This Case is about COLLABORATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT, ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE, TECHNOLOGY
PUBLICATION DATE: March 08, 2011 PRODUCT #: 811042-HCB-ENG
In October 1945, Henry Ford II received a telegram in his office at the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan written by Charles “Tex” Thornton, a U.S. Air Force colonel. Henry Ford II had lately assumed control of his grandpa’s distressed automotive conglomerate, and was searching for seasoned auto industry guys to help him make Ford a name that was more dominant.
The Whiz Kids Case SolutionThornton had no business expertise whatsoever, but appeared confident that his thoughts might be related to the business of Ford. Probably the Ford Motor Company could use an injection of new thoughts. His guys and hiring Thornton could wind up being Ford’s most inspired move. Or his most devastating.
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