Harrison Keyes

Problem Solution: Harrison-Keyes Inc.

The Harrison-Keyes Company desires to move from their traditional culture of standard publishing to an eBook format. To successfully make this transformation, the company must establish and execute a strategic plan that will ensure their end goal has been met. “Harrison-Keyes’ focal point should be clear organization, best use of limited resources, and improved communication among departments” (Gray, Larson, 2006). Project managers need to express a clear knowledge of the company’s mission and strategy. Strategically understanding the mission and goals will help guarantee proper decisions and adjustments are made for the transition. Since the company has a long tradition of standard publishing, the proposal to alter will provide the need for several modifications within the company. Harrison-Keyes has operated within the same culture for many years. Their goal is to continue to strive in innovations despite the new changes. “It is important for the project manager to clearly understand the plan, since they are the ones who effectively advocate for the strategy” (Gary, Larson, 2006). The managers will convey and secure any measures of doubt and uncertainty to the shareholders and any senior level management. If there are apprehensive components of the strategy, this will transcend into areas where support is critically needed. Harrison-Keyes has successfully operated for many, many years. In an era where the external environment is constantly changing, the company realizes standard publishing is facing major competition from eBook publishing companies. They are limited with scare resources. However, these resources must be used for competitive advantages. “Strategic management will provide the theme and focus for the future direction Harrison-Keyes needs” (Gary, Larson). The company has established their desired long term position of publishing materials electronically. There are numerous reasons this decision would prove beneficial for the company. The electronic book has two major reasons for its success and popularity. Its strengths are information and business. Harrison-Keyes has a strong reputation of providing information to its clientele, but now they are broadening the horizon with business. Initially, the internet originated as the 'information super highway'. The search engines are always providing information to satisfy people's need for answers. However, before the internet, researchers, children, students, and professional spent many hours at libraries, book stores, reading periodicals. Companies such as Harrison-Keyes prided themselves by providing these texts as well. But the company realizes we are in an era when the click of a mouse, the library has come to you. Information is the top commodity; everybody is looking for and expecting quick solutions. Verses the company’s traditional author, their e-book author will come from all spheres of knowledge. In addition to continually providing a variety of text, the company can reach a wider clientele through research, and those desiring to gain advice even on business ventures customers would like to commence. The scope of E-Books titles and contents will provide Harrison-Keyes’ customers with a vast and never ending source of information. The company can remain current and up to date with the every changing environment. All subjects and topics can be updated when new facts and figures come into play.

The versatility of the downloadable e-book means that their customers can be reading the report within seconds of making a purchase. In today's instant world, everybody expects an automatic response to their requirements, which is why the digital delivery e-book will be a successful innovation for the company. Writing and selling E-Books online is one of the fastest growing business enterprises. Harrison-Keyes has established a strong customer bases that provides for its customers. This will provide the company with an edge to reach an even broader range of customers. This plan also saves the company from expenses it has always acquired. With no printing or shipping costs involved, it is easy to command 100% profit on each and every sale. This would help with the staggering sales and provide additional funds for areas within the company. With strategic planning, Harrison-Keyes could successfully compete in a booming lucrative market. This is one success that is helping both buyer and seller.

Now that the company realizes how lucrative the eBook transformation would be, they should develop and implement a plan of action. There are four different project structures that can be used to implement Harrison-Keyes proposal of changing from the standard publishing company to an eBook format. The four management option structures the company can choose from are functional organization, dedicated project teams, matrix, and network organization. The company must select the structure that best caters their culture and mission. “Both the project management structure and the culture of the organization constitute major elements of the environment in which projects are implemented” (Gray, Larson, 2006).

Describe the Situation

Issue and Opportunity Identification

Harrison-Keyes is a world known publishing company. About 40% of its revenue comes from sales outside of the United States. It has about 22, 700 active titles and is responsible for over 2,000 publications annually. The company’s publications includes text from journals, students in undergraduate school as well as graduate school, professional and consumer books, scientific material, technical material, and business books. Harrison-Keyes clientele includes various people with various interest. The company employees over 3,500 people worldwide. Sales and revenue within the company are at an all time low. The industry is competing with other publishing companies that deal more with eBooks. They are experiencing a decline in the growth of new customers. Book distribution companies are closing, and Harrison-Keyes is experiencing difficulties with the return policies on their books. The company has noticed the industry is utilizing technology more. Their biggest competitor has seen a drastic increase since it began implementing eBooks. With regard to implementation, the company has already established an e-publishing divisional unit. The plan includes developing a budget, training staff, acquiring suppliers, and aligning organization for the new venture. Some of the determining success factors include employee response, marketing campaign, author cooperation, selecting necessary technology for the specific book and audience,