Explosive corporate growth - opportunity or threat?

Table of Contents

1.Introduction

1.1 Background

1.2 Research question

1.3 Purpose

2. Literature review

2.1 What is corporate growth?

2.1.1 Active growth

2.1.2 Reactive growth

2.2 Growth strategies

2.2.1 Growth pathways

2.2.1.1 Organic growth

2.2.1.2 Leveraging

2.2.1.3 Merger & acquisition

2.2.1.4 Joint venture

2.2.2 Choosing a strategy

2.3 Measures of growth

2.4 Normal versus explosive growth

2.5 Growth and change

2.6 Change management

2.6.1 Reasons for change

2.6.2 Reactions to change

2.6.3 How to manage change successfully

3. Main areas where problems occur in a fast growing company

3.1 Cash flow

3.2 Management issues

3.3 Human resources

3.4 Working capital management

3.5 Computer resources

4. Key issues for explosive corporate growth

5. Methodology

5.1 Purpose of the research

5.2 Research objectives

5.3 Research design

5.3.1 Secondary research

5.3.2 Primary research

5.3.2.1 Observation

5.3.2.2 Interviews

5.4 Data quality issues

5.4.1 Reliability

5.4.2 Forms of bias

5.4.3 Validity and generalisability

5.5 Overcoming data quality issues

5.6 Research ethics

6. Findings

6.1 Blackwell Publishing Limited, Oxford, UK

6.2 GTI Specialist Publishers, Wallingford, UK

6.3 IT-Solutions, Oxford, UK

6.4 ATU – Auto-Teile-Unger, Weiden i.d.OPf., Germany

7. Discussion

7.1 Strategies

7.2 Changes

7.3 Problems related to growth

7.4 Key issues for explosive growth

8. Conclusion

9. Recommendations

10. Appendix

11. Bibliography

Objectives and Research Themes

This dissertation examines the phenomenon of "explosive" corporate growth, analyzing whether such rapid expansion serves as a strategic opportunity or an existential threat. The study investigates the mechanisms of growth, the associated organizational challenges, and the vital role of change management in maintaining operational performance during high-paced expansion.

• Theoretical analysis of corporate growth definitions and strategies.
• Exploration of change management and its impact on employee performance.
• Identification of critical problem areas in rapidly growing companies (cash flow, HR, IT).
• Primary empirical research through interviews and observation in four diverse companies.
• Development of actionable recommendations for managing explosive growth effectively.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1.Introduction: Outlines the research scope, specifically addressing the dual nature of explosive growth as both an opportunity and a potential threat.

2. Literature review: Provides a theoretical foundation covering corporate growth categories, growth strategies, and the critical intersection of growth and change management.

3. Main areas where problems occur in a fast growing company: Details common operational pitfalls such as cash flow, management, human resources, and IT infrastructure.

4. Key issues for explosive corporate growth: Identifies strategic success factors including core business focus, environmental scanning, and organizational restructuring.

5. Methodology: Describes the research design, emphasizing the use of primary data from interviews and professional observation.

6. Findings: Presents empirical case studies from four companies to illustrate real-world applications of growth theories.

7. Discussion: Links the primary research findings back to existing academic theories regarding strategy and change.

8. Conclusion: Summarizes how the study achieved its research objectives and evaluates the research constraints.

9. Recommendations: Offers practical guidance for managers on navigating explosive growth while maintaining organizational health.

Keywords

Explosive Corporate Growth, Change Management, Strategic Planning, Business Strategy, Cash Flow Management, Human Resources, Organizational Structure, Corporate Culture, Rapid Expansion, Market Leadership, Operational Performance, Risk Mitigation, Environmental Scanning, Business Development, Scalability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this dissertation?

The research investigates the paradox of explosive corporate growth, exploring how companies can harness rapid expansion as an opportunity while mitigating the significant threats that accompany it.

What are the primary themes discussed?

The work centers on growth strategies, the necessity of change management, identification of structural problems in fast-growing firms, and key success factors for sustained growth.

What is the main research objective?

The aim is to identify the pitfalls associated with fast-paced growth and provide actionable recommendations to help managers transition from reactive to proactive growth models.

Which research methodology was utilized?

The author employed a triangulation approach, combining an extensive literature review (secondary research) with qualitative semi-structured interviews and first-hand observation of four specific organizations (primary research).

What does the main body of the work cover?

It covers theoretical frameworks of growth, detailed discussions on change management models, and specific operational challenges in areas such as finance, human resources, and IT.

How would you characterize this work using keywords?

The study is characterized by concepts like explosive growth, strategic planning, organizational change, risk management, and human resource development.

How does the author specifically view the merger at Blackwell Publishing?

The author discusses the merger as a strategic move to handle growth, noting that while it caused initial internal cultural tensions and rumors, the company successfully managed these through structural adjustments.

What specific finding regarding ATU differentiates it from the other case studies?

The author notes that ATU is the only company among the four studied that utilizes a model of independently operating units connected to a hierarchical corporate structure to manage its aggressive expansion pace.