Pandemic Success vs. Bankruptcy: Philippine Airlines and DocuSign
MODULE 2 - Case
PANDEMIC LESSONS
Assignment Overview
Operations Disruption
Just-in-time systems, capacity planning, scheduling, and inventory management and control were rendered useless when the pandemic shut down everything. Historical forecasting and an efficient supply chain ceased to be functional. Businesses scramble to survive in an environment in which rules changed overnight.
Case 2 Resources
Corporate Bankruptcies Fall to Lowest Level in 15 Years (2022)
https://www(dot)thestreet(dot)com/investing/corporate-bankruptcies-lowest-15-years
Trends in Large Corporate Bankruptcy and Financial Distress (Midyear 2021 Update): Bankruptcy Filings (2021)
https://www(dot)natlawreview(dot)com/article/trends-large-corporate-bankruptcy-and-financial-distress-midyear-2021-update
Rethinking operations in the next normal (2021)
https://www(dot)mckinsey(dot)com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/rethinking-operations-in-the-next-normal
Stress Testing for the Next Supply Chain Disruption (2021)
https://www(dot)industryweek(dot)com/supply-chain/supply-chain-technology/article/21171696/stress-testing-for-the-next-supply-chain-disruption
After-Action Reviews: A Simple Yet Powerful Tool (2021) Create a free login
https://www(dot)qualitydigest(dot)com/inside/management-article/after-action-reviews-simple-yet-powerful-tool-072921.html
Case Assignment
Pandemic Success vs. Bankruptcy
Use the DATA AND SCENARIOS file for this assignment.
Business operations changed by the end of the 1st quarter of 2020. Business operations globally and locally felt the changes immediately. The first part of the case is a general background on how the pandemic adversely affected operations. The second half will focus on two assigned companies and how they dealt with operational changes.
Pandemic Operations
Using the module’s readings and other resources written since 2020, explain how the pandemic changed at least three of the following: just-in-time systems, capacity planning, scheduling, and inventory management and control and their relationship to other business functions like marketing, human resource management, accounting, and finance. This section will be 1 ½ pages in length.
Case Studies
Research how the assigned Pandemic Success Company changed its operating techniques to prosper during the pandemic. This section will be 1 page in length.
Research how the assigned Company that Filed Bankruptcy did not prosper during the pandemic.
Focus on operations aspects of the business. This section will be 1 page in length.
Overall Analysis
Reflect on the case studies and research on pandemic operations and assess why the two companies had differing results due to the pandemic. This section will be ½ page in length.
No quotations are permitted in this paper. Each paragraph (except the introduction and conclusion) must contain at least one in-text citation.
Since you are engaging in research, cite and reference the sources in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.
This is a professional paper, not a personal one based on feelings. It must be written in the third person. This means words like “I,” “we,” and “you” are not appropriate.
Pandemic Case Analysis – Philippine Airlines and DocuSign
Your Name
Subject and Section
Professor’s Name
March 26, 2023
Understanding the internal and external impact of external circumstances is essential for every organization. It allows it to deal with issues and risks effectively while leveraging its strengths to remain profitable and sustainable during trying times. In line with this, this paper will focus on two companies affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic – Philippine Airlines and DocuSign – and why the other succeeded, whereas the other has not.
Pandemic Operations
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted business operations worldwide, leading to changes in several areas, including just-in-time systems, capacity planning, scheduling, and inventory management and control. These changes affected other business functions such as marketing, human resource management, accounting, and finance. As stated earlier, some business models could adapt effectively to these changing environments. At the same time, those who do not fit the ever-changing landscape succumb to layoffs, losses, or even bankruptcies, to name a few. The following are some of the pandemic operations or sectors heavily affected by the pandemic.
Just-in-time Systems
Just-in-time (JIT) systems, which rely on precise scheduling and inventory management to minimize waste and costs, faced significant challenges during the pandemic. The disruption to global supply chains caused by lockdowns and travel restrictions led to raw materials and component shortages, affecting production schedules and delivery times (Banton, 2023). As a result, some companies that relied on JIT systems could not meet customer demand, leading to lost sales and revenue.
Capacity Planning and Scheduling
The pandemic also disrupted capacity planning and scheduling. Businesses that relied on regular customer traffic, such as airlines, hotels, and restaurants, saw a significant decline in demand due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. On the other hand, companies that provided digital solutions, such as DocuSign, experienced accelerated growth due to increased demand for remote work and virtual transactions.
Inventory Management
In contrast to the above, Inventory management and control were also affected by the pandemic, with some companies facing shortages of critical supplies and others experiencing overstocking due to sudden changes in demand. This led to increased costs and reduced profitability for some businesses.
These operational changes had a significant impact on other business functions. For example, marketing efforts had to be adjusted to reflect customer demand and behavior changes. Businesses that provide digital solutions, such as DocuSign, could leverage their products to help customers adapt to the new environment by providing remote and contactless options.
Human Resource Management
Another aspect to consider is human resources. Human resource management also had to adapt to the pandemic, with remote work and flexible work arrangements becoming the norm for many businesses. However, some companies, such as Philippine Airlines, had to reduce their workforce and implement pay cuts to manage costs and survive the pandemic.
Financial Impact
The financial impact of the pandemic varied widely among businesses, depending on their business model, industry, and ability to adapt. Companies that relied on traditional customer traffic, such as Philippine Airlines, saw a significant decline in revenue and profits due to reduced demand for air travel. In contrast, businesses that provided digital solutions, such as DocuSign, experienced an increased demand for their products and services, leading to increased revenue and profitability.
Overall, the pandemic profoundly impacted business operations, leading to changes in several areas, including just-in-time systems, capacity planning, scheduling, and inventory management and control. These changes affected other business functions such as marketing, human resource management, accounting, and finance. Companies adapting to the pandemic, such as DocuSign, could leverage their digital solutions to thrive in the new environment. In contrast, others, such as Philippine Airlines, struggled to recover from the impact of the pandemic and filed for bankruptcy. The following section presents a more detailed discussion of these impacts.
Case Studies
DocuSign: Pandemic Success Company
DocuSign is a leading provider of e-signature solutions that enable businesses and individuals to sign documents digitally....