Publications
Publications
- April 1992 (Revised July 1992)
- HBS Case Collection
U.S. Robotics, Inc.
Abstract
U.S. Robotics (USR) is a fast-growing $80 million computer communications company with the aggressive growth target of becoming a $500 million company by 1995. It is widely accepted as the technology leader in its market, and relies strongly on its ability to bring products to market quickly. Much of USR's continued success relies on the advantages of being on a single site. However, with the growth of the firm, they are confronted with the prospect of becoming a multi-site organization. The entrepreneurial foundations of the company are threatened: their "single-site" operation has helped them thrive and be nimble, while other, similar companies have perished. USR has avoided problems in the past by growing very opportunistically and adapting with the times. It is becoming clear that management needs to consciously develop an operations strategy in order to grow, and perhaps commit themselves in ways which will inhibit their flexibility in the future.
Keywords
Organizational Change and Adaptation; Expansion; Product Development; Growth and Development Strategy; Computer Industry; Communications Industry; United States
Citation
Upton, David M. "U.S. Robotics, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 692-061, April 1992. (Revised July 1992.)