Interactive CD-ROM program provides a comprehensive course in strategy for managers and executives.

BELMONT, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 1997-- Xebec Interactive Learning Inc. and Price Waterhouse LLP today introduced a two-part multimedia CD-ROM education program: Business Strategy.

This program is the second of four under development in the Business In Sight Series of executive education programs. It introduces managers and executives to key strategic concepts and tools through highly realistic case studies. The interactive and navigational features of the multimedia CD-ROM program make possible true self-directed learning.

"Multimedia training and education programs have been getting more sophisticated and user friendly for more than a decade. Now, our Business Strategy program unlocks multimedia's true potential for executive education," said Chris Horseman, President of Xebec. "It provides the content and quality of a course from a first-rate MBA program in a package that is challenging and memorable. And it is easy to use."

Business Strategy includes two detailed and engaging case studies. The first involves a fictitious corporation-major plastics manufacturer-which must identify and choose among alternative strategic courses for Windmaster, its sailboard manufacturing subsidiary. Quick action is essential because a chemical spill by the parent imperils a crucial contract for Windmaster and because Windmaster's general manager resigns without warning. Riveting video segments and detailed information about Windmaster and its industry are interwoven with lessons setting forth advanced techniques for strategic decision making. And thought-provoking interactive exercises enable the student to apply the theory to Windmaster and to other hypothetical companies.

The program covers in detail the principal theories and tools of strategy development. Industry, company and portfolio analysis are all explained, with particular focus upon Porter's Five Forces, Porter's three sources of competitive advantage, PEST (Political, Economic, Socio-cultural and Technological) Analysis, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis and Value Chain Analysis.

Business Strategy's second case study involves an actual corporation, First Pacific in Hong Kong. This conglomerate, with roots in telecommunications, is refocusing toward real estate development and management. The student assumes the role of outside strategic consultant and begins by interviewing First Pacific's managers. By selecting which questions to ask and hearing the actual responses, one learns how to focus a strategic inquiry and how to integrate and analyze information. Lessons learned in the Windmaster case are applied and reinforced in the First Pacific case study.

"The program's interactivity and flexibility combine to create an ideal learning tool for almost any student," said Horseman. "Even an executive with no computer skills can learn quickly to navigate through the course and to complete the interactive exercises. Unlike the experience with classroom education, the student can choose when, where and how long to study, fitting the course into a busy schedule. With several easy-to-use navigational options, the student can move about the course at will, bypassing or skimming familiar topics, reviewing difficult material or proceeding just in time to a lesson needed for an actual business application."

"A manager who successfully completes Business Strategy will be ready to face a wide variety of situations which may arise in the real world," said Paula Young, director of multimedia education for Price Waterhouse World Firm. "This program is as thorough and instructionally sound as any classroom course. In fact, it can even be used as a major component of an instructor-led course."

The Business Strategy program includes two CD-ROMs, a Student Workbook, a Survival Guide, case study materials and a Quick Install Card. The Single User version includes a binder for printed materials. The Learning Center version includes camera-ready originals of all printed materials plus administration software. Both versions track student progress and offer pre and post testing and bookmarking. Both AVI and MPEG video options are provided.

A preview copy of Business Strategy may be obtained by calling Xebec at 800-XEBECXE, by fax at 800-XEBEC20, by e-mail at [e-mail], or by writing them at 116 Beech St., Belmont, MA 02178. A Learning Center license for the program costs $3,450. A special version may be purchased for $345 for the sole use of one individual. Quantity discounts are available. Please call for details.

CONTACT: Hawthorne Associates

Christine Sullivan

617-489-4084

[e-mail]