Kids Case Discussions

A Program for HBS Alumni Kids, Ages 10 and up
Saturday, June 5, 2010
10:00 - 11:15 am
HBS Campus
Availability is limited; sign up early!
Register Online

Older children are invited to experience what HBS was like for their parents during two fun and interesting case discussions led by HBS faculty. Children 10 and up may attend the Sony Eye Toy Case discussion with Associate Professor Anita Elberse. Teens 13 and older may attend the Zynga Case discussion with Assistant Professor Misiek Piskorski.

Those registered for this program will receive an advance copy of the case, along with assignment questions. The cases have not been simplified in any way, so 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.

Parents are free to attend other morning sessions while their children participate in the case discussions, but are also welcome to observe from another room where the session will be simulcast!

Register Online

• Sony Eye Toy Case Summary

  Saturday, June 5, 2010
  10 - 11:15 am
  Check-in begins at 9:45 am

  Age range: For kids 10 and up

  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!). The case has not been simplified in any way, so young readers may struggle with vocabulary and concepts. Mom or Dad may want to help them understand the case. But don't force preparation if it proves too hard: we'll explain the business during the class discussion.

  Supervision: 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 Sony Eye Toy classroom at 11:15 am.

  Case Overview: Less than a year after its 2003 launch, Sony's EyeToy, a unique video gaming concept, has become a tremendous success across Europe. Developed for use with Sony's PlayStation console, the revolutionary technology allows users standing in front of a small camera to interact with game objects appearing on a television screen just by moving their bodies -- no controller is needed. Sales for the first EyeToy product ("Play") exceeded all expectations. However, sales for the second product ("Groove") are disappointing. Is it time for the EyeToy team to rethink its product development and marketing strategy? How can the team sustain EyeToy's initial success in Europe? And how can it best approach the American marketplace?

  The case discussion will include a live demonstration of the product.

• Zynga Case Summary

  Saturday, June 5, 2010
  10 - 11:15 am
  Check-in begins at 9:45 am

  Age range: For teens ages 13 and up

  Preparation: Teens should read the case beforehand and spend some time reflecting on the study questions provided: parents, you know the drill! Professor Piskorski will do some gentle cold calling to show how tough mom or dad must have been in the old days. Early admission to HBS will be granted to anyone who runs the numbers and "cracks the case" (just kidding!). The case hasn't been simplified in any way, so some readers may struggle with some vocabulary and concepts, and parents may want to help their teenager with understanding the case.

  Supervision: Teens 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 Zynga classroom at 11:15 am.

  Zynga Overview: Zynga was founded in July 2007 with the vision of connecting the world through games. Since then they've dedicated themselves to making fun and social games for people to play with their friends and have become the largest developer of social games on the web in the process. Zynga games provide a platform for players to express themselves and form deep social connections with their friends.

  Case Overview: Coming Soon!

• Questions

  Please contact:

  Lauren Gilbert
  HBS Alumni Relations
  Phone: 617.495.6893
  E-mail: reunion_childcare@hbs.edu