1. Describe, the basis of the competitive advantage of 3M, the highly diversified global company. Provide extensive arguments with evidence from the case regarding 3M’s areas of competitive advantage.

Learning Goal: I’m working on a entrepreneurship case study and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

3M Optical Systems: Managing Corporate Entrepreneurship

Answer the following questions, providing extended logical reasoning with evidence from the case for each:

1. Describe, the basis of the competitive advantage of 3M, the highly diversified global company. Provide extensive arguments with evidence from the case regarding 3M’s areas of competitive advantage.

2. How would you advise Andy Wong to handle the authorization for expenditure (AFE) for the re-launch of the privacy screen? Why?
a) Should he go? Postpone? Cancel? Why?
b) What are some of the important considerations for his decision?

3. If you were Paul Guehler, would you approve the AFE if Wong sent it up to you? Why or why not?

4. How effective has Wong been as a front-line manager in the 3M context?

5. How effective has Guehler been as a 3M division president?

6. Using Ireland, Covin, & Kuratko article from Unit One, discuss the three aspects of corporate entrepreneurship strategy (entrepreneurial strategic vision, pro-entrepreneurship organizational architecture, and entrepreneurial processes and behavior) within the context of 3M.

7. In their article, “The four models of corporate entrepreneurship,” Robert C. Wolcott and Michael J. Lippitz “have identified two dimensions under the direct control of management that consistently differentiate how companies approach corporate entrepreneurship.” Using these concepts discuss and identify corporate entrepreneurship in 3M.

8. What is it about 3M that makes it perhaps the most consistently entrepreneurial large company in the world?

Paper format:

• Use Microsoft Word or convert your paper to PDF
• Approximately 2500 words (about 10 pages, double-spaced)
• Double-spaced, 1” margins, with page number on bottom center
• Header with your name and student number on every page
• If you use exhibits, they should be numbered and referenced in the text of the paper
• Use appropriate headings and sub headings to help the reader navigate the paper; headings must include case questions.
• Proofread carefully! Typographical, spelling and grammatical errors are unprofessional. I allocate some points of each paper’s grade to the quality of the writing and proofreading.