Business adaptive strategies in crisis

: the case of General Motors

Abstract

The financial crisis of 2007 wreaked havoc in global economies and brought down many different businesses, raising some fundamental questions inside companies regarding its ability to react effectively during these times. General Motors, the largest auto manufacturer in the world at the time, succumbed and declared bankruptcy, prompting the US government, alongside some other entities, to move forward with financial aid and imposing a reform in the company. The thesis at hand, presented in the form of a case study, follows the restructuration efforts of the firm and its strategic realignment in an ever­changing environment, which had greatly been transformed by changes in demand, consumer behavior and an increasingly intensive competition. It analyzes the automotive industry and addresses some factors that influenced the bankruptcy of the company.This case study encompasses different topics inside the area of strategy, such as resources and capabilities, competitive advantage, and positioning, serving as an insight into the real General Motors scenario in the navigation of the company through these troubled times. Some theoretical concepts and frameworks are provided for analysis, with the teaching notes serving as an orientation guide.

Date of Award	17 Oct 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Nuno Cardeal (Supervisor)