.S. companies extended an existing corporate advertising campaign to continue to build awareness of the German-based multinational's corporate identity. The core theme of the campaign is "We don't make the products you buy ... we make the products you buy better." The campaign appears only on television. The goals, target audiences, messages, media, budget, and approaches to evaluation are described. Acquaints students with the objectives and detailed program specifics of corporate advertising campaigns. Examines how a non-U.S. based company seeks to build corporate awareness and identity in the U.S. despite having only a single company-branded consumer product.
Describes the approach of the German-based multinational company, Siemens Corp., to establishing an identity in the United States. The specific goals for the 1991-92 corporate advertising campaign are described. Examples of print and television messages are included, using the core theme "That was then--This is now." Target audiences are identified, and the program's media, budget, and methods of evaluating the campaign are also described. Acquaints students with the objective and detailed program specifics of corporate advertising campaigns. Examines how a non-U.S. based company seeks to build corporate awareness and identity in the U.S. despite very limited product exposure to consumers.
PPG has built a state-of-the-art glass plant in Berea, Kentucky. The plant is pursuing the goal of a "self-directed workforce." The case describes the progress to date and the unresolved issues faced by management. These include questions about shift rotation, promotion opportunities, employee evaluation and supervision, the role of employees in policy setting, and whether or not to introduce a system of peer review. Explores the process of creating a self-directed workforce, the underlying theoretical model, and the difficulties and tensions inherent in that approach.