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This note identifies a set of core competencies for managing a diverse workforce effectively. It can be used as a supplemental reading for any case discussion that explores ways managers handle diversity dilemmas, and it is useful for both individual and interpersonal levels of analysis.

The Indian software industry, growing at more than 50% per annum and largely dependent on exports of services and products, is one of the few industries in that country considered to be globally competitive. This note allows a discussion of the uses and limits of frameworks for assessing geographic influences on globalization potential. Also permits a discussion of the strategic imperatives for leading competitors within the industry if they are to create company-specific advantages rather than geographic ones.

Describes how firms can learn from projects through postmortem analysis. Focuses on the step-by-step process of preparing and running a postmortem meeting as it is done at Microsoft and other software developers.

Explores the basic vocabulary and issues related to product policy within a firm.

Provides general managers with a framework with which they can structure and understand pricing decisions. Draws examples from existing HBS case materials.

The price of a bond is a function of the promised payments and the market-required rate of return. Because the promised payments are fixed, bond prices change in response to changes in the market-required rate of return. For investors who hold bonds, the issue of how sensitive a bond's price is to changes in the required rate of return is important. There are four measures of bond-price sensitivity that are commonly used: Simple Maturity, Macaulay Duration (effective maturity), Modified Duration, and Convexity. Each of these measures provides a more exact description of how a bond price changes relative to changes in the required rate of return.

This note provides a brief overview of the relationship between the macro behaviour of the economy and the resulting impact on investment returns. It is designed to be used within a course on investments or portfolio management. The note starts by establishing a framework for estimating the long-run expected returns of the two major categories of financial assets - equities and (long-term) bonds - on the basis of the fundamental valuation theorem, which states that value comes from expected future discounted cash flows. The note demonstrates that this theorem implies that the long-run expected real returns on equities depend on the dividend growth rate and the expected average growth rate in dividends, which in turn depends on long-run macroeconomic growth. Expected long-term real returns on bonds depend on the yield to maturity and the long-run inflation rate. The note then goes on to establish the long-run behaviour of four key macroeconomic variables: output, inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates. An overview of how to identify business cycle positions is an important component of this analysis. Also, the analysis focuses on methods for identifying disequilibrium situations for interest rates. Finally, the note concludes by discussing some short-run influences on macroeconomic variables and the key role of monetary policy.

This note provides a brief overview of the relationship between the macro behaviour of the economy and the resulting impact on investment returns. It is designed to be used within a course on investments or portfolio management. The note starts by establishing a framework for estimating the long-run expected returns of the two major categories of financial assets - equities and (long-term) bonds - on the basis of the fundamental valuation theorem, which states that value comes from expected future discounted cash flows. The note demonstrates that this theorem implies that the long-run expected real returns on equities depend on the dividend growth rate and the expected average growth rate in dividends, which in turn depends on long-run macroeconomic growth. Expected long-term real returns on bonds depend on the yield to maturity and the long-run inflation rate. The note then goes on to establish the long-run behaviour of four key macroeconomic variables: output, inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates. An overview of how to identify business cycle positions is an important component of this analysis. Also, the analysis focuses on methods for identifying disequilibrium situations for interest rates. Finally, the note concludes by discussing some short-run influences on macroeconomic variables and the key role of monetary policy.

Describes the realities versus the myths of what it means to be a manager. In particular, it focuses on the limitations of formal authority as a source of power and identifies other sources of power that effective managers rely upon. Also outlines a framework of exercising influence (law of reciprocity) and building networks of mutually beneficial alliances with direct reports, bosses, and peers.

Provides a basic introduction to the principles of Islamic finance. Examines the religious background and legal foundations of Islamic finance. Also discusses the development of Islamic financial institutions and the financial instruments they use. Concludes with a discussion of recent developments and future challenges for this growing segment of the global financial system.

Provides a concise overview of the key considerations and components of an organization's design. Examines how an organization's design must fit with both owners' goals and the organization's key success factors. Identifies several key aspects of an organization's design.

Defines management development objectives for family members employed in their family business. Outlines a process of putting these individuals on a career path to provide them with needed developmental experiences while respecting the broader needs of the organization.

A brief note on the origins and uses of standard times in production process flow diagrams and on the benefits and drawbacks of division of labor. A rewritten version of two earlier notes.

Advises students on how to prepare and discuss a family business case.

An elementary treatment of all aspects of marketing strategy. Intended as a supplement to case discussions in the early stages of an introductory marketing course. A rewritten version of an earlier note.

Strategy definition is not a short, discrete process. Rather, outside influences (market, political, technological, etc.) and the company's own resource allocation process continually reshape an organization's strategy.

Discusses the emerging competition between law firms and accounting firms.

This note discusses organizational culture, distinguishing among surface-level artifacts, formal and informal practices and norms, and deep-seated assumptions and values. The typology can be used to perform a cultural audit of a group or organization.

Course overview for the first-year required MBA course Leadership and Organizational Behavior (LEAD).

This note discusses rewards in organizations. Theories of individual motivation to perform are addressed, as are ways of analyzing organizational-reward distributions. Recent reward-system innovations are mentioned, and a decision tree for assessing performance issues is included.