Transcript Rand McNally Maps Out a Trip to a Digital Future

Rand McNally Maps Out a
Trip to a Digital Future
by
Gaylen Marzolf
Outline
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Facts about Rand McNally
Rand McNally Problems
Rand McNally Solutions
Conclusion
Questions
Facts about Rand McNally
 Founded in 1856
William Rand & Andrew McNally
 Sold 150 million copies of atlas
Currently employ 1200
Products sold in 46,000 outlets
Produce globes and travel software
Rand McNally Problems
1990 – beginning of digital economy
Impact of Internet
1997 – New ownership
Opposition to maps online
Senior management liked status quo
Unwilling to take risks – may lose money
Very conservative corporate culture
1999 – New CEO – changes began
Rand McNally Solutions
Hired new CEO
Developed advanced web site
Put maps online
Reorganized into three division
Personal
Business
Rand McNally.com
Became travel planner – not just maps
Used name recognition and reputation
Developed services worth paying for
Take advantage of MapQuest weaknesses
GPS
Conclusion
Rand McNally had to change it’s
organizational, managerial and
technological methods in order to be
competitive in the digital age. They have
taken some positive steps that will get them
moving in the right direction to once again
be a dominant factor in the travel industry.