Situation Analysis and Problem Statement: Harrison-Keyes, Inc.

Situation Analysis and Problem Statement: Harrison-Keyes, Inc.

University of Phoenix

May 8, 2006

Situation Analysis and Problem Statement

Over a century old, Harrison-Keyes was founded in 1899 and made its early money publishing the works of literary giants. Throughout the years, the company‘s focus shifted to meet demand and by the mid-1950s, it was regarded as a leading publisher of business, scientific and technical information. (University of Phoenix, n.d., Scenario Harrison-Keyes, p. 1).

Harrison-Keyes has taken

Situation Background

Harrison-Keyes Inc. is a global publisher of print products specializing in scientific, technical, and business books and journals, professional and consumer books, textbooks and other educational materials for all levels of study. The company publishes about 2000 titles each year and holds about 22,700 active titles. With about 3,500 employees worldwide, Harrison-Keyes has operations in the United States with sales offices in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Approximately 40% of the company's revenues are generated outside the United States.

Harrison-Keyes has suffered the woes plaguing the entire industry. As competition from low-cost retailers eats into profits, publishing companies are finding success -- or even survival -- a challenge. Technology is making print content more accessible to customers worldwide and is adding value for them by delivering it in interactive and/or fully searchable formats. Harrison-Keyes has recently fired CEO Meg McGill in favor of new CEO, William Guardo. William is the complete opposite of the recently fired Meg, who strongly support e-publishing. Though he has been in publishing for more than 30 years -- most recently as the President of a competing publisher -- he favors traditional publishing, has little high-tech experience and is not a big fan of e-books. However, William is open to the idea of e-publishing and he has put it in the hands of Jan Peters, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Head of the Implementation Team to whip things into shape and prove him wrong.

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