The case discusses supply chain risk management: how to leverage the structure of a supply network to assess its resilience, focusing on the consequences of disruption rather than the causes, as is traditionally done.

The case first describes the evolution of Cisco Systems of San Jose, California, from a narrowly-focused routing and switching equipment vendor, with a highly effective competitive strategy, into a diversified networking and IT giant.

This case focuses on the topic of strategy making at GI. The case write-up includes information about GI, AT T, the cable telecommunications industry, Ed Breen, the strategy making process at GI, and the Kiawah Meeting that the management team held in 1998.