PM case
PM case
Your Tasks
• Analyze Cultural Differences: Each management team will use
Hofstede's tool to understand the cultural profiles of their employees' countries.
• Task Allocation: Students must allocate the tasks to employees based on their strengths,
considering cultural characteristics such as power distance, individualism vs. collectivism,
uncertainty avoidance, etc. For example:
> Assigning Priya from India to Market Research because of high contextual knowledge and
an understanding of collectivist societies.
> Allocating Li Wei from China to Manufacturing Coordination due to familiarity with local
production processes and hierarchical management style.
Chapter 6: Managing Social Responsibility and Ethics
Social enterprises are businesses whose primary purpose is to create a positive community
impact rather than to generate profits for individual shareholders. They apply the power of
the marketplace to advance social, cultural and/or environmental agendas. Thus, they
measure success with the attainment of both economic and social value. → có ảnh hưởng đến
cộng đồng, có lợi nhuận
Case 1: Nokia
Nokia, once a leader in mobile phones, failed to adapt to the smartphone era dominated by
Apple and Samsung. While its hardware was strong, its software strategy was outdated,
which caused it to lose significant market share. Nokia's management needs to decide how to
regain its position in the tech market. Should they innovate their strategy, restructure the
company, invest in new technologies, or focus on transforming the culture and mindset of
their people?
Core Problem: Inability to compete with smartphone technology and software innovation.
Task: Choose an area of change to address the competitive landscape.
Case 3: Blockbuster
Blockbuster was once the go-to video rental company. However, with the rise of digital
streaming platforms like Netflix, Blockbuster failed to embrace technological changes. It is
now struggling to stay relevant, with physical stores becoming obsolete as consumer
preferences move toward streaming.
Core Problem: Outdated technology and an inability to transition to digital services.
Task: Should they change their strategy to adapt to the digital world, invest in new
technology, redesign the company's structure, or change the culture of the workforce to
embrace digitalization?
Case 4: Uber
Uber's rapid rise to prominence in the global transportation industry has been overshadowed
by scandals involving employee dissatisfaction, harassment, and leadership misconduct. As a
result, Uber's public image and employee morale have been damaged, threatening its growth
and innovation capacity.
Core Problem: Toxic workplace culture, resulting in poor employee morale and negative
public perception.
Task: Should Uber focus on restructuring the leadership, invest in employee development
and improving workplace culture, adopt new tech to optimize operations, or modify their
overall strategy?
Case 5: Boeing
Boeing, one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, faced a massive safety crisis after
the crashes of two 737 Max planes.
Investigations revealed flaws in its production processes and oversight, leading to a loss of
trust from airlines and regulatory bodies. Boeing must now decide how to restore its
reputation and ensure such issues do not happen again.
Core Problem: Safety and quality control issues in production, leading to public mistrust and
financial losses.
Task: Should Boeing change its focus, redesign its structure for better oversight, adopt new
technology to ensure safety, or focus on rebuilding trust within its workforce?
Case 6: McDonald's
McDonald's, the global fast-food giant, is facing challenges as consumer preferences shift
toward healthier, more sustainable food options. While McDonald's has made some changes
to its menu, it is still viewed by many as an unhealthy, unsustainable option.
McDonald's needs to decide how to stay relevant in a market that is increasingly
health-conscious.
Core Problem: Consumer demand for healthier, sustainable options, affecting brand
perception.
Decision: Should McDonald's change its overall strategy, update its structure for faster
innovation, adopt new technology for sustainable food production, or focus on transforming
its workforce to drive health-conscious changes?
Answers:
Chapter 8: Foundations of Planning
Identify whether this plan is: strategic or operational? long-term or short-term? specific
or directional?
