Mercedes-Benz and Swatch create a new company, MCC, to build a revolutionary car for cities: the Smart. They also have to invent a new form of organization in the process.

Groupe Schneider is a world leader in electrical distribution, industrial engineering equipment, and industrial control and automation. To promote a stronger value creating culture, Schneider implemented a performance measurement system based on Economic Value Added.

In February 1996, Merton Electronics was reviewing its currency risk position. Its principal foreign suppliers were Japanese and fluctuations of the dollar/yen exchange rate during the past 2-3 years seemed to have had a serious impact on costs and earnings.

Merrill Electronics was a medium sized distributor of personal computers, related peripheral equipment and software, and various other consumer electronics and domestic appliances. In July 1991, sales turnover and profits had improved over the past 18 months since the arrival of a new general manager, but the company's needs for financing were also growing rapidly.

Describes some of the organisational and administrative challenges of Matsushita - one of Japan's most successful multinationals - as it tries to respond to changes in the strategic requirements of its different businesses.