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Problem Solution: Harrison-Keyes, Inc.

Problem Solution: Harrison-Keyes, Inc.

University of Phoenix

Problem Solution: Harrison-Keyes Inc.
This paper addresses Harrison-Keyes' (H-K) need to have a clear strategy to create a project plan and follow the best practices in project implementation. Some of these best practices will be identified as committing to the use of adequate resources, dividing H-K-s e-publishing initiative into smaller, manageable projects, and rolling out the project in phases to make sure issues are eliminated early in a project's life cycle.
When Harrison-Keyes started the e-publishing project, they did not have a formal implementation plan. They had an idea of where they wanted to be, but did not have a roadmap to get there. The benchmarking in this paper will show where Harrison-Keyes must improve at to become a successful e-publisher.
Describe the Situation
Issue and Opportunity Identification
Harrison-Keyes, Inc. (H-K) is a global print publisher that specializes in scientific, technical and business books, along with various other materials. H-K holds the publishing rights for 22,700 active titles and publishes 2,000 new titles each year.
In recent years H-K has suffered the similar woes that plague the entire print publishing industry of low profits due to generous return policies from low-cost retailers. The H-K board has recently hired a new CEO, Meg McGill to help turn the company around. Meg has her sites set on e-publishing as a future contributor to profits (University of Phoenix, 2006, p.1).
Issue Identification
H-K faces multiple issues requiring examination. H-K does not have a company wide implementation strategy for their new initiative. H-K does not have buy-in from its traditional authors, the general public, and with some H-K leadership. H-K does not have terms and conditions that would allow them to publish previous works from their authors. Lastly, H-K's current technology is not robust enough, and its software does not have adequate...