Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • November 1989 (Revised April 2018)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Automation Consulting Services

By: Robert Simons and Hilary Weston
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:11
ShareBar

Abstract

Illustrates the management control challenges that are associated with rapid growth and geographic expansion. Situated at an offsite Executive Committee Retreat. The three founding partners of a specialized consulting firm are grappling with several difficult questions and problems: 1) the tension between local office autonomy, entrepreneurship, and the need for a unified firm strategy; 2) the increasing need for standardized ways to monitor rising costs, capacity utilization, and new business development; 3) redefining the role of the Executive Committee and the role of formal systems as the partnership continues to grow.

Keywords

Geographic Location; Governance Controls; Policy; Growth and Development Strategy; Management Teams; Expansion; Consulting Industry

Citation

Simons, Robert, and Hilary Weston. "Automation Consulting Services." Harvard Business School Case 190-053, November 1989. (Revised April 2018.)
  • Educators
  • Purchase

About The Author

Robert Simons

Accounting and Management
→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • March 2022
    • Faculty Research

    John F. Kennedy: Changing the World

    By: Robert Simons and Max Saffer
    • February 2022
    • Faculty Research

    P.T. Barnum: Changing the World

    By: Robert Simons and Shirley Sun
    • February 2022
    • Faculty Research

    Henkel: Building a Winning Culture (C)

    By: Robert L. Simons and Carolyn Deller
More from the Authors
  • John F. Kennedy: Changing the World By: Robert Simons and Max Saffer
  • P.T. Barnum: Changing the World By: Robert Simons and Shirley Sun
  • Henkel: Building a Winning Culture (C) By: Robert L. Simons and Carolyn Deller
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College