Four-part video series from Knowledge at Wharton

In today’s turbulent economy, global organizations need to align the right mix of strategy, tactics and execution to effectively manage the downturn and position themselves strongly for the recovery. One key to success is being prepared to seize opportunities. Whole industries can be reshaped during recession-recovery cycles. The winners that emerge know how to generate cash, find the strategic, game-changing opportunities and take market share from competitors. They also understand the emotional toll a downturn can take on their people, and seek to build confidence in their company’s leadership and future.

In this special four-part video report, experts from Wharton and The Boston Consulting Group offer specific steps companies can take to thrive in the downturn and move strongly into the recovery.

 

 

Part 4: Outlook for Global Markets

Experts from Wharton and The Boston Consulting Group look at the key challenges and opportunities facing multinationals as the global economy pushes through the downturn and starts moving toward recovery. Companies must adapt innovative strategies, keeping costs low while seeking new sources of growth — often in countries such as China and India, where demand is still relatively strong. Because prolonged recessions can reshape industry dynamics, the biggest risk that companies face may be their own complacency — hunkering down and waiting for the storm to pass while others make competitive inroads.

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Part 3: Managing in Turbulent Times

A downturn can be profoundly unsettling, especially when it involves cost-cutting, ownership changes, layoffs or bankruptcy. Business can suffer when people are emotionally distracted by feelings of uncertainty, grief, guilt and anger. In this special video report, experts from Wharton and The Boston Consulting Group outline five actions that managers can take to minimize declines in productivity and stimulate confidence in the future and in company leadership. Managers who learn how to listen, inspire trust and maintain morale can help their companies thrive in the downturn and beyond.

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Part 2: Finding Strategic Opportunities

For ambitious companies, downturns create opportunities to gain a competitive advantage and reshape industries. Instead of simply surviving, they seek to build on their core strengths and gain market share, looking for ways to leverage their capabilities in new fields, industries or market segments. Armed with streamlined operations, financial strength and a winning mindset, these companies act quickly and seize opportunities created by weakened competitors. In this special video report, experts from Wharton and The Boston Consulting Group outline five moves organizations should consider.

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Part 1: Generating Cash

In a downturn, cash is critical to survival. In this special video report, experts from Wharton and The Boston Consulting Group outline seven cost-cutting and cash-generating actions that companies can take to boost cash flow and win as an economy cycles through contraction and expansion. Many businesses find they can cut overall costs by 15% to 20% fairly quickly — without undermining core business strengths — by taking actions such as rethinking current activities, optimizing fixed assets, and tightly managing receivables, payables and inventories.

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