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  • January 2013
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Andrew Ryan at VC Brakes

By: Frank V. Cespedes and Sunru Yong
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:11
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Abstract

An aftermarket brake component manufacturer, VC Brakes, is bought out by a global automotive parts corporation after the 2008 financial crisis. Unlike its previous parent company, the new owner attempts to change VC Brakes' autocratic management style and finger-pointing culture with a Total Quality Management (TQM) program. Andrew Ryan is a senior manager at VC Brakes. With the guidance of a strong mentor and a reputation as a successful change agent, he is selected as a TQM site instructor. His initial excitement turns to concern when organizational challenges cause the quality initiative to falter. A subsequent restructuring puts Ryan on the wrong side of politics and he must decide whether to leave VC Brakes or stay with the losing initiative.

Keywords

Organizational Culture; Quality Management; Crisis Management; Human Resource Management; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Quality; Change Management; Leading Change; Restructuring; Management Practices and Processes; Problems and Challenges; Auto Industry

Citation

Cespedes, Frank V., and Sunru Yong. "Andrew Ryan at VC Brakes." Harvard Business School Brief Case 913-552, January 2013.
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About The Author

Frank V. Cespedes

Entrepreneurial Management
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Related Work

    • January 2013
    • Faculty Research

    Andrew Ryan at VC Brakes (Brief Case)

    By: Frank V. Cespedes and Sunru Yong
Related Work
  • Andrew Ryan at VC Brakes (Brief Case) By: Frank V. Cespedes and Sunru Yong
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