Describes the sudden appearance of the large industrial enterprise in the 1880s. Reviews the three types of mass-production industries in which the new form came: those producing perishable products; those making low-priced semi-perishable products; and makers of machinery, the sale of whose products required specialized marketing services. Asks questions and suggests answers as to why the first American big businesses came in these industries an...

Management of one of the leading Japanese camera manufacturers is faced with the problem of unauthorized shipments from the low-price markets of Hong Kong and Japan to high-price markets of Europe and North America. Control of distribution, change of prices, model designations, and warranty policies are considered as solutions to the problem.

Designed to be the second day of a two-day series on the electronic component distribution industry, following a day spent discussing Note on the Electronic Component Distribution Industry and Raytheon Co.: Diversification. The important teaching themes which this case is designed to highlight are: 1) to practice the diagnosis of the strategic health of an industry leader, with emphasis on applying the tests of consistency for an effective strate...

Centers on the question of whether Raytheon should enter the electronic component distribution industry in the context of its broad diversification approach and acquisition criteria. This industry represents a vertical integration area for Raytheon, so the analytical issues raised by vertical integration decisions can be explored as well. Used in a section of a business policy course on diversification strategy, or to motivate the comprehensive a...

Teaching Note for (9-673-033).

Provides students with an in-depth understanding of the channel decision from the manufacturer's point of view. The two issues addressed in the note are selection of channel design and channel management.

The main issue has to do with the lack of fit or incompatibility between the early environmental requirements for strategy and the cultural constraints on the organization. Describes the internal resistance to the proposed changes and top management's efforts to resolve the contradictory requirements of strategy and culture. A second major issue concerns the challenge facing a general manager who has been given responsibility for operationalizing...

The main issue has to do with the lack of fit or incompatibility between the early environmental requirements for strategy and the cultural constraints on the organization. Describes the internal resistance to the proposed changes and top management's eff

American Hospital Supply, the largest firm in the U.S. hospital supply industry, has achieved success in part through the use of information systems. Changes in the hospital marketplace suggest a shift in strategy would be appropriate. What role should information systems play in future strategies?

The Heinz Ketchup product manager discovers she does not have sufficient finished inventory and production capacity to meet trade demand for a new plastic bottle ketchup. Alternatives include cancelling promotion events and putting the trade on allocation.