Reference no: EM133200460
The questions below are based on the HBS case Google Inc. These casepack with the five cases can be purchased from the Harvard Business School Press Coursepack.
For the Google case described, supported by your analysis, discuss the following questions.
Considering the decision time frame of the case, i.e., early 2010,
1.1. In addition to enhancing its core search business, should Google also branch into new arenas? If so, which (one or more) of the following would you recommend:
a) building a full-fledged portal like Yahoo's;
b) targeting Microsoft's desktop software hegemony;
c) becoming an e-commerce intermediary like eBay?
Justify your recommendation.
It may be very useful to consider the following questions in formulating your answer.
2.2. What are the key factors behind Google's early success?
3.3. Do you expect the search business to become more concentrated (i.e., dominated by fewer firms)? Is search a winner-take-all business?
4. 4. Do you view Google's distinctive governance structure, corporate culture, and organizational processes as strengths or potential limitations?