Strategy and Management of Technological Innovation
E Ink Case Study Analysis
Bronikowski, Jasinski, Yoder
February 10, 2012
Executive Summary
E Ink is an attractive investment for venture capital. The company has a skilled management team that has proven able to overcome the complex technical issues of commercializing an emerging technology. As a result, E Ink’s current film technology is well positioned to become the dominant design in markets where E Ink has large market shares and high revenue potential. E Ink should focus its future development strategies and resources on improving and expanding the capabilities of its existing film technology to achieve dominant design status. In addition, E Ink should secure Intel Capital
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This would have prevented shortcomings, such as hiring too many employees, failure to uphold promises, and becoming too diversified. Although E Ink had faults, it eventually recognized these issues and decided to focus solely on eBooks (mid-2003) which most likely saved the company from bankruptcy. Research has shone that as industries grow, firms find it more profitable to become specialized (Klepper 152).
E Ink’s decision to refocus on its core competency, graphical displays for electronic publishing devices, was crucial for the survival of the company and ultimately the reason that a venture capitalist should invest in this company. This decision utilized E Ink’s strengths appropriately. E Ink’s advantage in current technology and R&D over other key competitors, such as Iridigm and CDT, will now be focused on specific market with a large potential. E Ink can also leverage its strategic partnerships with established companies such as Toppan, Intel Capital, and Sony, and its faithful investors to hedge against competitors, barriers, future downturns in the market. These strengths coupled with the fact E Ink is still in its developmental stage and entering the growth segment of the S-curve, will make E Ink very profitable and sustainable in the future, providing good reason for a venture
The first part of the Ink Bridge is about an Afghan boy named Omed. The violence in this book took me by surprise. In only the first chapter of the book, Omed’s friend Zakir died and Omed’s tongue gets cut off by the Taliban. This introduces the audience to the Taliban and their violent influence on Afghanistan.
In contrast to Borders Group, Barnes & Noble which is a leading bookstore in the US recorded an 11% increase in their share value in the past year with the introduction of their e-book reader “Nook”. It is clear that Barnes & Noble were not “Myopic” in their approach and were able to retain and even grow their customers as well as profits by embracing a new product.
I will never see the day when there is not yet room for improvement. Through time, HP's focus on innovation had brought the world products such as the handheld calculator and the inkjet printer. In 1992, the company continued to invest heavily in technology, spending $1.6 billion or 10% of revenue on research and development. The high levels of investment have paid off. For three straight years, over half of HP's orders had been for products introduced within the last two years.
For this assignment, you will research the innovation architecture of at least three companies that are well-known for successfully supporting a culture of innovation. Write a 1,500-word paper that addresses the following:
Barnes and Nobles is one of the biggest bookstores that has a brick-and-mortal store concept. In the past they were know as a “big bully” that drove small book stores to close down because of their aggressive tactics to have competetetive advantage over them. Nonetheless, with the evolving circle of technology they have had a hard time in keeping up with the E-book era. In 2014 E-books increased its reader subscription by 28% compared to 23% in 2013. This number will continue increasing because 50% off American’s have access to devices that are either an e-reader or a tablet. B&N changed its business model to adjust to this new setting before it suffered a
As a hot deal in a hot market, competition among venture capital (VC) firms had driven the pre-money valuation from $17 million to $27 million, with a post-money close at $35 million. Although the Series C round had been slated for November/December 2000, Papa had noted the increasingly difficult financing environment and managed to make his funds last for 18 months, rather than the anticipated 12. The company had hit every milestone on its original plan. Its product had been installed at several marquee customers, including Tower Records and one of the world’s largest asset management companies, and it was about to be in trials at Putnam and a major investment bank—Dean Stanley Goldman Credit Partners (DSGCP). A veritable who’s who of potential customers was seriously considering the technology. Papa expected that $7 million would take his company to break-even,
The Hewlett-Packard Managers from each department had a meeting to discuss about whether using a universal power supply for the next generation of network laser printer called “Rainbow” is beneficial or not. They have the authority to make the decision while strong justification should be provided to defend their proposal.
A problem with technology is that it is rapidly changing and publishing companies must always look at innovative ways to survive and compete with other companies.
The following analysis is written for Dakota Office Products to evaluate current business operations and recommend future actions necessary to ensure company success. In our analysis of the company we will identify inefficient business practices that have led to the companies first profit loss in its history. We will evaluate the company’s current pricing structure, ordering methods, shipping and delivery process, and deficiencies in cash flows.
Ecton Inc, as an innovator in the field of medical imaging is caught in a familiar dilemma that many startup companies face once they are in the final stages of a product development cycle- whether to continue with product rollout, forcing a change in the scale of operations requiring substantial capital input, OR, to get acquired by a larger organization which has the expertise and resources to ensure production, sales and distribution for the same product. In this essay, we will discuss Ecton 's proposed business model, why Ecton qualifies as a disruptive innovator, and analyse and recommend alternatives that it can take to chart out its future
Kodak currently has no position within the ink market. The ink business is a $45 billion a year sector that could regenerate Kodak’s position in the printing sector. The market for ink is dominated by HP, followed by Epson, Canon, and Lexmark. Entering a complete new market may be beneficial in its current position. According to Kodak, the greatest obstacle to printing at home is the cost of ink and supplies. Kodak can develop a cost efficient solution that will be more appealing to consumers. With the launch of this product, Kodak must focus on several sectors of business: marketing, pricing, distribution, and production. Onesource (2011).
Xerox hopes to avoid mistakes of the past by having “a system to prevent technology from leaking out of the company”, according to Robert V. Adams, president of XTV. They have a $30 million dollar fund to support this intrapreneurial activity. It has supported a dozen start-ups thus far, only two having failed. These are extremely promising numbers, with 83% of ventures coming to fruition.
Xerox defines diversity as a priceless resource and a key to their success. It more than just race or gender. By incorporating in a company like xerox different cultures and ways of thinking it expands the mind set of the company and leads toward creating innovative solutions and business opportunities (Xerox).
Xerox's "Book In Time" is a revolutionary product, presenting some new opportunities for the company. It is simply a matter of costs. The Book-in-Time equipment allows for a publishing company to produce a 300-page book for $6.90, something which could have been previously reached only for lots larger than 1,000 copies. A significant decrease in publishing costs, given the fact that these cover up to 20 % (including the paper and binding the book), would create the possibility of an increased profit margin.
Through the years, Canon has demonstrated several core competencies that have enabled them to propel themselves to the top of the market. First and foremost, Canon has employed a pool of extremely talented engineers who made up Canon’s Research and Development team. Through their research, Canon was able to uncover new and innovative products. This varied product line, which included cameras, calculators, and photocopiers, demonstrates Canon’s diversified product line. This diverse line of merchandise is integral to the company’s survival and has enabled Canon to take a multifaceted approach to technological competition. The more diverse type of products that are offered, the more chances there are