(See related pages)
|
|
|
| G.A.P ADVENTURES G.A.P Adventures sells a hot holiday product-adventure travel and eco-tourism in Central and South America. The company has been very successful, growing from two employees to 70, with $12 million in sales, as well as winning awards for its ethical practices. Their corporate culture has been family-oriented, with all employees having input into decision making. At this point, owner Bruce Poon Tip sees himself as better at building businesses than at maintaining them and wants to move on to new challenges in expanding and diversifying G.A.P's operations. So Bruce has hired Dave Bowen, a marketing expert from the company's largest US competitor, to shake up the G.A.P Adventures organization, which he sees as a bit too complacent, and in need of a shift to a more customer-focused approach. Dave works at enhancing efficiency and taking a more disciplined approach to the business, without dampening the enthusiasm of employees. One of Dave's first tasks is spearheading a major overhaul of the company's brochure. He also urges Bruce to take a tough stance when their UK partner (who handles other parts of the world) is bought by a large company and wants to change the existing relationship. Dave's new approach to management results in a new reservation system and a new phone system, both of which have serious bugs to be worked out. He also establishes a number of new company policies, which are taking some time to get through to employees out in the field. Employees are working longer hours, and dealing with increased stress. Overall, as Bruce leaves for the Amazon to get married, he sees the culture as more serious, more controlled, more corporate and less relaxed than it was before. To view the selected video, a password is required. Refer to page 125 in your textbook and use the first word appearing in the main text column as both 'username' and 'password' (case-sensitive) when prompted. Click to View "Gap Adventures" The free RealPlayer plug-in is required in order to view the videos. If needed, the plug-in can be downloaded from Real's website. QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Source: Based on "G.A.P Adventures," CBC Venture 763, November 7, 2000. |