Rethinking crisis management for unexpected events at SMEs Investigation of Swedish SMEs crisis management in comparison with the RESPIRE model
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Typ
Examensarbete på kandidatnivå
Bachelor Thesis
Bachelor Thesis
Program
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Hallesius, Sara
Hörnfeldt, Ebba
Jungbjer, Kajsa
Nyvall, Josefin
Stevrell, Jennifer
Tinghall, Julia
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted society worldwide, spanning national and global companies. As it reached
the manufacturing sector, uncertainties abounded. Demand, delivery, supply chains, and transportation underwent
significant shifts. This highlights the critical importance of crisis management. Currently, many
companies lack specific tools and comprehensive understanding of crisis management and its consequences.
To extract generalized insights into their operational approaches and additionally defining and delineating the
consequences of crisis management, can facilitate broader application and dissemination of knowledge across
companies through an examination and characterization of companies’ crisis management strategies. The aim
of this study is therefore to examine Small and Medium- sized Enterprises (SMEs) proactiveness during crisis
management, and explore whether there is a potentially more effective way to prepare for a crisis and improve
their crisis management. It will also present ways to elevate their resilience and flexibility for future unexpected
events that significantly affects their operations.
The thesis consist of a literature study and an interview study, as well as an analysis on the complied information.
The applied research approach was predominantly deductive in nature. The systematic literature
study provided a theoretical understanding and a deeper knowledge about different business management
perspectives, concepts, and approaches. Hence, the literature explains the importance of, how to evaluate,
and assessment within crisis management, business continuity management and resilience management. The
perspectives is fulfilled with insight in implemented measures due to COVID-19 and other crises. A further
addition to the literature is the considerations of environmental sustainability in crisis management. The literature
was complemented with twelve interviews of CEOs in Swedish SMEs in the manufacturing sectors
steel, plastic, wood, and electronics. The interview data was transcribed and sorted within a research model for
analysis; RESPIRE and the three phases preparation, response, and recovery. The interviews together with the
literature provides answers of the research questions to fulfill the aim.
The outcome of this study is that the crisis management differ among Swedish SMEs within the same sector.
Companies are proactive with known crises but less so with the unexpected. Some use methods to forecast
future events, but more effective approaches are needed. Improving business continuity involves reviewing
internal and external connections, integrated into daily operations. With better analysis of the surrounding
heightens awareness of changes and risks. Leveraging past crisis management models aids in addressing new
challenges and external support like the RESPIRE model complements internal strategies. With continuous
focus on business continuity, it enhances the flexibility with clear plans for various scenarios. Thus, faster,
more precise decisions can be made. Emphasizing a solution-oriented mindset fosters responsiveness and may
result in competitive advantages. This can be achieved with the help of a scenario-based training and gained
knowledge from other companies refine preparedness.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) , manufacturing , crisis management , COVID-19