Case Study Undergraduate 624 words

Harrison-Keyes E-Publishing Strategy: WBS and Six Sigma

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Abstract

This paper examines the strategic challenges facing Harrison-Keyes Inc. as it transitions from traditional publishing to e-publishing. Drawing on best practices from Motorola's next-generation Six Sigma methodology and Boeing's detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) approach, the paper argues that Harrison-Keyes lacks the operational detail necessary to execute its new vision successfully. The paper also identifies key communication barriers—including poor comprehension at the leadership level, corporate culture silos, inadequate project planning, and poor timing—that prevent strategy from cascading through the organization. It concludes by proposing remedies such as shared intranets and strategic roadmaps to ensure alignment at all levels.

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What makes this paper effective

It grounds abstract strategic concepts in concrete industry examples from Motorola and Boeing, making the recommendations credible and actionable.
The paper maintains a clear through-line: each external best practice is explicitly connected back to the deficiencies at Harrison-Keyes, keeping the argument focused.
The communication barriers section systematically enumerates distinct obstacles before pivoting to solutions, demonstrating structured analytical thinking.

Key academic technique demonstrated

The paper uses comparative benchmarking — a standard business analysis technique — to evaluate Harrison-Keyes against recognized industry leaders. By pairing each identified weakness (lack of WBS detail, poor strategy communication) with a named best-practice model, the student demonstrates how external frameworks can diagnose and address internal organizational problems.

Structure breakdown

The paper opens by introducing Harrison-Keyes's transition challenge and immediately positions Motorola's Six Sigma as a remedy. It then pivots to Boeing's WBS practices as a second supporting example. The final two sections shift from external benchmarking to internal organizational dynamics, cataloguing communication barriers and then proposing practical solutions. This problem–example–solution arc gives the paper a logical, easy-to-follow progression across its five sections.

Introduction: Harrison-Keyes and the E-Publishing Challenge

Harrison-Keyes Inc. is experiencing significant difficulties in its shift in vision from a traditional publishing company to one placing greater emphasis on e-publishing. The issues undermining this vision largely stem from a lack of detailed strategy. To develop a more sound approach, Harrison-Keyes could benefit greatly from studying the best practices of recognized industry leaders. Two companies in particular — Motorola Inc. and Boeing — offer highly relevant models through their respective uses of Six Sigma methodology and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

Motorola's Six Sigma as a Strategic Model

Motorola is credited with the development of Six Sigma, which is used across many industries for the purpose of measuring quality. Motorola has since evolved the Six Sigma methodology into an overall business improvement methodology. This next generation of Six Sigma involves four steps, which include mobilizing improvement teams and accelerating results — both of which utilize Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) (Barney, 2002). The granular detail embedded in Motorola's updated Six Sigma framework is precisely what Harrison-Keyes needs to achieve success in its new vision.

Boeing's Work Breakdown Structure as a Best Practice

Boeing is considered an aerospace industry leader that routinely deals with highly sensitive and complex projects. Given this, Boeing's teams must be extraordinarily detailed in every aspect of any project they undertake. This level of detail is made possible by the careful thought put into the creation of the WBS and its objectives, deliverables, and sub-deliverables by leadership teams within Boeing (Boeing IR&MS, n.d.).

Harrison-Keyes, by comparison, is severely lacking in the detail required for the success of its new vision. This deficiency has caused problems such as confusion among designated leaders and anxiety from some writers regarding their perceived security in relation to e-publishing. Harrison-Keyes has the opportunity to become an industry leader, and by adopting Boeing's disciplined WBS approach, the shift in vision for this publishing company can become a success for everyone involved.

2 Locked Sections · 250 words remaining

Communication Barriers in Strategy Deployment · 145 words

"Culture, planning gaps, and timing block strategy communication"

Overcoming Communication Barriers · 105 words

"Intranets and roadmaps help cascade strategy organization-wide"

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Key Concepts in This Paper

Work Breakdown Structure Six Sigma E-Publishing Strategic Communication Organizational Change Best Practices Project Planning Corporate Culture Strategy Deployment Benchmarking