FINAL EXAM – MAY 2019
Instructions: There are two short answer essay questions. There is also a case study. Target your case study response to be at least 2 pages with a maximum of 4 pages, double-spaced. Be sure to include an executive summary, introduction with the context of the case, an analysis section, a description of a few options that might be taken by Robin Chase, and your recommendation with your rationale. There is also an extra credit question.
Feel free to use examples from the course readings, discussion in the forums, or your own experiences to support your answers. Referenced materials are found in either the ‘Lessons’ or ‘Resources’ sections of NYU Classes.
Short Answer:
The article, “6 Leadership Styles Around the World to Build Effective Multinational Teams” mentioned the following styles: Germany – hierarchy & consensus, France – autocratic, Japan – ringi-sei consensus, Spain – human force, Sweden – primus inter pares and USA – structured individualism. Choose one of these styles and write one paragraph that describes the style and why it works for that country.
Short Essay:
In the article, “Winners and Losers in the Global Marketplace for Talent: Live at the Crossroads”, author Frits van Paasschen argues that the smartest way to plan for surviving and thriving in the global marketplace is to find ways to live at the crossroads of cultures, functions, and old-and-new ideas. Do you agree? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in a 300 word short essay.
Case Study:
Read the MIT case study of “Robin Chase, Zipcar, and an Inconvenient Discovery” (19 pages, located in the ‘Resources’ section of NYU Classes). Prepare a 2-4 page Executive Briefing to advise Robin Chase of what she should do at Zipcar. Your briefing should include an executive summary, introduction/context to the situation, the key analysis, the best options available for Robin and your recommendation with your rationale. (Remember an executive memo does not need to share everything that you know about the problem, just the most relevant things a CEO would need to make a fact-based decision.)
Extra Credit Question:
Pick one of the titans discussed in Richard Tedlow’s article, “What the Titans Can Teach Us” and explain in no more than 3 paragraphs if you think their approach would or would not still be relevant in today’s business world.
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