Free Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A) Case Study Solution | Assignment Help

MBA Staff Writer
Written by Gary F. Smith
Publish Date: 2024-12-03

Harvard Case - Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)

"Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)" Harvard business case study is written by Clayton M. Christensen. It deals with the challenges in the field of Operations Management. The case study is 18 page(s) long and it was first published on : Jan 26, 2006

At Fern Fort University, we recommend that Hewlett-Packard (HP) adopt a comprehensive strategy focused on digital transformation to address the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving computing landscape. This strategy should encompass a combination of operational excellence, innovation, and strategic partnerships to ensure long-term success.

2. Background

This case study focuses on Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 1999, a time of significant change in the computing industry. The company faced challenges from the rise of personal computers (PCs), the emergence of the internet, and the increasing demand for lower-cost products. HP's traditional strength in the high-end printer and workstation market was being challenged by competitors like Dell and Compaq, who were leveraging their cost advantages to gain market share.

The case study's main protagonists are Carly Fiorina, HP's CEO, and the company's executive team, who are grappling with the need to adapt to the changing market dynamics.

3. Analysis of the Case Study

The case can be analyzed through the lens of Porter's Five Forces, a framework that helps assess the competitive landscape.

  • Threat of new entrants: High. The low barriers to entry in the PC market, driven by the availability of off-the-shelf components and the rise of contract manufacturers, made it easy for new players to enter the market.
  • Bargaining power of buyers: High. Customers had a wide range of choices, and the increasing commoditization of PCs gave them leverage to negotiate lower prices.
  • Bargaining power of suppliers: Moderate. While HP had strong relationships with key suppliers, the availability of alternative sources for components provided some leverage to suppliers.
  • Threat of substitute products: High. The rise of the internet and the emergence of cloud computing offered alternative ways to access computing resources, potentially displacing traditional PC-based solutions.
  • Competitive rivalry: High. The PC market was highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share.

HP's operations strategy at the time was based on a vertical integration model, where it controlled most aspects of the value chain, from component manufacturing to product assembly and distribution. This model had served HP well in the past, but it was becoming increasingly inflexible and costly in the face of rapid changes in the industry.

4. Recommendations

To address the challenges outlined above, HP should implement the following recommendations:

1. Embrace Digital Transformation:

  • Invest in digital technologies: HP should invest in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to enhance its product development, manufacturing, and customer service capabilities.
  • Develop a digital strategy: This strategy should encompass a roadmap for migrating core business processes to the cloud, leveraging data analytics for improved decision-making, and developing innovative products and services that leverage digital technologies.
  • Transform the organizational culture: HP needs to foster a culture of innovation, agility, and collaboration to embrace digital transformation effectively.

2. Optimize Operations:

  • Implement lean manufacturing principles: HP should adopt lean manufacturing principles to streamline its production processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. This can be achieved through value stream mapping, bottleneck analysis, and Kaizen initiatives.
  • Adopt a Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory management system: This will reduce inventory holding costs and improve responsiveness to changing customer demands.
  • Optimize supply chain management: HP should leverage outsourcing for non-core activities, such as component manufacturing, and focus on building strategic partnerships with key suppliers.
  • Implement a robust Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system: This will enable better planning, forecasting, and coordination across the entire supply chain.

3. Enhance Innovation:

  • Invest in research and development (R&D): HP should allocate resources to develop innovative products and services that meet the evolving needs of customers. This could include investing in new technologies like 3D printing and augmented reality.
  • Foster a culture of innovation: Encourage employees to generate new ideas and develop innovative solutions. This can be achieved through internal innovation contests, hackathons, and dedicated innovation teams.
  • Acquire promising startups: HP should consider acquiring startups that possess cutting-edge technologies or innovative business models that align with its strategic goals.

4. Leverage Strategic Partnerships:

  • Form strategic alliances with technology companies: HP should collaborate with companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to develop integrated solutions and leverage their expertise in cloud computing and other emerging technologies.
  • Partner with software developers: HP should partner with software developers to create applications and services that enhance the value proposition of its products.
  • Expand into new markets: HP should explore opportunities in emerging markets, such as China and India, where there is significant growth potential for computing devices.

5. Basis of Recommendations

These recommendations are based on the following considerations:

  • Core competencies and consistency with mission: HP's core competencies lie in its expertise in hardware design, manufacturing, and distribution. These recommendations align with HP's mission to deliver innovative computing solutions that meet the needs of customers.
  • External customers and internal clients: These recommendations address the evolving needs of customers in the computing industry, who are demanding more affordable, reliable, and connected devices. They also aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of internal operations.
  • Competitors: By embracing digital transformation, optimizing operations, and fostering innovation, HP can effectively compete against its rivals like Dell, Compaq, and other emerging players in the computing market.
  • Attractiveness: The recommendations are expected to improve HP's profitability and market share by reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and developing new growth opportunities.

