Keyword

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

Abstract

        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.


Full Text : PDF
References
  1. Appelbaum, E. (2015). High-performance work practices and sustainable economic growth. EPRN.
  2. Bamber, G. J., Gittell, J. H., Kochan, T. A., & Von Nordenflycht, A. (2013). Up in the air: How airlines can improve performance by engaging their employees. Cornell University Press.
  3. Belman, D. (1992). Unions, the quality of labor relations, and firm performance. Unions and economic competitiveness, 41-107.
  4. Brown, A. T. (2014). Points of contention: Oddities, delicacies, & monstrosities.
  5. Berger, C. J., Olson, C. A., & Boudreau, J. W. (1983). Effects of unions on job satisfaction: The role of work-related values and perceived rewards. Organizational Behavior 
  6.     and Human Performance, 32(3), 289-324.
  7. Reese, R. (2012, November 21). Retrieved April 27, 2016, from 
  8.     https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2012/11/21/did-hostess-go-bankrupt-in-2012-because-people-no-longer-find-twinkies-appealing/#483d2131675d
  9. Feintzeig, R., Spector, M., & Jargon, J. (2012, November 16). Twinkie maker Hostess to close. Retrieved April 28, 2016, from
  10. http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324556304578122632560842670
  11. Ganier, K. K., Conrad III, F. L., & Patrick, W. G. (2013). Hostess Brands, Inc. Bankruptcy.
  12. Gilbert, T. F. (1978). Human competence—engineering worthy performance. NSPI journal, 17(9), 19 27.
  13. Gittell, J. H., Von Nordenflycht, A., & Kochan, T. A. (2004). Mutual gains or zero sums? Labor relations and firm performance in the airline industry. Industrial & Labor 
  14.     Relations Review, 57(2), 163-180.
  15. Herndon, H. K. Hostess Brands, Inc. and labor relations missteps.
  16. Hostess Brands Company Profile & SWOT Report. (2012, June 8). Retrieved April 27, 2016, from 
  17. http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/hostess-brands-company-profile-swot-report-147487.htm 
  18. Hostess Disclosure Statement. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2016, from 
  19.     https://www.scribd.com/doc/113318975/Hostess-Disclosure-Statement
  20. Hostess First Day Declaration. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2016, from 
  21.     https://www.scribd.com/doc/113314243/Hostess-First-Day-Declaration
  22. Hostess Snack Cakes. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2016, from 
  23.     http://hostesscakes.com/about/
  24. Huselid, M. A. (1995). The impact of human resource management practices on 
  25.     turnover, productivity, and corporate financial performance. Academy of management journal, 38(3), 635-672.
  26. Interstate Bakeries Corporation History. (n.d.). Retrieved April 28, 2016, from 
  27. http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/interstate-bakeries-corporation-history 
  28. Isidore, C., & O'Toole, J. (2012, November 16). Hostess Brands closing for good due to 
  29.     bakers strike. Retrieved April 27, 2016, from 
  30. http://money.cnn.com/2012/11/16/news/companies/hostess-closing/index.html
  31. Kaplan, D. A. (2012). Hostess is bankrupt… again. Fortune, July 26.
  32. Malik, M. S., Basit, A. B., & Qazi, A. K. (2011). Unions and management: A case study of Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences (PJSS), 31(1), 185-199.
  33. Sherk, J. (2009). What unions do: How labor unions affect jobs and the economy. The Heritage Foundation.
  34. Skinner, B. F. (1974). About behaviorism. New York, Knopf: [distributed by Random House].
  35. Spector, M. & Jargon, J. (2012, January 10). Twinkies maker preparing for chapter 11 filing. Retrieved April 27, 2016, from 
  36.     http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204124204577151211961572458
  37. Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on Hostess Brands Inc. (2012, 
  38. November 16). Retrieved April 27, 2016, from http://www.aflcio.org/Press-Room/Press-Releases/Statement-by-AFL-CIO-President-Richard-Trumka-on-Hostess-Brands-Inc
  39. Timeline: The history of Hostess Brands. (2012, January 11). Retrieved April 27, 2016, 
  40. fromhttp://old.seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2017210885_apushostessbrandsbankruptcyfilingtimeline.html