Adaptive strategies in crisis

: the case of ESN Lisboa

Abstract

The following thesis, presented in the form of a case study, focuses on the example of ESN Lisboa, a non-profit student organization that supports Erasmus students in their integration into the academic and social life in Lisbon. Due to the Covid-19, the association witnessed a fall of its target audience and faced the impossibility of operating as before. The case study tells the story of how the organization adapted and the strategic decisions made throughout the pandemic. This case study works as a teaching instrument for students to apply theoretical methodologies in a real organizational scenario. First, some theoretical concepts are presented, which will afterwards lead the understanding of the case study. The information in the case study was gathered through interviews with several volunteers in the organization, internal documents, and online sources. The case study, together with the resolution notes, explores the adaptations and the strategic motivations of ESN Lisboa while encouraging students to understand the context and obstacles faced. It analyses the organization, questioning its purpose and stakeholders’ orientation, and the external forces, while challenging the decisions made.

Date of Award	30 Jun 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Nuno Cardeal (Supervisor)