Scenario/Summary
After the deregulating of the telecommunications industry in the last two decades, AT&T has had to face new competition in the telecommunications field. This has prompted them to reorganize and reinvent themselves to better compete in all sectors of the industry. This has led to three major restructurings in the last 20 years and observations from stockholders and analysts that the company lacks focus.
In this week's case study, you will be investigating the problems AT&T has faced in this area and what they did and are doing to attempt to deal with them. Major focus should be given to the business process reengineering that was done. Two of the references given in this week's assignment will help get you started in your research. It is suggested that you focus on one specific process reengineering of AT&T, the reasons for it, and the results that occurred.
STEP 1: Research Issue
In this step, you need to find out the questions "how" and "why" of AT&T's problems. Start with reading what has been written about it. In your reading assignment this week, two of the references deal with AT&T's problems are listed below.
In Strategy Shift, AT&T to Split Into 3 Firms
AT&T: Flagship or Titanic? Struggles to Join New Economy
Use these as a start and to give you an overview of the issues AT&T faced. These articles, along with others you will find in your research and on the Web, should allow you to answer the "how" and "why" of the situation and their actions in handling it.
STEP 2: Write the Study
Use the case study template available to complete a three- to five-page report on your research. Include the sections listed below as needed.
Introduction-Include a brief introduction into the company and it's problem or situation.
Issue/Problems-Identify all the issues or problems faced by the company.
Actions Taken-What was the company's response in dealing with the issues?
Results-What were the results of the company's efforts? Did they work? Why or why not?
References-List all research references used.
Don't forget to proof and fact-check your case study. If you are using quotes from sources or data from an unreliable source, you should attempt to find a better source or remove them. This is sometimes called establishing rigor. Make sure your case study is credible, transferable, verifiable, and dependable.