HomeResearch & Knowledgeback to HomeStrategyback to Research & KnowledgeDubai Aluminium (A)back to Strategy

Case Study

Dubai Aluminium (A)

18 pages

December 2001

Reference: IMD-3-1007

Today, Dubai Aluminium (Dubal) is a world-class producer of high quality aluminium products, with the largest single-site smelter outside Asia. But as recently as 1994, Dubal was struggling, a mid-size plant with modest financial results, apparently going nowhere. This three part case series tells the story of its dramatic transformation. It involves strategic reorientation, major capacity expansion, close cooperation with its customers, revitalizing its organization, and inspiring its people. The story of Dubal is, in addition, one of cultural diversity, with citizens from Arabia, Asia, Europe, and the Americas working together to achieve world class results. Managers from all industries and all parts of the world can take important lessons from Dubal’s transformation to excellence.

Keywords

Capacity Expansion, Management Culture, Corporate Culture, Multicultural Workforce, Aluminium, Diversity

Settings

1994-2001

Type

Field Research

Available Languages

English

IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

This case study is part of a series

Dubai Aluminium (A)
Dubai Aluminium (B)
Dubai Aluminium (C)

This case study is part of a series

Dubai Aluminium (A)
Dubai Aluminium (B)
Dubai Aluminium (C)

Keep reading

Article

Strategic planning in volatility: The dance between agility and core strengths

Understanding your organizational capacity for agility and responding to events accordingly is the key to success in the new business environment, ...

Strategy Agility

By Michael Yaziji

in I by IMD

26 June 2024

Article

How to navigate our future world order

In a post-pandemic era shaped by wars, climate change, and new technologies, Maha Hosain Aziz outlines the main risks and shock events that could d...

Geopolitics Strategy

By Maha Hosain Aziz

in I by IMD

24 June 2024

Article

Sisters aren’t doing it for themselves

For too long the creative industry has been full of Mad Men. And while that is changing, it’s still men taking home most of the pie. CEO and Co-fou...

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Sachini Imbuldeniya

in I by IMD

24 June 2024

Article

DE&I: Small steps for big changes [Video]

Corporate DE&I is not simply a question of fairness. Implemented successfully, it pays off for both the company and society in general. Paola Cecch...

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Alexander Fleischmann

in I by IMD

21 June 2024

Article

Making the world work for older people will be an intergenerational win-win

The world is on the verge of a longevity revolution, but we need to shift from viewing longer lifespans as an opportunity, not a burden. Managed po...

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Andrew J. Scott

in I by IMD

20 June 2024

Case Study

Governance at Uber (B): The board reviews the holder report

Case (B) explains the contents of the Holder report, which investigated the diversity, equity and inclusion culture at Uber and ends with Travis Ka...

Board Corporate Governance Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Case Study

Governance at Uber (C): The all-hands meeting

Case (C) discusses the meeting that showcased the proposed actions following the Holder report recommendations and highlights the concerning respon...

Board Corporate Governance Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Case Study

Governance at WeWork: Adam Neumann’s erratic behavior

This is a fascinating case about Adam Neumann’s problematic behavior, which led to the downfall of WeWork, once one of America’s most valued startu...

Board Organizational Behavior Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Case Study

How Boeing lost altitude

The case study examines recent aviation safety concerns at Boeing, focusing on manufacturing issues, leadership decisions and regulatory oversight....

Board Corporate Governance Leadership Strategy

By Goutam Challagalla, Patrick Reinmoeller and Samaja Penumaka

Case Study

Governance at Uber (A): Travis Kalanick derails

Case (A) recounts Travis Kalanick’s journey through the growth of Uber, highlighting instances of his problematic behavior and the board’s lack of ...

Board Corporate Governance Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Governance at Uber (B): The board reviews the holder report

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai
Case reference: IMD-7-2586 ©2024

Summary

Case (B) explains the contents of the Holder report, which investigated the diversity, equity and inclusion culture at Uber and ends with Travis Kalanick’s separation from the company.

Reference IMD-7-2586

Organization Uber Technologies

Industry Manufacturing, Technology

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Board

Corporate Governance

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Organizational Culture

Browse all topics

Related topics

Board

Corporate Governance

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Organizational Culture

Browse all topics

Related topics

Board

Organizational Behavior

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Organizational Culture

Browse all topics

How Boeing lost altitude

By Goutam Challagalla Patrick Reinmoeller and Samaja Penumaka
Case reference: IMD-7-2588 ©2024

Summary

The case study examines recent aviation safety concerns at Boeing, focusing on manufacturing issues, leadership decisions and regulatory oversight. It traces Boeing’s trajectory since the McDonnell Douglas merger in 1997, highlighting the changes in the engineering culture and outsourcing strategy that affected the production quality of the 787 Dreamliner and the 737 MAX aircraft. The case also explores how leadership decisions prioritized cost-cutting over quality, leading to inconsistencies and delays. Then the case discusses the 737 MAX, which was grounded after two major crashes in 2018 and 2019. Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Justice and a Senate Committee found defects in the MCAS flight control system and flaws in the safety certification. The case study explores the leadership actions of CEOs McNerney, Muilenburg and Calhoun, who decisively shaped the nature of the company.

Reference IMD-7-2588

Organization Boeing

Industry Travel and Leisure, Airlines and Aviation

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Board

Corporate Governance

Leadership

Strategy

Browse all topics

Governance at Uber (A): Travis Kalanick derails

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai
Case reference: IMD-7-2585 ©2024

Summary

Case (A) recounts Travis Kalanick’s journey through the growth of Uber, highlighting instances of his problematic behavior and the board’s lack of oversight.

Reference IMD-7-2585

Organization Uber Technologies

Industry Manufacturing, Technology

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Board

Corporate Governance

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Organizational Culture

Browse all topics