Say it ain't so, Joe! Joseph Livingston (Joe) was probably the most self-driven, conscientious and kind-hearted person in the company. His drive came from wanting to really make a difference in people's lives. So, when Joe joined the local chapter of \"Job Support\" for the disadvantaged, he believed his goals to help his community were in perfect alignment with that of the organization. Joe was very knowledgeable and if there were areas he didn't know, he would work hard to read up and prepare well enough to be on par with the best minds to ensure he brought the best and most innovative solutions to the table. Everything was going great in terms of achieving goals by working with team members and meeting deadlines, but the economic crisis that had hit the country was making placements of his clients a lot tougher than it used to be. Nevertheless, Joe and his team were not dissuaded from continuing their efforts. However, being a local chapter, the low placement numbers resulted, in the headquarters choosing to assign a new Chapter Lead (akin to a new CEO of a branch). They hired Evan Johnson as the new Chapter Lead. Evan was a professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry although with no direct experience in creating jobs or any understanding of placement of disadvantaged workers. Joe and his team were looking forward to the new leadership, and in the first few months provided every possible support to bring Evan's vision and goals to fruition. In fact, it was Joe who convinced a lot of his team members to support the new leadership's efforts, even though many of the employees had serious doubts about Evan's intentions and leadership style. After the third month, Joe asked to meet with his immediate supervisor, Sharon Instagram. Sharon had been with the organization for over 25 years and had seen several leaders come and go. She had always been supportive of both the leaders and the employees but was also known to 1 be extremely fair, honest and objective in all her dealings. Sharon was a little in shock after her meeting with Joe. Joe had been her most efficient employee, always cheerful and honest and loved by all the clients. Joe had come in to talk about his complete distaste and distrust of Evan and had a detailed list of facts and evidence and was wondering why nobody was speaking up, and hoped that Evans would be fired. Here is what Joe had explained. Over the past three months, Joe had noticed the following about Evan: 1. Even though they were a non-profit, Evan had come in with a demand of a 6 figure salary with a claim that he could transform the entire organization based on his experience. 2. Evan attempted to re-engineer the organization's processes and paid himself a large bonus amount for the effort. 3. Neither of the above were viewed as bad initially except when the outcomes of their efforts were presented to all the employees. What shocked everyone was that Evan had just rehashed the existing goals and had merely taken all the ideas from the different employees and claimed it to be his grand idea. Furthermore, Evan said the only reason the organization was failing was because the employees were not doing enough, or were not qualified, to see \"his\Case Study Analysis A Harvard Business Review Approach (source: Harvard Business Publishing) Adapted and Modified for Managing Organizational Behavior Class The Steps in Case Analysis include: Getting Oriented Identifying Problems Performing Analysis Action Planning Step 1: Getting Oriented As apparent as it may sound- Read through the entire case without any notes Read it again and then: Categorize the case as: Decision case: describes a decision faced by the case protagonist. You will have to ultimately choose among a finite set of distinct decision alternatives. Problem case: requires you to diagnose a problem in a business case and to formulate possible solutions. Evaluation case: illustrate a business success or failure. You will analyze the underlying reasons for that success or failure to arrive at management lessons. Now re-read the case and identify the general direction and then underline points/quotes/theories/models/aspects that stand out Step 2: Identifying the Problem Identify and note The protagonist The key characters The context The main question you are trying to answer (Be sure you double check this- you need to be sure you have identified the exact question that requires a solution) Then STATE the main question, example- what should person X do?; What is the next step for person Y?; How will person A respond to person Z? and so on...(If problem situation- state the company's situation and needs in order to solve the problem) Finally based on the question you have identified, list the key factors impacting the case Step 3: Performing Analysis Identify and note the foundational problems- two or three key moments, events that have led to the problem/situation Based on the key factors identified in the previous stage now go through the case very carefully and under each category: Begin listing the evidence based facts (from legitimate sources- like company reports, company slide presentations; market reports; expert notes; key communication notes (make sure you separate emotional responses from facts) Then list all the opinions, emotional statements and personal exchanges Next, separate them and categorize as: For and Against the situation/protagonist/company/theory/model If this is a problem case: you will also have