Kids Case Discussion
A Program for HBS Alumni Kids, Ages 8 and up
Saturday, June 4, 2011
10:00 – 11:15 am
HBS Campus
Register Online
Children and teens are invited to experience what HBS was like for their parents during a fun and interesting case discussion led by HBS faculty. The cases are presented at two skill levels, one intended for children 8-12, the other for teens 13+.
Those registered for this program will receive an advance copy of the case, along with assignment questions. Although the case has been simplified, young readers may struggle with vocabulary and concepts. Feel free to help your children prepare, but all business concepts will be explained during the class discussion.
Kids will be supervised throughout the session (and escorted by reunion staffers if they need to leave the room), so parents are free to attend other morning sessions. Parents are very welcome to observe the discussion from another room (TBD), where the session will be simulcast! You should arrange to meet your children in the classroom at 11:15 am.
- Coca Cola's New Vending Machine for children 8-12
Saturday, June 4, 2011
10:00 – 11:15 am
Check-in begins at 9:45 am
Case will be presented by Professor Zeynep Ton
Register Online
Age range: For kids and teens 10 and up
Case Overview: Chairman and CEO M. Douglas Ivester stumbles when he tells a Brazilian news magazine about a new Coke vending machine that can automatically raise prices in hot weather. Reaction around the world is swift and negative.
Preparation: Kids should read the case beforehand and spend some time reflecting on assignment questions we will provide: parents, you know the drill! Early admission to HBS will be granted to anyone who runs the numbers and "cracks the case" (just kidding!). Although the case has been simplified, young readers may struggle with vocabulary and concepts. Feel free to help your children prepare, but don't force preparation if it proves too hard: the business and concepts will be explained during the class discussion.
- Facebook's Platform Case for teens 13+
Saturday, June 4, 2011
10:00 – 11:15 am
Check-in begins at 9:45 am
Case will be presented by Professor Asis Martinez-Jerez
Register Online
Age range: For teens 13+
Case information coming soon!
Case Overview:In early 2009, Facebook was the largest global on-line social network, with 175 million members. However, it generated relatively little revenue from its advertising programs. The case asks students to consider two options of improving the top line. First, the company could deepen its commitment to advertising, particularly by using profile data to better target ads. Second, the company could help other businesses develop new on-line applications that used Facebook Connect- a second-generation platform released in late 2008. Connect allowed members to use their Facebook credentials to log onto third-party websites and bring their on-line social network with them, which can then be used to power social functionalities on these websites. For example, CNN used Connect to help people find their friends' comments, while the Starbucks community volunteer program used Connect to "spread the word." In the future, Connect could, for example, help friends coordinate their travel plans on Expedia. If Expedia could charge for such services, or use Connect to reduce its customer acquisition costs, Facebook could conceivably appropriate some of the value.
Preparation: Kids should read the case beforehand and spend some time reflecting on assignment questions we will provide: parents, you know the drill! Early admission to HBS will be granted to anyone who runs the numbers and "cracks the case" (just kidding!). Although the case has been simplified, young readers may struggle with vocabulary and concepts. Feel free to help your children prepare, but don't force preparation if it proves too hard: the business and concepts will be explained during the class discussion.
