Strategic Operation Management Case Study, ASB, Malaysia The company that would become BP was founded in 1909 as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company shortly after Englishman William
University | Asia School of Business (ASB) |
Subject | Strategic Operation Management |
The company that would become BP was founded in 1909 as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company shortly after Englishman William Knox D’Arcy struck oil in Iran after an eight-year search. In its early years, profitability proved elusive for APOC and, in 1914, Winston Churchill, who was head of the British Navy and believed Britain needed a dedicated oil supply, convinced the British government to buy a 51% stake in the nearly bankrupt company.
The British government’s majority ownership of BP lasted until the late 1970s when the government, under Prime Margaret Thatcher, a proponent of privatization, began selling off its shares in an attempt to increase productivity in the company. When the government sold its final 31% share in 1987, BP’s performance was floundering. The company’s performance continued to decline as a new private company; in 1992, BP posted a loss of $811 million. Nearing bankruptcy, the company was forced to take dramatic cost-cutting measures.
Things started to improve measurably in the mid-1990s. With a streamlined workforce and portfolio of activities, BP’s new CEO began implementing an aggressive growth strategy, highlighted by mergers with rivals Amoco in 1998, and ARCO (the former Atlantic Richfield) in 2000. Along with focusing on growth, BP began repositioning itself. In 2001, the company launched the new tagline “Beyond Petroleum” and officially changed its name to “BP.” The associated green branding campaign indicated that BP wanted to be known as an environmentally-friendly oil company.
Over the next decade, the company launched an Alternative Energy division and was, for a time, the world’s largest manufacturer of solar cells and Britain’s largest producer of wind energy. BP invested $4 billion in alternative energy between 2005 and 2009. BP’s total company investment over the same time period was $982 billion.
In May 2007, Tony Hayward, who had been chief executive of Exploration and Production (BPX), replaced John Browne as CEO. Hayward marked his appointment with a speech pledging to “focus like a laser on safety issues, put the brakes on growth, and slash production targets.” Hayward was able to improve corporate performance, in part, by dramatically shrinking the Alternative Energy division and further reducing headcount at both managerial and lower staff levels.
Are You Searching Answer of this Question? Request Malaysian Writers to Write a plagiarism Free Copy for You.
Get Help By Expert
Assignmenthelper.my provides the best exam help to students of all levels in Malaysia, so they can focus on their studies instead of worrying about how to complete their assignments. Our team of online exam helpers is composed of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who are more than capable in all aspects of online exams. With our assignment help services, students can rest assured that their assignments are in good hands and will be completed on time.
Recent Solved Questions
- LGSE3063: For this assignment, each group will have to write a stand-alone review on a specific topic: Academic Writing Assignment, UOC, Malaysia
- BMG302/03: Managers can learn how to get the best work out of their business or organization: Organizational Behavior Assignment, WOU, Malaysia
- PPS0034: Introduction to Probability and Statistics Assignment, MMU, Malaysia A committee of 6 people is to be chosen from a group consisting of 7 men and 8 women. Find the probability that the committee
- BBCE1023: Principles Of Macroeconomics Assignment, (TAR UMT), Malaysia
- Describe L’Oréal’s brand portfolio. What role have local and global marketing, smart acquisitions: straregic Assignment, Malaysia
- Business Communication Essay, UiTM, Malaysia Formal and informal communication are rather distinct types of modern workplace communication
- ACW410: Integrated Case Study, USM, Malaysia The airport is a publicly listed company that renders airport-related services in a Southeast Asian Country
- Issues in Global Business Essay, TU, Malaysia Why do you think Toyota decided to adapt the existing plant in Melbourne rather than build one from the ground
- ASM657: Innovative Thinking Strategy Case Study, UiTM, Malaysia
- BBQT1013: Business Mathematics Assignment, CUM, Malaysia: Misuse and abuse of trade discounts infringe on fair trade laws and can cost companies stiff fines and legal fees