Business Management - Succession Planning

Step 1: Course Material

For this project, you are required to use the case scenario facts and the course material. External sources are not permitted. You are not researching on the Internet or using resources from outside the course. You are expected to answer the requirements identified below showing the connection between the case scenario facts and the course material. Using course material goes beyond defining terms and are used to explain the 'why and how' of a situation. Avoid merely making statements but close the loop of the discussion by explaining how something happens or why something happens, which focuses on importance and impact. In closing the loop, you will demonstrate the ability to think clearly and rationally showing an understanding of the logical connections between the ideas presented in a case scenario, the course material and the question(s) being asked. Using one or two in-text citations from the course material throughout the entire paper will not earn many points on an assignment. The use of a variety of course material is expected consistently supporting what is presented. The support must be relevant and applicable to the topic being discussed. Points are not earned for mentioning a term or concept but by clearly and thoroughly explaining or discussing the question at hand.

Step 2: Preparation

Review the Leadership Competencies Table completed in Week Two to accompany the Job Announcement (You may also wish to review any feedback received by your Instructor about your Table.)

Step 3: Upcoming Open Positions at Biotech

Read the five different upcoming positions for which your group has been tasked at filling.

As part of the Succession Plan Committee, your team has been tasked with identifying future leaders for the following four positions that will be open over the next 12-24 months:

Position 1: Sales Director, Middle East

Location: Saudi Arabia

Answers to: Executive Director, Asia Division

Biotech’s Asia Division will be opening its first Middle East location in Saudi Arabia in the next 12 months. A Sales Director will be needed to head up this new division. A team of local salespeople will need to be recruited, hired, and trained by this leader. It is expected that this sales team may be largely men.

Two sources that are recommended for more information about doing business in Saudi Arabia are:

Guide to Saudi Arabia Etiquette, Customs, Culture, and Business

Saudi Arabia Management Guide

Position 2: Director of Research and Development (R&D)

Location: Headquarters, Yonkers, NY

Answers to: VP of Headquarter Operations

R&D is at the heart of Biotech’s success and, indeed, its future. The leader of Research and Development will lead a group of scientists and innovators, but does not need to be a scientist himself/herself. R&D is located centrally at Biotech Headquarters because R&D coordinates with all other departments and divisions. This is a high profile position.

Position 3: VP of Headquarter Operations

Location: Headquarters, Yonkers, NY

Answers to: President and CEO

The Headquarters houses R&D, HR, IT, Purchasing, and Finance. Each of these departments has its own “subculture”, and each department is fairly distinct from each other. The young, youthful subculture of IT often clashes with the conservative subculture of the Finance department, for example. Many of the members of the Finance and HR teams are baby boomers and are near retirement. This leader oversees the smooth operation of all of these departments and ensures the coordination of these departments with each other and with each of the four geographic divisions across the world.

Position 4: Executive Director, North American Division

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Answers to: President and CEO

This leader will head up the largest and most profitable division of Biotech. This division is seen as the “flagship” by the other divisions, since Biotech’s roots are in the United States. This Executive Director has the “ear” of the CEO, and spends a lot of time with the Barney family. This leader is faced with spearheading the future direction of Biotech in North America and is challenged with filling openings throughout the United States and Canada caused by fast growth and a retiring Baby Boomer population.

Position 5: Director of Finance

Location: Headquarters, Yonkers, NY

Answers to: Chief Financial Officer

This leader oversees the day-to-day operations of the finance department. This leader is expected to aid in strategic planning with the executive team of Biotech. Although a finance background is not required, this person is expected to bring a conservative approach to the strategic planning table, to balance out the high risk tolerance of the rest of the leadership at Biotech. A “big picture” perspective is definitely needed here.

Step 4: Complete Succession Planning Table

Complete the Succession Planning Table-Part One to help guide your decision making.

Step 5: Complete Succession Planning Report

Complete the Succession Planning Report-Part One. This is the report that will be reviewed by President and CEO, Maximillian Barney.

Your Group’s Succession Planning Report - Part One will be addressed to Mr. Maximillian Barney, the CEO and President of Biotech. The report should address all of the following elements, with each section supported by course materials.

Follow the following report format:

Introduction:

An overview of succession planning and why it is important to the future of Biotech. A brief review of the leadership competencies important for Biotech.

Succession Planning as part of Mission, Vision and Strategy:

A description of how the Succession Plan for Biotech should be aligned with its mission and vision. A description of how the Succession Plan should be aligned with Biotech’s strategy A description of how strategic thinking should be used as part of the succession planning process.

Recommendations:

For each of the five positions identify the leadership competencies most important for those positions. Support your recommendations with course materials.

Summary:

Describe briefly to Mr. Barney why your group’s recommendations are important for Biotech’s future.

Reference Page: (in APA format)