Case 1: A global pharmaceutical company is facing new competition. To remain competitive,
the executive team sets a broad goal of improving market share by expanding research and
development efforts over the next five years. The company does not provide a clear roadmap
but emphasizes the importance of innovation and exploring new partnerships in the biotech
industry. → strategic + long-term + directional
Case 2: A retail store chain creates a detailed plan for reducing inventory costs by 10% over
the next six months. The plan outlines specific steps, including renegotiating supplier
contracts, improving inventory turnover, and using technology to track inventory more
effectively. Each department receives clear instructions and deadlines. → operational +
short-term + specific
Case 3: A new tech startup aims to achieve market leadership within its industry. The
founders set a flexible plan to guide the company's growth by pursuing product innovation
and establishing partnerships with venture capital firms. The goal is to accomplish this within
four years, but they are open to adjusting the strategy based on market conditions. →
strategic + directional + directional
Case 4: A manufacturing plant manager creates a clear, step-by-step plan to increase
efficiency by installing new machinery and retraining staff. The goal is to complete the
project in eight months, with precise deadlines and assigned tasks for each team. There is
little flexibility in the plan. → operational + short-term + specific
Group work case - Each group will select 1 case study below:
Case 1: Toyota Motor Corporation.
Case 2: Airbnb Inc.
Case 3: Coca-Cola Company.
Case 4: Nike Inc.
Case 5: Microsoft Corporation.
Case 6: Tesla Inc.
Step 1: Identifying the Organization's Current Mission, Goals, and Strategies
Example for Netflix Inc.
• Mission: To provide personalized content across a global platform.
• Goals: Increase international subscribers and expand original content production.
• Strategies: Focus on original content creation and personalization algorithms.
=> Identifying the Organization's Current Mission, Goals, and Strategies in your case?
Step 2: Doing an External Analysis
• Opportunities: Identify at least two positive trends in the external environment that present
growth or expansion opportunities (e.g., market trends, technological advances, economic
conditions).
• Threats: Identify at least two negative trends or threats in the external environment that
could hinder the company's success (e.g., competitive pressures, regulatory changes,
economic downturns).
Example for Netflix Inc.
Opportunities:
• Growing demand for streaming services in international markets.
• Advancements in Al and data analytics to personalize user experience.
Threats:
• Increasing competition from Disney+, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max.
• Rising production costs for high-quality content.
=> Identifying the Organization's Current Mission, Goals, and Strategies in your case?
Step 3: Doing an Internal Analysis
• Resources: List the key resources that the company uses to create value (e.g., financial,
technological, human resources).
• Capabilities: Identify key capabilities that enable the company to operate effectively (e.g.,
research and development, manufacturing excellence, customer service).
• Core Competencies: What are the company's core competencies? What makes it stand out
from competitors? (e.g., brand strength, innovation, operational efficiency)
SWOT Analysis
• Strengths: List the company's strengths (e.g., strong brand, technological expertise, market
position).
• Weaknesses: Identify weaknesses or limitations (e.g., dependence on specific markets, high
operational costs).
• Opportunities: List the external opportunities identified in Step 2.
• Threats: List the external threats identified in Step 2.
Step 4: Formulating Strategies
• Corporate Strategy: What is the overall strategy for the company? (e.g., growth, stability, or
renewal)
• Competitive Strategy: How does the company compete in its market? (e.g., cost leadership,
differentiation, focus)
• Functional Strategy: What functional-level strategies support the corporate and competitive
strategies? (e.g., marketing, operations, finance, R&D)
Example for Netflix Inc:
• Corporate Strategy: Growth through international expansion and content creation.
• Competitive Strategy: Differentiation through high-quality original content and superior
user experience.
• Functional Strategy: Invest in Al and data analytics to enhance content personalization,
expand R&D in content production.
