Case | HBS Case Collection | 2000 (Revised from original 1999 version)
by Stephen P. Bradley and Thomas H. Esperson
Examines Charles Schwab's on-line discount brokerage firm and questions whether or not Schwab has effectively balanced the old and new world of stock trading, and has remained a leader between giants like Merrill Lynch and Internet pure plays like E-Trade. Also looks at how Schwab has remained a competitive player with 363 brick and mortar branches while continuing to boost 81% of its trades over the Internet. While major bank mergers began to emerge as dominant online players, Schwab's unique status as a discount brokerage began to wane. In the wake of powerful full-service firms gaining online presence and discount brokerages offering $4.95 trades, how could Schwab sustain its competitive advantage?
Keywords: Financial Institutions; Banks and Banking; Technological Innovation; Goals and Objectives; Growth and Development Strategy; Growth Management; Competition; Competitive Strategy; Competitive Advantage; Banking Industry; Financial Services Industry;
Citation:
Bradley, Stephen P., and Thomas H. Esperson. "Charles Schwab: A Category of One." Harvard Business School Case 700-043, December 2000. (Revised from original December 1999 version.)
View Profile »View Publications »
Case | HBS Case Collection | 2013 (Revised from original 2009 version)
Live Nation Faces the Music
Stephen P. Bradley, Frank Cespedes and Kerry Herman
Keywords: Change Management; Decision Choices and Conditions; Music Entertainment; Five Forces Framework; Business and Stakeholder Relations; Corporate Strategy; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Music Industry; Service Industry;
Background Note | HBS Case Collection | 2012 (Revised from original 2010 version)
Book Publishing in 2010
Stephen P. Bradley and Nancy Bartlett
Keywords: Price; Information Publishing; Books; Disruptive Innovation; Demand and Consumers; Distribution; Strategy; Technology; Internet; Publishing Industry;
Case | HBS Case Collection | 2011 (Revised from original 1993 version)
Crown Cork & Seal in 1989
Stephen P. Bradley
Keywords: Leadership; Five Forces Framework; Management Succession; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Organizational Structure; Competitive Strategy;