3M Privacy
...the Optical Systems division. These decisions will focus on whether or not to continue with the deployment of a new and improved privacy screen. 3M has been in the business of producing and improving on innovative goods and is not afraid to take a loss, but after two failed attempts at launching this product, any decision to move ahead with the launch must be done with care. The Optical Systems group currently has three projects in the pipeline, and unless we are able to make the proper decisions regarding the launch of this product, the reputations of both individuals and the group may be compromised, and will put future product developments under much scrutiny.
Future Product Developments
One very important piece of this puzzle is the division’s current investment in two future products, one which is very promising. If 3M decides to proceed with the launching of the new privacy screen, there is no doubt that the increased expenditures will take away from the potential for other products the group is working on, and their ability to receive funding. One of these products, our electronic display brightness enhancement project, may need to ask for $5 million with the next year, and if the product continues to be promising, may require up to $200 million in additional investment. With this type of research and development in the works, we must make sure that if we decide to proceed with the privacy screen, that we are sure it will be a success. If this does not happed, the reputation of our group will take a large hit, and funding will be hard to come by. In essence, the life of future projects within the Optical Systems division is riding on the success of the privacy screen. At this stage of the development process, I feel that it would not be in the company’s best interest to abandon this product due to speculation over future products. The range...
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