Case Study Group Peer Evaluation (Master View Replacements)

Case Study:

A manufacturing company, “Master View Replacements”, (MVR) is working on a $9 million dollar infrastructure project with “Busselton” city.  The pilot project has been in the works for years, reviewed by independent experts with analysis reports posted online. There have been several public announcements and hearings as well. The deal will bring hundreds of jobs to the city.

The deal is ten days away from being signed. If approved, MVR will receive $2.5 million for phase 1.  Three months ago, five city mayors announced that they will sign with MVR for the same project … if Busselton signs the contract.

MVR’s president has borrowed from her personal funds to keep the company going until the deal is signed. She’s taken out loans and mortgaged her home.

Employee Ron Browne works in MVR’s branch office which is located in a small town about 500 miles from Busselton. Angry about cutbacks, bounced checks, and vendors threatening action unless paid, he makes copies of bounced checks and emails from angry vendors. Ron gives these to a local NBC TV station along with Rita’s cellphone number.

After reviewing the information, an investigative reporter calls the president asking for her response. Believing that no one outside of the small town will care about the news the president doesn’t return the calls.

The story airs with pictures of the bounced checks, a video of the building, the company name, and interviews with a former employee and two vendors who were not paid. A picture of the president is shown. The reporter states that calls to her were not returned. MVR is portrayed in dire financial straits.

The next day, an NBC affiliate station in Busselton airs the story. MVR’s biggest competitor sees the story and immediately sends it to the mayor and city officials. The vote for the MVR contract is now two days away.

Roles:

· Citizen Ralph Danes: Longtime resident who is always critical of the city’s budget decisions. Not well informed, but highly vocal and has a loyal following.

· MVR President Rita Lopez-Shah: Passionate, dedicated her whole life to developing the product which will improve the city’s infrastructure.

· Busselton Mayor Clyde Shippensport: Re-elected twice and has supported MVR’s mission since day one.   

· Local investigative reporter: Jasmine Gretzel: Has covered the city for a decade.

· Mayor of other city (from group of five) George Forbrush: Needs the tax revenue and jobs more than Busselton.

Template

I. ROLE. Each person picks one of the roles listed in the case study. You cannot pick the same role as your colleague. The PM does not pick from the list. Discuss what your role was, why you chose this and the ensuing challenges. You must provide 3 references which support what that role might entail. For example, if you are a supervisor, what type of duties, obligations would you have?

II. QUESTIONS. As the person/s in the role you picked, identify three main questions you could be asked. Explain why you chose these questions among all others and why you prioritized them in order of 1st, 2nd and 3rd. You must justify each question and provide 4 references.

III. SOLUTIONS. As a team you are to identify what answers, resources, individuals, research which may be used to address the questions from each role. You must justify each solution for the specific question asked and provide four references. The information presented should look professional as if it could appear in a business memo.