The Kirk family came to this country early in the 20th century and made a bicycle that soon developed a reputation for its quality. Through much of the century, Kirk was the "Cadillac" of American bicycles. In the 1980s, it ran circles around numerous competitors; one in four bikes was a Kirk. Throughout this time, three generations of the Kirk family managed the company.
1. What was the main reason the old Kirk company failed? Explain your answer.
2. What should the new managers do to help improve Kirk's effectiveness?
3. What might the company do to help improve its efficiency?
4. Form a group with two other students to discuss and make recommendations for how the Kirk company might regain its former success.