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Harrison-Keyes Inc.

Running head: PROBLEM SOLUTION: HARRISON-KEYES INC.

Problem Solution: Harrison-Keyes Inc.
Renee Catch
Strategic Management
18 September 2006


Problem Solution: Harrison-Keyes Inc.
In a perfect world, the project manager would simply implement the project plan and the project would be completed (Gray-Larson, 2005). This perfect world was the interpretation of leaders at Harrison-Keyes when they envisioned their venture into the latest publishing craze, e-books. This paper includes a discussion of the latest set of issues facing Harrison-Keyes during their implementation of e-books. The issues will be evaluated and opportunities identified to provide multiple solutions. The problem statement will be stated, giving several solutions to the problem. The goals that Harrison-Keys envision will be with the statement of end-state goals. All possible alternatives will be described, analyzed and narrowed to eliminate alternatives that are too risky. The optimal solution will be chosen and implementation plan explained. Finally, examples of evaluating the results will be covered for Harrison-Keyes management team to analyze.
Harrison-Keyes made a splash instead of a wave into the e-books business. While Meg McGill has been replaced for the less-than exciting performance of the e-books strategy, new CEO William Guardo has made it known he is not on-board with e-books and needs to be convinced to keep Harrison-Keyes in the market as well. The sales for the first six months were forecasted to be $16 million but Harrison-Keyes realized on $3 million, causing the board of directors as well as the new CEO to head towards a quick exit strategy on e-books. Mr. Guardo has given his team 30 days to convince him to stay with e-books otherwise he is pulling the plug. The realities of the profits not realized and the gross investment made, the following are the prevalent issues that Harrison-Keyes should address.
Describe the Situation
Issue and Opportunity...