Activity 1. Read each case & match it with one of the four stages of the entrepreneurial
process
Case 1: A public health researcher in a developing country observes the lack of access to
affordable healthcare, particularly for chronic diseases like diabetes. They notice the rapid
growth of mobile health (mHealth) apps globally but see a gap in affordable, localized
solutions in their region. They begin analyzing regulatory frameworks, socio-economic
challenges, and mobile infrastructure to determine how this technology could be adapted to
local needs. → Identify opportunities and possible competitive advantages
Case 2: A fashion designer identifies a rising trend in consumer demand for sustainable and
ethically produced fashion, with growing concerns about the environmental impact of fast
fashion. After studying the market, they discover an opportunity to produce a new line of
eco-friendly apparel using waste materials. They focus on building a value proposition
around sustainability, transparency in production, and targeting environmentally conscious
consumers. → Identify opportunities and possible competitive advantages
Case 3: A tech-savvy entrepreneur identifies a significant portion of the population in rural
areas without access to traditional banking services. They decide to start a FinTech venture
offering micro-lending and low-cost digital wallets to rural customers. After developing the
core platform, the entrepreneur raises funds from angel investors and launches a pilot
program in one region, hiring a small team for operations. → Start the venture
Case 4: A successful food delivery startup that gained traction during the pandemic is now
facing challenges scaling operations as demand increases rapidly. The founder struggles with
managing relationships with restaurants, optimizing delivery routes, and maintaining high
service quality. Additionally, they need to implement new technology systems and raise more
capital to sustain the business's rapid growth. → Manage the venture
Case 5: A team of environmental scientists and engineers notice the growing trend in urban
agriculture due to climate change and food security concerns. They see an opportunity to
develop a smart farming system using loT technology that allows small-scale urban farmers
to monitor crops remotely. They conduct extensive market research to identify demand and
potential adoption barriers, focusing on partnerships with urban municipalities and
environmental groups. → Explore the entrepreneurial context
Case 6: A medium-sized tech company acquires a smaller competitor to enhance its portfolio
of Al-based software solutions. The founder of the acquiring company must now manage the
post-merger integration process, dealing with merging teams, consolidating technology
platforms, and aligning corporate cultures. They also face the challenge of maintaining the
original customer base of the acquired company while integrating it into their operations. →
Manage the venture
Read and identify whether each case illustrates cross-functional teams or customer
departmentalization
Case 1: BrightTech Innovations, a technology company developing eco-friendly consumer
electronics, recently launched a new project to design a solar-powered portable charger. The
project team is composed of specialists from engineering, product design, marketing, and
sustainability. Each member brings unique expertise to the table, meeting regularly to address
design challenges, refine product specifications, and coordinate a go-to-market strategy.
Through close collaboration, the team aims to align technical specifications with market
demand and environmental goals. → Cross-functional teams
Case 2: Family Care Health Services is a healthcare provider that has organized its
operations to focus on different patient groups. It has specific departments catering to
families, senior citizens, and corporate clients. Each department tailors its services and
communication to the unique needs of its assigned customer segment, ensuring that each
patient group receives specialized attention. The staff in each department is trained to handle
the particular concerns of their respective client base, from preventative care for families to
chronic disease management for seniors. → Customer departmentalization
Line authority rõ ràng luôn ai làm công việc gì, làm việc trực tiếp
Staff authority hỗ trợ,cho lời khuyên, giảm gánh nặng thông tin
Each professional roles below are either Line Authority or Staff Authority?
• Production Manager → L
• Human Resources Manager → S
• Sales Manager → L
• Financial Analyst → S
• Marketing Manager → L (Mkt sp, có thể là staff)
• Legal Advisor → S
• Operations Supervisor → L (Tương tự Pruduction)
• IT Support Specialist → S
• Customer Service Manager → L
• Training Specialist → S (tương tự IT)
Thông thường cấu trúc của 1 công ty là Centralization. Khi nhân viên có vấn đề, báo cáo lên
line manager, rồi lên cao hơn. Ap dụng ở công ty đã phát triển rồi. Người đứng đầu có thể
nắm rõ hết các vấn đề ở công ty
Decentralization ngược lại Centralization. Các bộ phận tách biệt nhau. Vd: tesla, spotify
Read and identify whether each case illustrates Mechanistic or Organic Structures
Case 1: TechCore Solutions is a technology company where roles and responsibilities are
clearly defined, and each employee has a specific set of tasks. Communication flows in a
top-down manner, with strict adherence to procedures and reporting structures. Departments
operate independently, and any major changes or decisions must be approved by upper
management, following a detailed approval process. Employees are expected to adhere
closely to established protocols. → Mechanistic
Case 2: GreenGrowth Innovations, a small environmental consulting firm, encourages open
collaboration and allows employees to shift between roles depending on project needs.
