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  • January 1990 (Revised March 1991)
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American Red Cross Blood Services: Northeast Region

By: Robert L. Simons
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:21
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Abstract

Recounts the financial difficulties and management changes experienced by American Red Cross Blood Services: Northeast Region (NER) during the 1980s. After summarizing industry-wide changes in the collection, testing, and distribution of blood and blood products, the case describes the way in which NER management responded to those changes. The types of changes highlighted include: the transition from non-financial to financial planning and monitoring systems; organizational restructuring; increased dissemination of financial information among line management; and conversion to a cost accounting system based on cost center accountability. The primary teaching objective is to illustrate both the need for and the challenges of changing management control systems in response to changes in an organization's marketplace and strategy. The case reveals various factors that must be considered to implement major control changes including management training, differing management styles, information systems capabilities, corporate culture, and a continually changing market.

Keywords

Change Management; Budgets and Budgeting; Financial Management; Restructuring; Health; SWOT Analysis; Social Enterprise; Marketplace Matching; Management Style; Organizational Culture; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Medical Devices and Supplies Industry; Health Industry; North and Central America

Citation

Simons, Robert L. "American Red Cross Blood Services: Northeast Region." Harvard Business School Case 190-078, January 1990. (Revised March 1991.)
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About The Author

Robert Simons

Accounting and Management
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Related Work

    • May 1991
    • Faculty Research

    American Red Cross Blood Services: Northeast Region, Teaching Note

    By: Robert L. Simons
Related Work
  • American Red Cross Blood Services: Northeast Region, Teaching Note By: Robert L. Simons
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