Reorganizing AT&T: From Vertically Integrated to Customer-Centric Organization (A)

Case Code: BSTR077 Case Length: 15 Pages Period: 1876 - 2003 Pub Date: 2003 Teaching Note: Not Available

Price: Rs.400 Organization: AT&T, Department of Justice (US) Industry: Telecom, Countries : USA Themes: Corporate Restructuring

Abstract Case Intro 1 Case Intro 2 Excerpts

Abstract

The case discusses the breakup of the Bell System in 1984 and its implications for AT&T and the telecommunications industry in the US till the mid-1990s. It examines the organizational structure of the erstwhile Bell System and how it facilitated decentralization of AT&T's operations. The case then explores the events that led to the breakup and the changes in the organizational structure of AT&T after the break-up. The case describes in detail the implications of these organizational changes on the company. Finally, the case discusses AT&T's acquisition of NCR Corporation, a leading computer manufacturer, and looks at the reasons for the company's unsuccessful merger with NCR.

Issues

• Reasons that led to the break-up of AT&T and its strategic implications on the company and on the telecom industry
• Changes in the organizational structure of AT&T (pre-breakup and post-breakup), and analyze its implications

Contents

Introduction
Background Note
Break-Up of Bell System
AT&T - After The Break-Up
The Acquisition of NCR
AT&T Till The Mid-1990s
Exhibits

Keywords

Bell System, 1984, AT&T, telecommunications industry, US, mid-1990, organizational structure, Bell System, decentralization, AT&T, operations, breakup, implications, case discusses, NCR Corporation, computer manufacturer, merger

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