A Walk in the PARC
In the early 1970s, a team at Xerox Corporation's research center created much of the breakthrough technology that powered the personal computer revolution. How did a copier company, once considered amongst America's most innovative and powerful, develop such innovative technology but never figure out how to commercialize it?
The Street
When Joan Ganz Cooney applied the persuasive powers of television to the profound needs of pre-school children, she created an educational enterprise that now reaches around the world.
VNO and the EOP: Blackstone Transaction
In 2007 Vornado Realty Trust and The Blackstone Group entered into a bidding war to acquire the nation's largest publicly held office REIT - Equity Office Properties Trust. Ultimately, Blackstone won the auction at an approximate cost of $3 billion greater than its initial offer. This case asks students to assess the strategy, financial impacts, and actions taken by each party to carry out its business plan for the transaction.
It Took a Village
In 1977 Dr. Muhammad Yunus launched Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, implementing an innovative strategy to provide very small loans for extremely low-income rural villagers. Within ten years the successful bank was owned by its borrowers and Yunus's concepts helped to launch the global microfinance movement now providing funds to nearly 100 million borrowers world-wide and making considerable progress reducing the cycle of poverty.
The Hub
In 1972 Fred Smith launched Federal Express - an entirely new package delivery system concept. The chances of success were terribly long. How did he overcome a challenging set of regulatory, logistical, and financial forces to create one of the most exciting and successful companies that has changed the way the world does business?
The Car of Tomorrow - Today!
Shortly after World War II Preston Tucker attempted to launch his "car of tomorrow." Despite numerous engineering and design innovations as well as creative marketing and financing, Tucker found that the manufacturing, financial, and competitive barriers to entry in the automotive business were difficult to overcome.
The Mortgage for 1800 L Street
This case asks students to scrutinize the documents of a mortgage loan that the lender has put up for auction during a period of market distress.
1372 Broadway
Students are asked to evaluate the strategy of an acquisition and propose leasing transactions that could enhance the bottom line of the investment.
The Associate's Task: Financial Tales of Changing Place
Set during the uncertain real estate market of 2009, this case maps out the analytic tools and thought processes of a seasoned financial analyst as she assesses the investment potential of several urban properties.