Communication flows freely across all levels, with employees often working in teams that cut
across departments. Decision-making is often shared among team members, and the company
adapts its processes regularly based on current projects and client demands. → Mechanistic
Case 3: AutoPro Manufacturing has a highly structured setup with clearly defined job roles
and responsibilities. Employees follow specific procedures, and there is a strong emphasis on
efficiency and compliance. Communication is mostly formal, following a chain of command,
and changes in processes or roles require approvals from senior management. Employees
have limited flexibility in their roles, with a focus on stability and consistency in operations.
→ Organic Structures
Read and identify whether each case illustrates unit, mass or process production
Case 1: EliteCustom Woodworks is a small business specializing in handcrafted,
custom-made furniture pieces such as dining tables, bookshelves, and cabinets. Each item is
produced based on individual customer orders, with unique specifications for dimensions,
materials, and finishes. Production is done in small batches or as single units, with artisans
dedicating time to each custom piece. The company's focus is on quality and customization
rather than volume. → Unit
Case 2: AutoParts Manufacturing Inc. is an automotive parts supplier that produces
standardized car parts, such as brake pads, oil filters, and spark plugs, in large quantities.
These parts are produced in batches to meet high demand from automotive manufacturers.
Production is highly automated, and employees work on assembly lines, where each worker
performs repetitive tasks to produce large batches of identical items efficiently. → Mass
Case 3: AquaPure Bottling Company produces purified bottled water for national
distribution. Production is a continuous process, where water is filtered, purified, bottled, and
packaged without interruption. The plant operates 24/7, with equipment running continuously
to keep up with demand. The entire production process is closely monitored and automated to
ensure consistent quality across all batches of bottled water. → process production
Read and identify whether each case illustrates either simple, functional or divisional
structure
Case 1: Startup Solutions is a small tech startup with a team of 10 people. The CEO
personally manages all aspects of the business, from strategy and sales to product
development. The team operates with minimal hierarchy, and each employee reports directly
to the CEO. Employees have broad roles, covering multiple tasks, and there is litte
formalization of policies or procedures. Most decisions are made centrally by the CEO. →
simple
Case 2: GreenFields Agritech is a mid-sized company focused on sustainable agriculture
technology. The company is organized by functional departments, including R&D,
Marketing, Finance, Sales, and Human Resources. Each department is managed by a
specialist with expertise in that area, and employees are grouped according to their skills and
responsibilities within these departments. Department heads report to the CEO, who oversees
the integration of departmental activities. → functional
Case 3: GlobalGoods Corporation is a large multinational company with distinct product
lines, including electronics, home appliances, and medical devices. Each product line
operates as its own division with a divisional head responsible for all aspects of that line's
performance, including production, marketing, and sales. The divisions function
independently, with their own budgets and strategies, but all divisional heads report to
corporate headquarters, which provides overall direction. → divisional
Read and identify whether each case illustrates either matrix or project structure
Case 1: InnoTech Corporation is a technology company that develops software for various
industries. For each project, InnoTech assembles teams with specialists from functional
departments like engineering, marketing, and finance. These specialists work under both their
department manager and the project manager, who oversees the specific project goals.
