Lessons in Innovation and Agility: Harvard Business School Case Study Examines Volt Lines’ Handling of the Pandemic
Boston, Massachusetts, Thursday, 30th of March, 2023
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, and many businesses struggled to survive in the face of unprecedented challenges. One such business was Volt Lines, which saw 90% of its operations come to a halt overnight and its revenue drop by 64%. However, through a combination of innovation and resilience, Volt Lines was able to overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever.
So strong, in fact, that Harvard Business School commissioned a case study on Volt Lines in 2021, simulating the role of the CEO and the leadership team at the start of the pandemic. The case study was designed by Professor Navid Mojir with the help of Esel Cekin and Gamze Yucaoglu, and it has become a source of pride for everyone at Volt Lines.
The case study examines the business model of Volt Lines and how it was able to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. MBA students are able to study the case and learn from the experiences of Volt Lines, recognizing its innovation and seeing how it turned challenges into opportunities.
A proud moment of recognition
Harvard Business School started teaching this on March 30th and I was invited to Boston to witness first-hand the kickoff of this case study. Seeing a classroom full of MBA students discussing the case study was a very proud and humbling moment. It was a testament to the hard work and dedication that went into navigating the pandemic and ensuring that Volt Lines continued to thrive.
Through the case study, I hope that others will be able to learn from their experiences and apply the lessons they have learned to their own businesses. The pandemic has shown that adaptability and resilience are key to surviving and thriving in difficult times. The case study on Volt Lines serves as a valuable reminder of this fact.
Get your own copy
If you’re curious about how we navigated the pandemic, and how we used technology and innovation as a way to turn adversity into an opportunity, you can download the case study on the Harvard Business School website under Faculty and Research. The case study consists of 3 publications:
The A Case sets the stage, the B Case introduces our solution with limited information, and the C Case gives more information about our handling of the situation.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the case study on Volt Lines commissioned by Harvard Business School is a testament to the strength and resilience of the company in the face of unprecedented challenges. It serves as a valuable learning tool for MBA students and others looking to navigate the complexities of the business world in difficult times.
As the CEO of Volt Lines, I am proud of what we accomplished during the pandemic, and I hope that our case study will inspire others to embrace innovation and resilience in the face of adversity. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone at Volt Lines who made this possible, from employers to investors, I’m very grateful to you.
Ali Halabi
