The Entrepreneurial Mind

(Task Performance)
1.) Would you consider Encyclopedia Britannica’s decision to discontinue the printing of
hardbound volumes a strategic move? Why or why not?

Yes. As with the continuous changes of our modern world, we now in the age of computers and
technologies. It became more convenient to use internet instead of going to the library and find
what we need. I think is a good choice as the internet are broader than the hard-copy
encyclopedias for lots of information needed at this time.

2.) What were the disruptors that made the company arrive at this decision? Research if necessary.

The publishing of Encyclopedia Britannica was disrupted by the arrival of the internet. It was
easy to see Encyclopedia Britannica’s decision in 2012 to abandon its printing operation as
another major casualty of the digital era. The Encyclopedia had been in continuous print since
1768, a 244-year run. At the time, President Jorge Cauz said that the company had foreseen the
end of the print set for some time, saying it was simply "the latest step in our evolution from the
print publisher we were, to the creator of digital learning products we are today." Four years on
from "dumping the last print set", Michael Ross, the Senior Vice President and General Manager
of Education at Encyclopedia Britannica, remains bullish about the company’s prospects in the
digital era.

3.) Do you think that people will still use Encyclopedia Britannica even if it is not in hardbound
anymore?

I think yes.

a. Provide points that will prove that people will prefer Encyclopedia Britannica over Wikipedia
and other websites.
I think people still uses the  Encyclopedia Britannica because the information are carefully
edited about the articles on all major topics. It fits the ideal purpose of a reference work as a
place to get started, or to refer to as you read and write. The articles in  Britannica are
written by authors both identifiable and credible that’s why it is safer to use it. The articles
have references to books and other sources about the topic covered. Unlike in Wikipedia
that can be edited, so people would choose what is reliable and accurate.

b. Provide points that will prove that people will prefer Encyclopedia Britannica over Wikipedia
and other websites.

I think most of students and teachers would still use Wikipedia over the Encyclopedia
Britannica because it is valuable as it is easy to use to gather information about almost any
topic with quick access in your mobile phone or any devices without any cost unlike in
Encyclopedia Britannica.