Employees often have dual reporting lines and switch between projects while still retaining
their departmental roles. For example, a software engineer might report to the engineering
department head but also work under a project manager for a specific product development
project. → matrix
Case 2: DesignX Studio is a creative agency where all employees are permanently assigned
to projects. Once one project is complete, they immediately transition to a new one. The
organization doesn't have traditional departments; instead, it's structured entirely around
project teams, with each team composed of designers, strategists, and project managers
dedicated to client projects from start to finish. Employees do not report to a functional
department head but instead report only to their current project manager. → project
Chapter 12: Managing Human Resources
Identify which concept each case exemplifies: Job Analysis, Job Description, or Job
Specifications.
Case A: Tech Innovations Ltd., a technology consulting firm, is expanding its team and
needs to better understand the responsibilities of a "Data Analyst" role. The HR department
conducts a thorough process to assess this position, interviewing current data analysts and
observing their daily tasks. They define the essential duties, key behaviors, and performance
standards for a data analyst, identifying what is required to succeed in the role. → Job
analysis
Case B: At GreenThumb Landscapes, a mid-sized landscaping company, the HR team has
developed a document for the "Project Manager" position. This document details the
responsibilities of the project manager, including planning landscape designs, managing
client relationships, overseeing project timelines, and coordinating with on-site teams.
provides a complete outline of the tasks and responsibilities involved in the job. → Job
description
Case C: Healt Net Solutions, a healthcare services provider, is hiring for the position of
"Medical Assistant." The HR department creates a document listing the minimum
qualifications necessary to apply for this role. This includes required skills, education,
certifications, and physical capabilities needed to perform the job effectively. Candidates are
assessed based on whether, they meet these essential qualifications. → Job specification
Identify which concept each case exemplifies: Skill-Based Pay or Variable Pay
Case A: Buildlt Construction, a regional construction company, has recently introduced a
compensation model that encourages employees to learn new skills. For instance, laborers
who complete training and demonstrate proficiency in operating heavy machinery, carpentry,
or advanced masonry receive increases in their base pay. This system allows employees to
boost their earnings by developing skills across different trades, providing opportunities for
both personal and professional growth. → Skill-based pay
Case B: At Stellar Sales Corp, a nationwide retail company, sales representatives receive part
of their compensation based on their sales performance. Each month, representatives who
meet or exceed sales targets receive a bonus in addition to their base salary. The size of the
bonus varies depending on individual performance, with higher earners being those who
consistently achieve the top sales figures. → Variable pay
Group activities:
Designing Recruitment and Pre-Training Processes
• You are part of an HR team assigned to recruit and onboard new employees for key
positions across various companies.
• Each team will be responsible for developing the recruitment and pre-training process for
one of the following positions.
• Start by researching each company's industry and typical role requirements, then outline a
tailored recruitment process (e.g., job posting channels, interview stages, assessment
techniques) and a pre-training plan for each position.
Designing Recruitment and Pre-Training Processes
1. Digital Marketing Specialist at VinGroup
As one of Vietnam's largest conglomerates, VinGroup is seeking a Digital Marketing
Specialist to drive online engagement for its retail and real estate brands. Your team must
create a recruitment process that evaluates candidates' digital marketing skills, creativity, and
analytics knowledge. Develop a pre-training plan that introduces the new hire to Vin Group's
brand guidelines, customer insights, and specific tools used for digital campaigns.
2. Financial Analyst at Vietcombank
Vietcombank, a leading bank in Vietnam, needs a Financial Analyst to provide data-driven
insights for strategic decisions. Your recruitment plan should include assessments of financial
modeling skills, regulatory knowledge, and attention to detail. For pre-training, design
modules covering Vietcombank's reporting standards, compliance protocols, and financial
product offerings to prepare the analyst for immediate contribution.
3. Brand Manager at Masan Group
Masan Group, a major player in the consumer goods industry, is hiring a Brand Manager to
oversee and expand its popular product lines. Craft a recruitment process that focuses on
identifying candidates with experience in brand management, market research, and campaign
planning. For pre-training, include content on Masan's brand history, competitive landscape,
and marketing strategy essentials to align the new hire with the brand's goals.