to perform data analysis, and/or crunch some numbers to get outputs (but remember numbers are only half the story and only provide further evidence not the solution itself) Finally CONNECT THE DOTS- and write down IF-THEN statements to propose alternative solutions to the situation/problem at hand Step 4: Action Planning Recommendation: Here, you will provide a solution/answer to the problem you identified (double check if you are actually answering the question you stated at first) Next Action Steps (in detailed steps): Short Term Actions Middle-Term Actions Long-Term Actions Finally conclude with a brief summary- include situation, key issues, problem, reasoning and solution (in a few sentences) Note: CASE REPORT FORMAT Even though the four steps are in a sequence they are iterative, which means you may have to go back to previous steps, review, and then change your notes, analysis, etc. as you get closer to the best possible solution/answer For Case discussions you must have carried out all of the above steps and then for the report follow the below format: Case Report (Title of Case and your name)- 2-3 pages only (50 points) Introduction (brief overview of the case and what type of case it is) Key Characters Problem Statement Table of Evidence based facts and Opinions (in two separate columns) and a for and against tabulation of the same Individual Behaviors and Outcomes (chapters 1-6) that are in play here, and the theories, models or concepts most applicable in this situation Analysis (if-then statements with reasoning for possible solutions) Recommendation (What the person/company must do) Action Steps: Short, Medium and Long Term Actions with detailed steps Presentation (50 points) 5 minute presentations only Problem Statement Individual Behaviors and Outcomes (chapters 1-6 only) that are in play here, and the theories, models or concepts most applicable in this situation Recommendation (What the person/company must do) - here add an extra statement, why this will work compared to any other solution! (really think about this-this is the key to your entire presentation) Action Steps: Short, Medium and Long Term Actions with detailed steps Case 1 Say it ain't so Joe!. It is uploaded under Case 1 details on Moodle and available for download. The case report is due on the day of your presentation either as a soft copy (on Moodle) or a hard copy. Read the situation below and analyze it in business terms (This means all key characters are symbolic of business entities). The situation It was in the spring of the second year of his insurrection against the High Sherriff of Nottingham that Robin Hood took a walk in Sherwood Forest. As he walked he pondered the progress of the campaign, the disposition of his forces, the Sheriff's recent moves and the options that confronted him. The revolt against the Sheriff had begun as a personal crusade. It erupted out of Robin's conflict with the Sheriff and his administration. However, alone Robin Hood could do little. He therefore sought allies, men with grievances and a deep sense of justice. Later he welcomed all who came, asking few questions and demanding only a willingness to serve. Strength he believed lay in numbers. He spent the first year forging the group into a disciplined band, united in enmity against the Sheriff and willing to live outside the law. The band's organization was simple. Robin ruled supreme, making all important decisions. HE delegated specific tasks to his lieutenants. Will Scarlett was in charge of intelligence and scouting. His main job was to shadow the Sheriff and his men, always alert to their next move. He also collected information on the travel plans of rich merchants and tax collectors. Little John kept discipline among the men and saw to it that their archery was at the high peak that their profession demanded. Scarlock took care of the finances, converting loot to cash, paying shares of the take and finding suitable hiding places for the surplus. Finally, Much the Miller's son had the difficult task of provisioning the ever-increasing band of Merrymen. The increasing size of the band was a source of satisfaction for Robin, but also a source of concern. The fame of his Merrymen was spreading, and new recruits were pouring in from every corner of England. As the band grew larger, their small bivouac became a major encampment. Between raids the men milled about, talking and playing games. Vigilance was in decline, and discipline was becoming harder to enforce. \"Why.\" Robin reflected, \"I don't know half the men I run into these days.\" The growing band was also beginning to exceed the food capacity of the forest. Game was becoming scarce, and supplies had to be obtained from outlying villages. The cost of buying food was beginning to drain the band's financial reserves at the very moment when revenues were in decline. Travelers, especially those with the most to lose, were now giving the forest a wide berth. This was costly and inconvenient to them, but it was preferable to having all their goods confiscated. Robin believed that the time had come for the Merrymen to change their policy of outright confiscation of goods to one of fixed transit tax. His lieutenants strongly resisted this idea. They were proud of the Merrymen's famous motto: \"Rob the rich and give to the poor.\" \"The farmers and the townspeople,\" they argued, \"are our most important allies. How can we tax them, and still hope for their help in our fight against the Sheriff?