Harrison Keyes- Gap Analysis
Gap Analysis: Harrison-Keyes
This paper exhibits the challenges of implementing a strategic plan in the e-publishing environment. Circumstances, both past and present at Harrison-Keyes, Inc. illustrate the hurdles impeding a successful e-publishing implementation. Stakeholder's perspectives and ethical dilemmas provide the basis for a problem statement that will provide realistic end-state goals from which alternative possibilities are determined in order to guide Harrison-Keyes to an achievable plan for survival and success.
Situation Background
Harrison-Keyes is a will established publishing company specializing in scientific, technical, business books and journal as well as educational materials for professionals and consumer markets. Despite Harrison-Keyes' past success, the company is experiencing a revenue and profitability recession widespread in the industry due to increasing competition from price-cut distributors. Harrison-Keyes recently hired a CEO with the expectations of revitalizing the company; however, her lack of efficient leadership skills and understanding of the company's needs lead to an unsuccessful venture into e-publishing. Despite her efforts, various complications have given way to chaos. The lack of understanding between departments, dissatisfaction and discrepancies with authors and an inefficient technical infrastructure to manage effusively the marketing and sales of titles produced delays and increased costs with no contingencies in place. As a result of all these barriers, the organization has hired a new CEO, William Guardo. Mr. Guardo is regarded as the complete opposite of the recently dismissed Meg McGill; who strongly supported e-publishing. Although Mr. Guardo enters the company with 30 years in the publishing industry, most recently as president of a competing publisher, he also lacks the essential tools that can help the company overcome their implementation hurdles, including the most recent...
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