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A two-year study of top executives shows that they do not closely follow the classical rational model of first clarifying goals, assessing the situation, formulating options, estimating likelihoods of success, making their decision, and then taking action to implement it. Nor do they select one problem at a time to solve. Most successful senior managers have overriding concerns rather than precise goals and objectives, and they think more often about how to do things than what is being accomplished.

Faced with large losses in Alcan Aluminum (Europe), Patrick Rich takes the position of area general manager and slashes capital budgets, introduces new financial controls, and sets up mechanisms for increasing cooperation among the national subsidiaries. The focus is on the tactics of implementing rapid change in a cyclical industry that is capital intensive. Two videotapes are available from the Audio-Visual Department for HBS instructors' use with this case.