Canto Systems Limited

Abstract

Canto Systems Limited (CSL), a Canto Group company was a leading international Information Technology organization headquartered in Mumbai. It had four operating divisions and five non-operating or support divisions. Software Development Division (SDD), the largest operating division of CSL, had a Business Unit (BU) structure since its inception. The new Managing Director of CSL, who came from another Canto Group company, realized a need to introduce certain changes in CSL. In 1996-97, certain changes in the SDD were made. The SDD was merged with Information Services and India Marketing to form the Customer Solution Division (CSD). The BU structure of CSD (earlier known as SDD) was changed to the matrix structure. The case describes how the change was planned, implemented, and experienced in CSL. It also highlights the role of top management in the changes process.