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The fourth case study is Disney: Building Billion-Dollar Franchises on p. 494.

Relevant chapters are Ch. 8 (Vertical Integration and Diversification), 9 (Strategic Alliances, Mergers, and Acquisitions), and 10 (Global Strategy).

Remember to follow the Case Study Guidelines

A few updates:

1. ESPN+ launched in 2018.
2. Disney+ launched in 2019.
3. Bob Chapek replaced Bob Iger in 2020 as CEO. Iger is now Chairman of the Board and still very hands-on.
4. The company is now organized into five divisions – Media & Entertainment Distribution; Parks, Experiences, & Products; Walt Disney Studios; General Entertainment Content; and ESPN and Sports Content.

Some questions to help you get started on your analysis.

1. What is Disney’s business model? What industry or industries are they in?
2. What acquisitions did Disney make that led to its resurgence? What has been its acquisition strategy?
3. What alliances did Disney enter into that complemented its existing resources and capabilities?
4. How did Disney diversify? What type of diversification describes Disney (see exhibit 8.8)?
5. How did Disney integrate its many core competencies and assets?
6. How did Disney leverage its franchises across its divisions?
7. How are the streaming services (note that Disney also owns Hulu) disrupting the media industry?
8. What is Disney’s global strategy and how does it relate to its core competencies and assets?
9. What do you see as the challenges facing the company? If you were a Disney executive, what would keep you up at night?

Remember to identify the issues, come up with three alternatives (with pros and cons) to respond to the issues, pick one of the alternatives as a proposed solution (explain why), and then have three recommendations to implement the solution.

Textbook:

Strategic Management 4e, Rothaermel, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 978-1-259-92762.