Change from the roots up: how Hewlett-Packard transformed its stodgy test & measurement unit into a market-driven performer

Article Abstract:

HP's Test and Measurement Organization was able to turn negative sales trends around by collecting input from top managers in 1992 to discuss what aspects of the unit were not working well. Part of the problem was adjusting to a shift from a primarily aerospace and defense business to more promising sectors in other fields such as the semiconductor and communications products markets. A turnaround project called Project TMO was implemented based on the managers comments, scenario analysis and outside management consultants. Studying the way HP technology was applied by its customer base and responding more closely to customer needs has been another key element of the turnaround. The Test and Measurement Organization has been able to increase its growth to an annual rate of around 25% and profits have been above HP overall margins. Creating an environment that embraces change and innovation has been the organization's goal.

INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, Instrument industry (Equipment), Testing and measuring equipment industry, Hewlett-Packard Co., HWP, Company Business Management

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MCU allows upgrades to analog cable TV

Article Abstract:

Scientific-Atlanta introduces the $200 8600X analog cable box, which facilitates 'virtual channels' capabilities, redefining the manner in which cable TV is delivered. The company collaborated with Motorola to provide the 8600X terminal with a custom graphics microprocessor based on the 8-bit Motorola 68HC11 microcontroller to access virtual channels services. The service is run concurrently with existing channel capacity, allowing viewers to access a variety of data without the necessity of additional bandwidth. A company spokesperson said the HC11 operates the software that interacts with the remote control or the keypads, and communicates with the graphics display to download data from the network. The 8600X features downloadable software upgrades over the network, which allows users to access more virtual channels and pay as service increases.

Radio & TV communications equipment, Product information, Marketing, Equipment and supplies, Cable television, Design and construction, Scientific-Atlanta Inc., SFA, Product marketing strategy, Signal processing equipment, Signal processing, Product Description Specification, Computer TV Signal Converter, Scientific-Atlanta 8600X (Computer TV signal converter)

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What's behind management pay? Competition for talent and changes in responsibilities reshape compensation packages in the 1990s

Article Abstract:

Electronics companies are implementing more and new incentives for retaining talented managers in the face of growing competition for those employees and changes in management roles and responsibilities. Finding and retaining good managers is an even greater challenge in the 1990s because of the growth and prosperity of the industry. Money is not necessarily the solution because of the number of offers good managers are receiving. Shareholders are also pressuring companies to restrict excessive management pay. Consequently, the major trend in the electronics industry is performance-related incentives, including stock options, profit sharing and tying compensation to how customers rank the company. Performance-related incentives may be tied to how teams, operations, and/or the entire company performs.

ELECTRONIC & OTHER ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT, Forecasts and trends, Industry trend, Compensation and benefits, Management issue, Cover Story, Electronics industry, Wages and salaries, Salary

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