The impact of deregulation on the UK bus industry at the level of the firm: a case study analysis of strategic change

This research examines the impact of bus degregulation at the level ofthe company. It follows a case study approach. The findings areanalysed in the context of contestability theory and organisation theories,as well as empirical evidence.The first part of this research views the bus industry in terms of the effectsthat the regulatory system has had on the industry's suppliers, andexamines the roots of the legal provisions of the 1985 Transport Act.The second part focuses on the organisational context. It establishes thechallenges that bus companies face by reference to the pre-1985situation, and provides an interpretation of strategic responses in theearly post-1985 era. In addition, it introduces the type of strategic optionsopen to companies operating in declining markets, and outlines atheoretical organisational framework within which this case'sorganisational changes are to be analysed. Finally, the research designand research methods are presented.The third part consists of a detailed analysis of the selected case studycompany: Midland Fox Limited. It introduces the local market structureand basic data on the company. The major patterns of corporatestrategy are presented and analysed, and key areas of managerialactivity studied. The competitive behaviour of the company is thendiscussed in the context of competitive events that have occurred in themarket.The fourth and concluding part of this case study research discusses themost significant issues arising from this investigation in terms of theirimplications for future developments in the bus industry.