Publications
Publications
- December 2003 (Revised April 2004)
- HBS Case Collection
Blockbuster Inc. & Technological Substitution (C): The Internet Changes the Game
Abstract
Investigates how the rise of the Internet as a vehicle for renting and buying movies has disrupted the video rental industry and how market leader Blockbuster Inc. can and should respond to these developments. Explores how the emergence of e-commerce affects the degree to which consumers buy instead of rent low-priced DVDs and how Blockbuster might adjust its online initiatives in response. Details the rise of Internet-enabled substitution threats, such as home delivery services (e.g., Kozmo.com) and Internet subscription services (e.g., Netflix.com), and investigates the potential options and chosen actions of Blockbuster Inc. as it seeks to maintain its competitive position. In times of technological change, firms continuously face decisions regarding the extent to which they should embrace a technologically advanced substitute at the possible expense of their existing products and services. Guides the reader through Blockbuster's decisions and its resulting responses.
Keywords
Organizational Change and Adaptation; Risk and Uncertainty; Decisions; Technological Innovation; Competition; Change Management; Service Industry; Motion Pictures and Video Industry
Citation
Coughlan, Peter J., and Jenny Illes. "Blockbuster Inc. & Technological Substitution (C): The Internet Changes the Game." Harvard Business School Case 704-462, December 2003. (Revised April 2004.)