Publications
Publications
- December 1994 (Revised May 1999)
- HBS Case Collection
3M Optical Systems: Managing Corporate Entrepreneurship
By: Christopher A. Bartlett and Afroze A Mohammed
Abstract
A middle-level division manager must decide whether he should support an investment request for a third attempt at launching a new product developed by a struggling business unit. Describes the long, difficult process by which the unit has developed the product--a computer privacy screen--after years of problems and continuing losses, and its absolute faith in the project. Also presents the division manager's concerns about the need for discipline and control, setting up a tension that is focused on the launch decision.
Keywords
Managerial Roles; Decision Choices and Conditions; Corporate Entrepreneurship; Product Launch; Problems and Challenges; Product Development; Consumer Products Industry
Citation
Bartlett, Christopher A., and Afroze A Mohammed. "3M Optical Systems: Managing Corporate Entrepreneurship." Harvard Business School Case 395-017, December 1994. (Revised May 1999.)