Business Case Study: Management Crisis and Growth Opportunity

An SME retail business with 138 employees generates over 5 million euros in annual revenue. Despite solid economic performance, the company is going through a period of major internal turbulence that threatens its stability.

A specialized consulting firm has just submitted its internal audit report, commissioned by management following multiple reports of dysfunctions. The findings reveal deep structural problems that require rapid and coordinated intervention from the leadership team.

The audit reveals management that is too technical, disconnected from the human expectations of the teams. This approach generates widespread demotivation and an explosion of internal conflicts, creating a toxic climate that impacts organizational performance.

Simultaneously, a strategic prospect contacts the company with a contractual proposal representing 25% revenue growth. This exceptional opportunity arrives at the worst possible time: how can they seize this development opportunity when the internal organization is in crisis? Management must simultaneously stabilize the existing situation and prepare for a major transformation.

The company faces an urgent management transformation challenge. Management practices need to be rethought, team motivation restored, and conflicts that are paralyzing the organization resolved. This overhaul must happen quickly to avoid irreversible deterioration of the social climate.

Simultaneously, the growth opportunity requires developing new management skills adapted to an expansion context. The company must build an evolutionary management model capable of handling the complexity of a growing organization while preserving social cohesion. It's a balancing act between stabilization and development.

This business simulation is designed for master's students in management, business administration, or commerce. It's particularly suitable for future managers who will need to handle crisis situations while seizing development opportunities.

The case study allows teamwork on concrete organizational transformation issues. Students develop their analytical capabilities, decision-making skills in complex contexts, and ability to reconcile human challenges with growth objectives.