Corning, Inc.: A Network of Alliances

Christopher A. Bartlett; Ashish   Nanda

Case | HBS Case Collection | November 1990 (Revised August 1992)

Corning, Inc.: A Network of Alliances

by Christopher A. Bartlett and Ashish Nanda

Abstract

Describes James Houghton's actions in assuming the role of CEO at Corning in the midst of a recession. Not only must he turn around operating performance, he must also revitalize a demoralized organization and set a new, clear strategic direction. In doing so, the case focuses on the changing role of alliances and partnerships in Corning operations. Increasingly, they are moving from a peripheral role in providing market access interchange for technology, to a more central role at the core of Corning's business. The strategic and organizational challenges this presents are highlighted through some specific decision issues facing Houghton.

Keywords: Business Cycles; Policy; Leading Change; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Performance Expectations; Partners and Partnerships; Business Strategy;

Format: Print

26 pages

Educators Purchase

Citation:

Bartlett, Christopher A., and Ashish Nanda. "Corning, Inc.: A Network of Alliances." Harvard Business School Case 391-102, November 1990. (Revised August 1992.)

This note offers an overview of the Strategy course offered in HBS’s Required Curriculum. The RC Strategy course aims to help students become effective strategists. The note introduces the six modules of the course: What is Strategy, Market Attractiveness, Competitive Advantage, Strategic Interactions, Corporate Strategy, and Crafting Strategy.

This note introduces the first module of the RC Strategy course, What is Strategy? It helps students develop their perspective on what is a strategy, what is a good strategy, and how strategy development differs across contexts.

Case | HBS Case Collection | May 1992 (Revised September 2019)

Richardson Sheffield

Christopher A. Bartlett, Ashish Nanda, Christopher A. Bartlett and Ashish Nanda

The case traces Bryan Upton’s 20-plus years as managing director of a Sheffield-based cutlery company and describes the strategic and organizational actions he took to raise sales and earnings at more than 25% annually, even as the local industry was in steep decline.
After outlining how the U.K. cutlery industry has evolved, the case describes the major changes introduced by Upton and his mentor Jerry Hahn in Richardson Sheffield to upgrade production technology, innovate the product line, and instill customer orientation. The case focuses on the impact of Upton’s controversial approach to human resource management in general and to management selection and development in particular on the organizational climate at the firm.
The case closes by identifying some major changes that threaten Richardson Sheffield. In 1986, Hahn’s ownership position is sold to an Australian industrial company with a different operating style and different strategic objectives for Richardson Sheffield. Top management is also undergoing a transition, with Upton gradually moving aside and outsiders being introduced. Finally, the approaching 1992 EC market harmonization presents new competitive challenges and market opportunities.

Keywords: human resource management; Human Resource Practices; general management; Human Resources; Management; Leadership; Strategy; United Kingdom;

Citation:

Bartlett, Christopher A., and Ashish Nanda. "Richardson Sheffield." Harvard Business School Case 392-089, May 1992. (Revised September 2019.) View Details

Cite View Details Educators Purchase

Faculty & Research

Corning, Inc.: A Network of Alliances

Abstract

Citation:

About the Authors

More from these Authors