Harrison-Keyes Implementation Plan Generic Benchmarking
University of Phoenix
Dr. Mary Weber
MBA-590 Strategic Implementation and Alignment
March 31, 2007
Harrison-Keyes Implementation Plan Generic Benchmarking
Harrison-Keyes is a global publisher of print products in educational, technical, professional, consumer, and business books and journals. Founded in 1899, they have developed a reputation throughout the industry as a leader in publishing superior materials by grand authors. The key problem the company faces now is a trend in the industry towards e-publishing and consolidation in the market front. “Our vision is to be the world’s most dynamic publishing company, packaging innovative information solutions essential to communities of interest.” (University of Phoenix, 2008) This vision statement may need to be updated to comply with the new vision in e-publishing.
“In recent years, Harrison-Keyes has suffered the woes plaguing the entire industry…. In an effort to revitalize the company, the Harrison-Keyes Board of Directors recently hired a new CEO.” (University of Phoenix, 2008) This new CEO is Meg P. McGill, a high-tech guru of all things digital. She believes the answer to revitalizing the company lies with e-publishing. Other players in the company are having mixed feelings with e-publishing. Some are excited about the change and others, such as well-renowned author Will X. Harper, are strongly against it. Bad publicity articles, international communication problems, financial questions, and much needed computer updating, are just some of the major issues facing the new vision with the company.
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