Case | HBS Case Collection | 2002 (Revised from original 1998 version)
by Stefan H. Thomke and Ashok Nimgade
Describes how 3M Corp. introduces and learns a new and innovative methodology called Lead User research to understand future customer and market needs. A team from 3M's Medical-Surgical Markets Division applies the Lead User methodology to the field of surgical infection control and discovers not only new product concepts but also a very promising new business strategy. Focuses on: (1) 3M's approach to the management of innovation and understanding market needs, (2) an in-depth description of the Lead User method and its potential as applied to the medical business, and (3) the managerial challenges of introducing novel methods into a successful organization.
Keywords: Innovation and Management; Innovation Strategy; Managerial Roles; Marketing Strategy; Demand and Consumers; Market Timing; Product Development; Problems and Challenges; Business Strategy; Medical Devices and Supplies Industry;
Citation:
Thomke, Stefan H., and Ashok Nimgade. "Innovation at 3M Corporation (A)." Harvard Business School Case 699-012, July 2002. (Revised from original August 1998 version.)
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Case | HBS Case Collection | 2013
LEGO (A): The Crisis
Jan W. Rivkin, Stefan H. Thomke and Daniela Beyersdorfer
Keywords: Organizational Change and Adaptation; Change Management; Competitive Strategy; Crisis Management; Insolvency and Bankruptcy; Consumer Products Industry;
Case | HBS Case Collection | 2013 (Revised from original 2010 version)
The Dabbawala System: On-Time Delivery, Every Time
Stefan H. Thomke and Mona Sinha
Keywords: Technology; Service Delivery; Service Operations; Logistics; Alignment; Management Systems; Human Resources; Innovation and Invention; Mumbai;
Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2013 (Revised from original 2012 version)
The Dabbawala System: On-Time Delivery, Every Time (TN)
Stefan H. Thomke
Keywords: systems design; organization design; service; Mumbai; India;