6. Conclusion

HP's success in the future hinges on its ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving computing landscape. By embracing digital transformation, optimizing its operations, and fostering innovation, HP can position itself for long-term success in a highly competitive market.

7. Discussion

Other alternatives not selected include:

  • Divesting non-core businesses: HP could have chosen to divest its non-core businesses, such as its printing and imaging division, to focus solely on the PC market. However, this would have been a risky strategy, as the printing business still generated significant revenue for HP.
  • Merging with a competitor: HP could have considered merging with a competitor, such as Compaq, to gain economies of scale and market share. However, this would have required significant regulatory approvals and could have resulted in cultural clashes.

Risks and key assumptions:

  • Execution risk: Implementing these recommendations requires significant investment and organizational change, which could pose challenges to HP's execution capabilities.
  • Technological risk: The rapid pace of technological change could render some of HP's investments obsolete.
  • Competitive risk: Competitors may adopt similar strategies, making it difficult for HP to maintain its competitive advantage.

8. Next Steps

To implement these recommendations, HP should:

  • Develop a detailed implementation plan: This plan should outline the specific steps, timelines, and resources required to execute each recommendation.
  • Establish a dedicated team: A cross-functional team should be assembled to oversee the implementation of the digital transformation strategy.
  • Communicate effectively: HP should communicate its strategy and progress to employees, customers, and stakeholders to ensure buy-in and support.

By taking these steps, HP can successfully navigate the challenges of the evolving computing industry and position itself for long-term success.

Hire an expert to write custom solution for HBR Operations Management case study - Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)

Case Description

Hewlett-Packard decided that, to grow more rapidly, it needed to design a revolutionary disk drive product that would create an entirely new market or application for magnetic recording technology. The company followed most of the "rules" good managers follow in such situations: heavyweight project team, lots of senior management support, etc. But it still failed.

🎓 Struggling with term papers, essays, or Harvard case studies? Look no further! Fern Fort University offers top-quality, custom-written solutions tailored to your needs. Boost your grades and save time with expertly crafted content. Order now and experience academic excellence! 🌟📚 #MBA #HarvardCaseStudies #CustomEssays #AcademicSuccess #StudySmart Write my custom case study solution for Harvard HBR case - Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)

Hire an expert to write custom solution for HBR Operations Management case study - Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)

Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A) FAQ

What are the qualifications of the writers handling the "Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)" case study?

Our writers hold advanced degrees in their respective fields, including MBAs and PhDs from top universities. They have extensive experience in writing and analyzing complex case studies such as " Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A) ", ensuring high-quality, academically rigorous solutions.

How do you ensure confidentiality and security in handling client information?

We prioritize confidentiality by using secure data encryption, access controls, and strict privacy policies. Apart from an email, we don't collect any information from the client. So there is almost zero risk of breach at our end. Our financial transactions are done by Paypal on their website so all your information is very secure.

What is Fern Fort Univeristy's process for quality control and proofreading in case study solutions?

The Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A) case study solution undergoes a rigorous quality control process, including multiple rounds of proofreading and editing by experts. We ensure that the content is accurate, well-structured, and free from errors before delivery.

Where can I find free case studies solution for Harvard HBR Strategy Case Studies?

At Fern Fort University provides free case studies solutions for a variety of Harvard HBR case studies. The free solutions are written to build "Wikipedia of case studies on internet". Custom solution services are written based on specific requirements. If free solution helps you with your task then feel free to donate a cup of coffee.

I’m looking for Harvard Business Case Studies Solution for Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A). Where can I get it?

You can find the case study solution of the HBR case study "Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)" at Fern Fort University.

Can I Buy Case Study Solution for Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A) & Seek Case Study Help at Fern Fort University?

Yes, you can order your custom case study solution for the Harvard business case - "Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)" at Fern Fort University. You can get a comprehensive solution tailored to your requirements.

Can I hire someone only to analyze my Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A) solution? I have written it, and I want an expert to go through it.

🎓 Struggling with term papers, essays, or Harvard case studies? Look no further! Fern Fort University offers top-quality, custom-written solutions tailored to your needs. Boost your grades and save time with expertly crafted content. Order now and experience academic excellence! 🌟📚 #MBA #HarvardCaseStudies #CustomEssays #AcademicSuccess #StudySmart Pay an expert to write my HBR study solution for the case study - Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)

Where can I find a case analysis for Harvard Business School or HBR Cases?

You can find the case study solution of the HBR case study "Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)" at Fern Fort University.

Which are some of the all-time best Harvard Review Case Studies?

Some of our all time favorite case studies are -

Can I Pay Someone To Solve My Case Study - "Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)"?

Yes, you can pay experts at Fern Fort University to write a custom case study solution that meets all your professional and academic needs.

