walt disney
The Walt Disney Company: A Corporate Strategy Analysis
November 2012
Written by Carlos Carillo, Jeremy Crumley, Kendree Thieringer and Jeffrey S. Harrison at the Robins School of Business, University of Richmond. Copyright © Jeffrey S. Harrison. This case was written for the purpose of classroom discussion. It is not to be duplicated or cited in any form without the copyright holder’s express permission. For permission to reproduce or cite this case, contact Jeffrey S. Harrison (RCNcases@richmond.edu). In your message, state your name, affiliation and the intended use of the case. Permission for classroom use will be granted free of charge. Other cases are available at: http://robins.richmond.edu/centers/center-‐for-‐active-‐business-‐education/research/case-‐network.html
"Walt was never afraid to dream. That song from Pinocchio, 'When You Wish Upon a Star, ' is the perfect summary of Walt 's approach to life: dream big dreams, even hopelessly impossible dreams, because they really can come true. Sure, it takes work, focus and perseverance. But anything is possible. Walt proved it with the impossible things he accomplished."1
It is well documented that Walt Disney had big dreams and made several large gambles to propel his visions. From the creation of Steamboat Willie in 1928 to the first color feature film, “Snow
White and the Seven Dwarves” in
November 2012
Written by Carlos Carillo, Jeremy Crumley, Kendree Thieringer and Jeffrey S. Harrison at the Robins School of Business, University of Richmond. Copyright © Jeffrey S. Harrison. This case was written for the purpose of classroom discussion. It is not to be duplicated or cited in any form without the copyright holder’s express permission. For permission to reproduce or cite this case, contact Jeffrey S. Harrison (RCNcases@richmond.edu). In your message, state your name, affiliation and the intended use of the case. Permission for classroom use will be granted free of charge. Other cases are available at: http://robins.richmond.edu/centers/center-‐for-‐active-‐business-‐education/research/case-‐network.html
"Walt was never afraid to dream. That song from Pinocchio, 'When You Wish Upon a Star, ' is the perfect summary of Walt 's approach to life: dream big dreams, even hopelessly impossible dreams, because they really can come true. Sure, it takes work, focus and perseverance. But anything is possible. Walt proved it with the impossible things he accomplished."1
It is well documented that Walt Disney had big dreams and made several large gambles to propel his visions. From the creation of Steamboat Willie in 1928 to the first color feature film, “Snow
White and the Seven Dwarves” in
References: Himmelberg, M. 2005. Setting the bar high // In the years to come, Disneyland’s challenge will be to keep up its aura of innocence while it keeps pace with a wiser clientele 3 Disney, 2011 About Disney: Investors: http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/investors/fact-books, Accessed November 26, 2012. 7 The Walt Disney Company, 2011, Form 10-k 10 Business Wire, 1995, Disney, Capital Cities/ABC agrees to merge; $19 billion transaction will enhance 13 Disney, 2012, http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-news/press-releases/2012/10/disney-acquire-lucasfilmltd, Accessed November 25, 2012. 14 Disney, 2012, http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/investors, Accessed November 26, 2012. 16 The Walt Disney Company, 2011, Form 10-k