Case Analysis of 3M Optical Systems
more with less needed to be remembered. The strategy was on creating defensible product-market positions. Wong should let OS concentrate on its auto components sales. This would improve his standing in the company and would help in his personal evaluations, which had been low for 3 years.
The project had two previous market failures. Though his team assured him that it would now succeed, and even though he had confidence in them, Wong was correct to worry that the credibility of his unit and his reputation had been damaged through the years. The fact that he would soon need funding for two other projects in development was another reason to stay away from seeking more money at higher levels. Wong should save the use of these informal channels for more important projects. The project was allowed to continue for too long. There was not enough proof of performance to justify further formal requests for money.