One good case study of decision-making under uncertainty for businesses is the response of Domino’s Pizza during the 2008 financial crisis. At the time, the global economy was experiencing a significant downturn, and many businesses were struggling to stay afloat. Domino’s Pizza, which is one of the largest pizza chains in the world, was faced with the challenge of maintaining its market share and profitability in the face of declining consumer spending.
To address this challenge, the company made a number of key decisions that allowed it to continue to grow during the crisis. These included:
- Increased focus on value: In response to consumers’ reduced spending, Domino’s Pizza shifted its marketing strategy to emphasize value. This included offering lower-priced menu items and promotions to attract cost-conscious customers.
- Expanded delivery services: With more people staying at home, the demand for delivery services increased. Domino’s Pizza responded by expanding its delivery offerings and improving its delivery infrastructure to provide faster and more reliable service.
- Digital innovation: Recognizing the importance of technology in the modern business environment, Domino’s Pizza invested heavily in digital innovation during the crisis. This included the development of a mobile app and an online ordering system that allowed customers to place orders from their smartphones or computers.
- Customer engagement: To maintain customer loyalty and engagement, Domino’s Pizza focused on improving the quality of its products and customer service. This included implementing a customer feedback system that allowed the company to quickly respond to customer complaints and concerns.
By making these key decisions, Domino’s Pizza was able to maintain its market share and profitability during the financial crisis, and has continued to grow in the years since. The company’s success demonstrates the importance of making strategic decisions under uncertainty and adapting to changing market conditions.