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  • December 1994 (Revised May 1999)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

3M Optical Systems: Managing Corporate Entrepreneurship

By: Christopher A. Bartlett and Afroze A Mohammed
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:19
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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.)
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About The Author

Christopher A. Bartlett

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Related Work

    • December 1994
    • Faculty Research

    3M Optical Systems: Management Interviews, Part 1; Part 2, Videotape

    By: Christopher A. Bartlett
    • January 1998 (Revised October 1998)
    • Faculty Research

    3M Optical Systems: Managing Corporate Entrepreneurship TN

    By: Christopher A. Bartlett
    • December 1994
    • Faculty Research

    3M Optical Systems: Management Interviews, Part 1; Part 2, Videotape

    By: Christopher A. Bartlett
Related Work
  • 3M Optical Systems: Management Interviews, Part 1; Part 2, Videotape By: Christopher A. Bartlett
  • 3M Optical Systems: Managing Corporate Entrepreneurship TN By: Christopher A. Bartlett
  • 3M Optical Systems: Management Interviews, Part 1; Part 2, Videotape By: Christopher A. Bartlett
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