Driving Innovative Changes

READ THOROUGHLY THE TWO CASE STUDIES ATTACHED:

Leading Change -Why Transformation Efforts Fail by John P. Kotter (ATTACHED) &

Case- Ron Johnson: A Career in Retail by Narayandas, Margolis, Raffaelli (ATTACHED)

(Write this paper as if you are a consultant and you getting a consultant job depends on how well you can examine the leadership of Ron Johnson)

Critical Assignment Case Study Analysis Part 1 of 2

Introduction to Ron Johnson:

1. Summarize the case by highlighting Ron Johnson’s career trajectory. Describe his journey through his career with JC Penny, Target, & Apple.

Ron Johnson’s Past Experience:

2. Johnson at Target: Describe the characteristics of an innovative leader. (See attached article on innovation). Examine Johnson’s repositioning and re-branding at Target and how Johnson exhibited those innovative leader characteristics. How did he demonstrate an innovative approach at Target? Be very specific.

3. Johnson at Apple: Examine Johnson’s tenure at Apple and specifically his role in launching Apple stores. How did he demonstrate an innovative approach at Apple? Be very specific.

4. Fiscal Examination of Apple store launch:
At the end of the fiscal year 2001 (ending in September) company-wide sales were at $5.4 billion, down 49% over the year 2000. Retail sales were $19 million with a negative operating income of $21 million. After the launch of the initial iPod initially priced at $400, the retail stores did not break even after the first holiday shopping season. Refer to the last paragraph on page 6 for continued financials. After examining these financials discuss the implications of the data.

Discuss should have Apple closed their retail operations in 2003 after continued losses? -Why or why not?

Would you consider the retail operation to have turned out to be successful (by 2011)? Why? (The answer to this question is yes. Support this answer with the financial information in the case.)

Assignment Rubric Requirements:

Essay opens with thoughtful, concise synopsis of the case that accurately highlights Johnsons career trajectory. Including discussion of his role at Target, transition to Apple, and recruitment for JC Penney. The summary is insightful concise, and accurate.

Innovative Leadership is thoroughly defined according to the literature and required reading. Analysis of Johnson’s leadership and driving of change initiatives at Target is thoughtfully evaluated demonstrating clear understanding and utilization of the key theories and concepts related to innovation.

Analysis of Johnson’s leadership and driving of change initiatives at Apple is thoughtfully evaluated demonstrating clear understanding and utilization of the key theories and concepts related to innovation.

Complete analysis and assessment of the financial data included in the case related to Apple retail stores evidences and demonstrates clear understanding of financial calculations and implications.