Which risk is associated with high levels of debt financing in BSG?

High levels of debt financing in the Business Strategy Game can lead to significant risks, primarily financial distress and potentially bankruptcy. When a company takes on a large amount of debt, it becomes obligated to make regular interest payments, which can strain cash flow, particularly if the business experiences a downturn in sales or unforeseen expenses. This pressure can hinder the company’s ability to operate normally, leading to severe financial strain.

In cases where debt levels are excessive, the likelihood of default increases, which can result in bankruptcy. This risk is heightened in volatile markets or during periods of economic downturn. Managed poorly, high debt can create a cycle where financial obligations take precedence over investments in growth or innovation, ultimately jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of the business.

While poor asset management, increased employee turnover, and reduced advertising effectiveness can be factors affecting a company, they are more indirect consequences or areas of concern that aren’t as directly linked to the immediate dangers associated with high debt levels as financial distress and bankruptcy are.