Strategic Implementation And Alignment

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In today's business world, companies are forced to make quick decisions involving large amounts of capital and labor. The risk involved in such decisions is substantial, as firm leaders are forced to constantly evaluate their company's position and search for new ways of updating developments. Normally when facing financial crisis, a corporation's solution is reducing input costs while increasing its output volume by implementing cost-cutting strategies such us outsourcing or laying off employees. Every corporation is different and has its own unique corporate culture so cost-cutting may not be the most appropriate solution to each company¡¦s problems. A successful corporation should always put the shareholders in priority as any company's policy changing or decision making may significantly affect the shareholders' right. Who are the shareholders? They are the customers, employees, and stockholders who are the important human factors to decide the success or failure of an organization.

Harrison-Keyes Inc. (HK), known for its quality products, was once the leading organization in the publishing industry worldwide. HK is a global publisher specializing in scientific, technical, and business books and journals; professional and consumer book, and textbooks and other educational materials for undergraduate and graduate students as well as lifelong learners. 40% of HK¡¦s revenues are generated from its sales offices in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Yet as the e-publishing is becoming more and more popular, HK is starting to experience reduced sales, declined market share and profitability in

the print markets. HK is under the economic pressure and facing the biggest business crisis it has ever been facing. The leaders of the organization have to make a number of key decisions in order to turn the situation around.

Externally, HK is facing several challenges. First, the stock holders¡¦ confidence is fading as the company¡¦s stock value went down 12% from 50% to 38% in less than a decade. Second, HK¡¦s old technique is being challenged as the traditional printing business is facing a higher operation cost compare to the e-publishing and forecast is not looking well to the stockholders. Third, the company is losing its market share to its competitors in both traditional publishing and e-book business. The independent booksellers as HK are being edged out by superstores as the superstores offer mega discounts and no-question-asked return policies to the customers, therefore HK are being forced to consolidate its distribution channels and cut down the profit to the bone.

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