\" Robin wondered how long the Merrymen could keep to the ways and methods of their early days. The Sheriff was growing stronger and becoming better organized. He now had money and the men and was beginning to harass the band, probing for its weaknesses. The tide of events was beginning to turn against the Merrymen. Robin felt that the campaign must be decisively concluded before the Sheriff had a chance to deliver a mortal blow. \"But how, \"he wondered, \"could this be done?\" Robin had often entertained the possibility of killing the Sheriff, but the chances for this seemed increasingly remote. Besides killing the Sheriff might satisfy his personal thirst for revenge, but it would not improve the situation. Robin had hoped the perpetual state of unrest, and the Sheriff's failure to collect taxes, would lead to his removal from office. Instead the Sheriff used his political connections to obtain reinforcement. He had powerful friends at court and was well regarded by the regent, Prince John. Prince John was vicious and volatile. He was consumed by his unpopularity among the people, who wanted the imprisoned King Richard back. He also lived in constant fear of the barons, who had first given him the regency but were now beginning to dispute his claim to the throne. Several of these barons had set out to collect the ransom that would release King Richard the Lionheart from his hail in Austria. Robin was invited to join the conspiracy in return for future amnesty. It was a dangerous proposition. Provincial banditry was one thing, court intrigue another. Prince John had spies everywhere, and he was known for his vindictiveness. If the conspirators' plan failed, the pursuit would be relentless, and retributions swift. The sound of the super horn startled Robin from his thoughts. There was the smell of roasting venison in the air. Nothing was resolved or settled. Robin headed for camp promising himself that he would give these problems his utmost attention after tomorrow's raid. Sample Case Analysis-Robin hood case Introduction (brief overview of the case and what type of case it is) -This is a decision case (as there is a protagonist, who has to make decision and everything rests on his decision). The overview is that Robinhood's organization, which focuses on social service is having both internal human resources and management issues as well as external threats that has put Robinhood in a place where he has to decide how to manage the current situation. Key Characters- Robinhood, Much, Little John, Prince John, Sheriff, King Richard, all the merrymen, Barons, customers/town's people (for the actual case, you can also list their respective positions). Problem Statement: Should Robinhood continue the operation of his organization or should he shut it down? Sample Case Analysis-contd... Table of Evidence based facts and Opinions (in two separate columns) and a for and against tabulation of the same Facts For/Against the Protagonist's Situation Opinions, Emotions For/Against the Protagonist' s Situation Too many Both employees/merrym For(Strength in en numbers) and Against (not enough resources) Robin felt rage thinking of the Sheriff Against (as anger can blind objectivity) Threat of Sheriff trying to kill Robin Prince John felt the people were no longer on his side and so on For (as town's people hate the enemy...it works as a For) Against Sample Case Analysis-contd... Individual Behaviors and Outcomes (chapters 1-6) that are in play here, and the theories, models or concepts most applicable in this situation Ans: The theories that can be applied are as follows: Overall the performance of the organization and many individual performances as well as commitment are at stake, the efficiency, effectiveness are both being affected. Several emotional concepts are at play...some of the key issues are related to the wrong type of motivation, lack of clear goals and wrong type of commitments in place (in your actual report... you will expand and explain the points in detail) Analysis (if-then statements with reasoning for possible solutions)-MUST HAVE AT LEAST 3 options If Robin decided to continue his operations, Then...he would have to fire several employees, expand to other regions, continue to fight the sheriff and deal with limited resources. If Robin decided to shut down his operation, Then....he will have several disgruntled, angry employees who may betray him and he may be caught by the Sheriff and get thrown in jail or killed. If Robin decided to take the Baron's offer and then shut down his operations, Then...he will be able to get amnesty, may still have to deal with disgruntled employees. But he will no longer have the threat of the Sheriff and Prince John Sample Case Analysis-contd... Recommendation (What the person/company must do)- I recommend that Robinhood should take up the Baron's offer and shut down his operations. Action Steps: Short-term steps: Meet with the Baron and confirm the deal Meet with his Top Five Team members and discuss the deal. Discuss the details of closing down his operations Medium-Term Steps Work out a plan to retrain his current employees so they can get other opportunities Work out some agreement with the Baron's to protect his men Save King Richard, reinstate him and take the court's protection. and Long Term Actions with detailed steps Work on retooling his own skills and developing other areas of interest Think of other business ideas and work with networks of people and so on