Henry J. Kaiser and the Art of the Possible Case Solution And Analysis, HBR Case Study Solution & Analysis of Harvard Case Studies

From its humble beginnings as a local dealer in New York, the Henry J. Kaiser rose to become one of the leading industrialists of the 20th century in America. Although he did not have the technical training of engineers, Kaiser mastered the management and implementation of plans for several large-scale projects, which contributed to the growth and improvement of modern America, including the Hoover Dam, one of the wonders of the modern world. During the Second World War, when the United States was desperate for ships to deliver troops and supplies overseas, Kaiser, who had never built a ship before, rose to the challenge and successfully managed the construction of thousands of Liberty ships. These merchant ships gave the U.S. Navy a superior force to claim victory in the sea to America and its allies. He was one of the first shipbuilding techniques, which not only allowed him to build the ships at an unprecedented rate, but it also stimulated the entire shipbuilding industry to do the same. His fame has made him an object of envy and contempt for shipbuilders across the country, but he never built a ship before the war. All the efforts of the Kaiser, from its beginning in the construction industry all the way to the development of the urban landscape in Hawaii, has demonstrated its commitment to the unknown, and its determination in the face of setbacks. His combination of enterprise, perseverance and compassion made him the embodiment of the American spirit. "Hide
by Anthony J. Mayo, Mark Benson, David Chen Source: Harvard Business School 28 pages. Publication Date: January 3, 2008. Prod. #: 408072-PDF-ENG