Publications
Publications
- March 2000 (Revised January 2001)
- HBS Case Collection
Microsoft's Vega Project: Developing People and Products
By: Christopher A. Bartlett and Meg Wozny
Abstract
With a focus on Matt MacLellan and his careful development as a project manager under his boss and mentor, Jim Kaplan, the case describes the evolution of Microsoft's human-resource philosophies and policies and illustrates how they work in practice to provide the company with a major source of competitive advantage. It looks at employee development, motivation, and retention efforts in one of Microsoft's product groups. Dissatisfied with his project management role, MacLellan decides to become a developer despite the fact that he has never written code professionally. Kaplan is faced with the decision of whether to support his protege's radical career shift, and if so, how to do it not only to MacLellan's satisfaction but also in the organization's best interest.
Keywords
Human Resources; Competitive Advantage; Retention; Personal Development and Career; Organizational Design; Information Technology; Motivation and Incentives; Leadership Development
Citation
Bartlett, Christopher A., and Meg Wozny. "Microsoft's Vega Project: Developing People and Products." Harvard Business School Case 300-004, March 2000. (Revised January 2001.)