Google Case

To:               BUAD 302T Students
From:           Dr. Warren
Subject:       Guidelines for “Update” Presentation #2; (Google Inc.)
Date:           March 23, 2009

Here are the instructions for your second “Update” presentations.   It will focus on the Google Inc. case in your textbook (pp. 308-359).

Learning Objectives
This assignment provides you with an opportunity to practice your:
• critical thinking skills
• research skills
• teamwork skills
• presentation skills

About the Presentation
Structure:   Include a clear introduction, body, conclusion, and transitions
Length:   10-minutes, plus one-two minutes of Q&A; each member must speak
Dress:   “College” casual
Visuals:   “Some”   (PowerPoint)

Second Update Presentation (Content)
Each team must choose one of the following questions as the theme for its presentation:  
1. What are the key factors behind Google’s early success?
2. Do you expect the search business to become more concentrated (i.e., dominated by fewer firms)?   Is search a winner-take-all business?
3. In renewing its deal with AOL, could Google afford to pay AOL more than 100% of the revenue generated from AOL searches?   How did Microsoft’s maximum affordable bid for AOL’s search traffic compare to Google’s?
4. In addition to enhancing its core search businesses, should Google also branch out into new arenas?   Which of the following would you recommend:   (1) building a full-fledged portal like Yahoo’s; (b) targeting Microsoft’s desktop software hegemony; or (c) becoming an e-commerce intermediary like Ebay?
5. Do you view Google’s distinctive governance structure, corporate culture, and organizational processes as strengths or potential limitations?

Although data in this case come from 2005/2006, feel free to update it.   However, simply relying on “the facts” relative to your team’s issue is not enough.   All of your arguments must be supported with evidence and a clear rationale.

Presentation Schedule
Monday, March...