Do I have to upload case material for the case study Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A) to buy a custom case study solution?

We recommend to upload your case study because Harvard HBR case studies are updated regularly. So for custom solutions it helps to refer to the same document. The uploading of specific case materials for Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A) ensures that the custom solution is aligned precisely with your needs. This helps our experts to deliver the most accurate, latest, and relevant solution.

What is a Case Research Method? How can it be applied to the Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A) case study?

The Case Research Method involves in-depth analysis of a situation, identifying key issues, and proposing strategic solutions. For "Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)" case study, this method would be applied by examining the case’s context, challenges, and opportunities to provide a robust solution that aligns with academic rigor.

"I’m Seeking Help with Case Studies,” How can Fern Fort University help me with my case study assignments?

Fern Fort University offers comprehensive case study solutions, including writing, analysis, and consulting services. Whether you need help with strategy formulation, problem-solving, or academic compliance, their experts are equipped to assist with your assignments.

Achieve academic excellence with Fern Fort University! 🌟 We offer custom essays, term papers, and Harvard HBR business case studies solutions crafted by top-tier experts. Experience tailored solutions, uncompromised quality, and timely delivery. Elevate your academic performance with our trusted and confidential services. Visit Fern Fort University today! #AcademicSuccess #CustomEssays #MBA #CaseStudies

How do you handle tight deadlines for case study solutions?

We are adept at managing tight deadlines by allocating sufficient resources and prioritizing urgent projects. Our team works efficiently without compromising quality, ensuring that even last-minute requests are delivered on time

What if I need revisions or edits after receiving the case study solution?

We offer free revisions to ensure complete client satisfaction. If any adjustments are needed, our team will work closely with you to refine the solution until it meets your expectations.

How do you ensure that the case study solution is plagiarism-free?

All our case study solutions are crafted from scratch and thoroughly checked using advanced plagiarism detection software. We guarantee 100% originality in every solution delivered

How do you handle references and citations in the case study solutions?

We follow strict academic standards for references and citations, ensuring that all sources are properly credited according to the required citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

Hire an expert to write custom solution for HBR Operations Management case study - Hewlett-Packard: The Flight of the Kittyhawk (A)

Top Sellers

Referrences & Bibliography for SWOT Analysis | SWOT Matrix | Strategic Management

1. Andrews, K. R. (1980). The concept of corporate strategy. Harvard Business Review, 61(3), 139-148.

2. Ansoff, H. I. (1957). Strategies for diversification. Harvard Business Review, 35(5), 113-124.

3. Brandenburger, A. M., & Nalebuff, B. J. (1995). The right game: Use game theory to shape strategy. Harvard Business Review, 73(4), 57-71.

4. Christensen, C. M., & Raynor, M. E. (2003). Why hard-nosed executives should care about management theory. Harvard Business Review, 81(9), 66-74.

5. Christensen, C. M., & Raynor, M. E. (2003). The innovator's solution: Creating and sustaining successful growth. Harvard Business Review Press.

6. D'Aveni, R. A. (1994). Hypercompetition: Managing the dynamics of strategic maneuvering. Harvard Business Review Press.

7. Ghemawat, P. (1991). Commitment: The dynamic of strategy. Harvard Business Review, 69(2), 78-91.

8. Ghemawat, P. (2002). Competition and business strategy in historical perspective. Business History Review, 76(1), 37-74.

9. Hamel, G., & Prahalad, C. K. (1990). The core competence of the corporation. Harvard Business Review, 68(3), 79-91.

10. Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (1992). The balanced scorecard--measures that drive performance. Harvard Business Review, 70(1), 71-79.

11. Kim, W. C., & Mauborgne, R. (2004). Blue ocean strategy. Harvard Business Review, 82(10), 76-84.

12. Kotter, J. P. (1995). Leading change: Why transformation efforts fail. Harvard Business Review, 73(2), 59-67.

13. Mintzberg, H., Ahlstrand, B., & Lampel, J. (2008). Strategy safari: A guided tour through the wilds of strategic management. Harvard Business Press.

14. Porter, M. E. (1979). How competitive forces shape strategy. Harvard Business Review, 57(2), 137-145.

15. Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors. Simon and Schuster.

16. Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive advantage: Creating and sustaining superior performance. Free Press.

17. Prahalad, C. K., & Hamel, G. (1990). The core competence of the corporation. Harvard Business Review, 68(3), 79-91.

18. Rumelt, R. P. (1979). Evaluation of strategy: Theory and models. Strategic Management Journal, 1(1), 107-126.

19. Rumelt, R. P. (1984). Towards a strategic theory of the firm. Competitive Strategic Management, 556-570.

20. Teece, D. J., Pisano, G., & Shuen, A. (1997). Dynamic capabilities and strategic management. Strategic Management Journal, 18(7), 509-533.