Crisis Management

(WSP 159)

Companies in crisis, whether provoked by recession or market competition or other factors, have no choice—they must develop techniques to execute effectively in order to survive and thrive. Effective crisis management is almost always the result of having the right processes in place, being able to anticipate problems with the help of analytical tools, and communicating effectively by managing in all directions. Crisis management is about minimizing the instability that typically results during a crisis. Unfortunately, in today’s economy, many companies find themselves unprepared.

Examples discussed in class will include: Turning a recession into an advantage; playing competitive catchup in a dynamic growth market; thriving despite a corporate class-action suit; winning when the government attempts to shut you down. In all of these cases the common theme is creating more successful ways to focus on the customer. Customer support, in times of crisis, is essential. In addition, effective strategies with regard to people, team play, and communication make the difference. At the end of this workshop, each student will have developed increased confidence and the requisite tools to handle the difficult economy ahead and to be better prepared for future crises.

Ronald Schilling, President, RBS Consulting Group

Ronald Schilling received a PhD in electrical engineering from Polytechnic Institute of New York and an MS from Princeton. His work experience includes R&D, marketing, business development, strategic planning, and general management and CEO positions. He has been a member of teams bringing CMOS, microprocessors, CT, MRI, healthcare IT, and other high tech products to market successfully with the aid of strategic thinking tools. Tools that he developed have been used for training Stanford Alumni Consulting Team participants. His current focus is venture activity associated with unique technologies and excellent teams in the life sciences area.