Case study, human performance technology, instructional design, business process improvement

        Hostess Brands, Inc. served as the largest manufacturer and distributor of baked goods products in the United States for decades.  Throughout numerous mergers and acquisitions, the company’s growth resulted in a series of problems leading to bankruptcy.  The three key problems included high legacy costs, shrinking profits, and significant, long-term debt.  This research is a case study utilizing Gilbert’s Behavioral Engineering Model to evaluate the issues that led to the bankruptcy of Hostess Brands, Inc.