In this module, we explored the role of the corporate headquarters and its relationship with individual businesses, and also how the corporate headquarters creates value for its individual businesses. For this week’s discussion, review Restructuring General Electric (Case 20) from your textbook. Remember, a case study is a puzzle to be solved, so before reading and answering the specific questions, develop your proposed solution by following these five steps:

Read the case study to identify the key issues and underlying issues. These issues are the principles and concepts of the course area which apply to the situation described in the case study.

Record the facts from the case study which are relevant to the principles and concepts of the course area issues. The case may have extraneous information not relevant to the current course area. Your ability to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information is an important aspect of case analysis, as it will inform the focus of your answers.

Describe in some detail the actions that would address or correct the situation.

Consider how you would support your solution with examples from experience or current real-life examples or cases from textbooks.

Complete this initial analysis and then read the discussion questions. Typically, you will already have the answers to the questions but with a broader consideration. At this point, you can add the details and/or analytical tools required to solve the case.

Case Study Questions:

Why, during the 20th century, was GE such a successful company?

What are the reasons for the collapse in GE’s financial performance during 2016–18?

What advice would you give to CEO Larry Culp? In particular, would you continue with the restructuring plan initiated by the previous CEO, John Flannery, implement a more radical unbundling of GE, retain GE’s existing business portfolio or divest any of their SBUs?