Publications
Publications
- February 2008
- HBS Case Collection
SPECIALISTERNE: Sense & Details
Abstract
Three-quarters of Specialisterne's expert software testing staff are diagnosed with some form of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Usually a handicap, ASD conveys talents especially suited to software testing and other highly repetitive tasks that require very high accuracy. This case describes a growing company struggling with unique challenges as it implements a "social enterprise" business model; it describes the difficulties faced by social entrepreneurs implementing for-profit business models in domains usually populated by non-profits. The case is also useful as an introduction to the business of software testing.
Keywords
Business Model; For-Profit Firms; Health Disorders; Employees; Performance Evaluation; Quality; Software; Information Technology Industry
Citation
Austin, Robert D., Jonathan Wareham, and Javier Busquets. "SPECIALISTERNE: Sense & Details." Harvard Business School Case 608-109, February 2008.