Research Proposal

The Five Forces Model originally defined by Dr. Michael Porter of Harvard University is shown in Figure 1. The value of this model from analyzing Bowne & Company is how the company has been able to withstand many different competitive threats while at the same time attaining technological leadership with its XBRL-based applications and services. Dr. Porter makes the point regarding the five forces model that the threat of new entrants and threat of substitute products or services are the most influenced by technological innovation (Porter, 2008).

Figure 1: Porter Five Forces Model

The role of emerging competitors and substitutes to electronic reporting will be assessed based on XBRL depth of expertise (Brands, 2010). Information suppliers will be assessed based on their ability to contribute to investor clients'...

The buyers in this context are the investment banks and institutional investors who purchase reporting from Bowne & Company. The acceleration effects of XBRL and its widespread adoption based on the requirements from the SEC will be factors quantified through the analysis. All research will be conducted to stay congruent to the Porter Five Forces Model.
References

Brands, K.. (2010). The Buzz about XBRL and Interactive Data. Strategic Finance, 92(4), 64-65.

Mark Leon. (2001, February). Printer moves from hot lead to hypertext. InfoWorld, 23(8), 34.

Michael E. Porter. (2008, January). The FIVE COMPETITIVE FORCES THAT SHAPE STRATEGY. Harvard Business Review: Special HBS Centennial Issue, 86(1), 78-93.

Joan E. Solsman. (2010, February 24). R.R. Donnelley Loss Narrows,…