ICAWAT, REJOYCE 04 Task Performance 1
Encyclopædia Britannica’s President on Killing Off a 244-Year-Old Product
By Jorge Cauz
1. Would you consider Encyclopedia Britannica’s decision to discontinue the printing of
hardbound volumes a strategic move? Why or why not?
It was a difficult decision. Since they have learned that the rise of technology is
inevitable and unstoppable in today's world, the majority of people are drawn to it. The
door-to-door method that they used to use before the rise of technology in society will
no longer work against the free and easy browsing and searching on Wikipedia.
2. What were the disruptors that made the company arrive at this decision? Research if
necessary.
There may not be many, but there are enough to finally pull down the Encyclopedia
Britannica: PCs with CDs, Digital Era/Technology, Wikipedia, according to the selection.
Its legacy stretches overages and continents, from the founding of America to the end of
the Enlightenment. It's a record of humanity's victories in war and peace, art and
science, exploration and discovery. It has come to signify the totality of human
knowledge. It's currently out of print. After 244 years, dozens of editions, and more than
7 million copies sold, the Encyclopedia Britannica has announced that no future editions
will be published. It turns out that the 32 volumes of the 2010 iteration were the final
ones. Future versions will only be available online. For some readers, the news will fill
them with dread at the state of affairs in this foolish era. Others will be confused as to
why the dinosaur took so long to die in the age of Wikipedia. Neither perspective does a
good job of capturing the firm or the crossroads.
3. Do you think that people will still use Encyclopedia Britannica even if it is not in
hardbound anymore?
Yes, I think so.
a) Provide points that will prove that people prefer Encyclopedia Britannica over
Wikipedia and other websites.
