Journal Business Cases and Applications The Pittsfield Symphony, Page 1 The Pittsfield Symphony: managing the arts in tough times

The Pittsfield Symphony Orchestra is balancing its need to maintain a high quality product against the necessity of cutting costs. A major benefactor has mandated three consecutive fiscal-year operating surpluses to ensure the continuation of a multi-million dollar challenge grant. The symphony has not achieved operating surpluses in the past three years and it is concerned about meeting the time constraint of the grant. This teaching case study describes a fictional not-for-profit organization that faces several challenges in a recessionary environment. Among the issues addressed in this case are cost control; revenue enhancement; artistic quality; governance; and ethics. Students must deal with the complexities of managing these ongoing concerns in an unfavorable economic climate. Teaching questions and notes are included. While some of the names, numbers and circumstances of this case are factual, others have been changed or created to provide specific learning experiences. This case study is not intended to depict any existing organization