Talk of a recession has gone from an “if” to a “how long” and “how bad” conversation. Crushed by the credit crunch, housing bubble and pain at the pump, you can’t open a newspaper or turn on the television without hearing about how organizations and consumers are tightening their belts. There’s more to the story than survival, however. In fact, organizations that focus on incremental cost reduction such as cutting travel and training budgets, deferring expenses and reducing head count are likely to experience only marginal savings — and find themselves continually treading water. Learn how organizations can turn the challenge of a downturn into an opportunity to implement transformational, sustainable changes.  | Resizing a Business in a Downturn
A structural approach to cost reduction can better position a company to protect its margins, capture market share and capitalize on opportunities. But the recession and credit crisis are causing precipitous declines in consumer and business demand which for some organizations could call for short-term, more tactical approaches. So, which do you focus on – a tactical or structural approach to reduction? |  | Administration of Change: The Obama Impact on Economic Policy
The Obama administration faces some of the greatest economic challenges the nation has encountered in two generations, and expectations for change are high. Explore our perspectives on how the public and private sectors can implement real and lasting solutions. |  | No Credit? Big Problem
No one would debate that in an economic crisis, cash is king. However, most business leaders don’t have much experience managing a business around cash flow – they’ve spent their time concerned with earnings and growth. So, do you focus on cash, or do you drive long-term growth? |  | In Fighting Shape: 2008 Survey of Cost-Improvement Trends in the Fortune 500
The incremental, rather than transformational, approach to cost-reduction that many companies are taking may not be sufficient to carry them through a prolonged economic slump. |  | Steps to Sustainable and Scalable Change
Our three-part series takes a detailed look at the activities necessary to produce cost structure improvements that can withstand the test of time — good and bad. |  | Seven Secrets to Downturn Survival
Existing cost management programs may not be sufficient to survive and thrive in a downturn. This report provides time-tested tips to help companies implement sustainable cost savings. |  | Retention Strategies During Difficult Economic Conditions
Retention has become a challenge for many as decreased earnings have decimated the value of some incentive plans. This report captures the ways 151 companies are motivating employees. |  | Driving State Transformation in an Economic Downturn
After years of prosperity, tough times have returned for state budgets. Explore this resource library to learn how states can survive and even thrive in tough economic times. |  | Deloitte Debates
This weekly series explores multiple sides of today's pressing business issues and examines the difficult choices executives face. Visit our library to read current and past Debates. |
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