How should lego manage the open source movement

Assignment Help Operation Management

Reference no: EM131956294

Lego's Mindstorms Robotics Invention System was designed for 12-year-olds. But after more than a decade of development at the MIT Media Lab using the latest advances in artificial intelligence, the toy created an enormous buzz among grown-up hackers.

Despite its stiff $199 price tag, Mindstorms sold so quickly that store shelves were emptied two weeks before its first Christmas in 1998. In its first year, a staggering 100,000 kits were sold, far beyond the 12,000 units the company had projected. Seventy percent of Mindstorms' early customers were old enough to vote. These customers bought the software with the intention of hacking it.

They wanted to make the software more flexible and powerful. They deciphered Mindstorms' proprietary code, posted it on the Internet, began writing new advanced software, and even wrote a new operating system for their robots. To date Lego has done nothing to stop this open source movement, even though thousands of Lego's customers now operate their robots with software the company didn't produce or endorse and can't support. The software may end up damaging the robot's expensive infrared sensors and motors.

a. What are the advantages of Lego's approach to open sourcing?

b. What are the disadvantages of Lego's approach to open sourcing?

c. How should Lego manage the open source movement?

Reference no: EM131956294

Questions Cloud

What criteria should managers use to manage this trade-off : What are the trade-offs between cost, quality, and time when designing a project plan? What criteria should managers use to manage this trade-off?

How much is the opportunity cost associated : Paula has the following information to evaluatelong dash-her current salary. How much is the opportunity cost associated with starting the new business?

What determines the level of organizational risk : What determines the level of technical risk associated with a project? What determines the level of organizational risk?

What is an isomer : What is an isomer? And what is the difference between a "cis" isomer and a "trans" isomer? Are "cis" fats healthier or unhealthier than "trans" fats?

How should lego manage the open source movement : What are the advantages of Lego's approach to open sourcing? What are the disadvantages of Lego's approach to open sourcing?

Determine extra overtime pay due collins for first quarter : As part of his company's perfect attendance program, he earned a bonus of $975. Determine the extra overtime pay due Collins for the first quarter.

How traynor could have applied lewins three stage model : What type of development methodology appears to have been employed at Southern Company for the ECM project? Was this a good approach?

What is an aliphatic compound : What is an aliphatic compound? What is an aromatic compound? What is the difference in hybridization between aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons?

Prepare the appropriate journal entry : Prepare the appropriate journal entry (if any). Determine the total compensation cost pertaining to the restricted stock.

User Account

All Pages