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3M Optical Systems Case Questions

1. At the end of the case, what is the condition of the firm? How well is it doing?

3M is doing pretty well, but Optical System (OS) unit within it is in doubt. 3M transformed itself from mining at the start up 25 years into fabulous micro-interconnection, digital image, and transferal drug delivery. The corporation became a highly diversified global company with an esteemed reputation of innovation. By 1992, it had evolved into 3900 profit centers located within 47 divisions in 57 countries worldwide.

Its well-known innovation reputation results from a mantra that 25% of its sales are to be generated by products introduced in the last five years. The management commits to building the company’s core technologies and to create an environment where people can innovate. The management believes that an environment can “stimulate