4. Finance Manager at FPT Corporation
FPT Corporation, a leader in IT services, is looking for a Finance Manager to manage
budgets and guide financial planning for its projects. Develop a recruitment process that
assesses skills in financial forecasting, budgeting, and strategic financial management. Create
a pre-training module to cover FPT's budgeting process, financial reporting tools, and the
company's financial strategy.
5. Business Development Manager at TH True Milk
TH True Milk, a top dairy producer in Vietnam, is searching for a Business Development
Manager to identify and develop new market opportunities. The recruitment process should
focus on candidates' abilities in strategic thinking, market analysis, and negotiation.
Pre-training should include modules on TH True Milk's market position, competitive
analysis, and business development objectives.
6. Marketing Research Analyst at Vinasoy
Vinasoy, known for its soy milk products, needs a Marketing Research Analyst to provide
data-driven insights for product and market strategies. Design a recruitment plan that tests
analytical skills, familiarity with market research methods, and consumer behavior
understanding. For pre-training, cover Vinasoy's market segmentation, data analysis tools,
and recent consumer trends to ensure a well-prepared start.
Step 1: Define the Recruitment Process
Job Posting Strategy: Where would you post this position to reach the most qualified
candidates? Consider specific job boards, industry platforms, or professional networks.
Selection Criteria: What specific skills, experiences, and qualifications are you looking for in
candidates?
Interview Stages and Structure: How many stages will your interview process have, and
what will each stage focus on? What kinds of questions or tests will help assess the
candidate's suitability for this role?
Skills Assessments or Tests: If applicable, what specific assessments or tests (e.g., practical
tests, case studies) would you include to evaluate the candidate's skills?
Chapter 13: Managing Groups and Teams
Case Study 2: At a weekly team meeting, the manager, Mr. Lee, frequently interrupts
employees while they present their updates. Some employees choose to remain quiet to avoid
conflict, while others react defensively. Over time, these meetings have become
unproductive, with employees feeling disengaged and less willing to contribute.
• Behavior: interrupts employees while they present their updates
• Organizational Behavior: unproductive, with employees feeling disengaged and less
willing to contribute
Case Study 3: A cross-functional team at GlobalTech has been tasked with launching a new
product. Emma, a marketing executive, takes charge of organizing team meetings and
delegating tasks effectively. However, during one meeting, another team member, Raj,
questions her leadership style, causing tension. Despite this, the team successfully launches
the product, which the company attributes to the team's strong collaborative culture.
• Behavior: Emma organizing meetings and Raj questioning her leadership are individual
behaviors.
• Organizational Behavior: The team's ability to overcome tension and collaborate
effectively, supported by the company's culture, represents organizational behavior.
————————————————————————————
Case 2: A restaurant chain is receiving customer complaints about food quality. The new
kitchen staff is not following the standard recipe, leading to inconsistent dishes. →
Immediate Corrective Action
Select either:
• Immediate Corrective Action: Retrain staff immediately to follow the recipes.
• Basic Corrective Action: Review the hiring and training processes to prevent similar issues
in the future.
Case 3: A bank's online banking system crashes for an entire day due to a software glitch,
preventing customers from accessing their accounts. → both
Select either:
• Immediate Corrective Action: Reset the system and restore service quickly.
• Basic Corrective Action: Investigate the software issue, improve system testing and
monitoring.
Activity 3. Read each case and decide which control approach is illustrated
Case 1: A manufacturing plant manager anticipates potential supply chain disruptions due to
upcoming changes in government trade regulations. To mitigate this, the manager orders raw
materials in bulk ahead of the regulation changes and partners with multiple suppliers to
ensure there will be no production halts in the future. The manager also reviews supplier
contracts and makes adjustments to ensure that the plant has all necessary resources before
any issues arise. → Feedforward control
Case 2: At a busy call center, the floor supervisor monitors calls in real-time to ensure that
agents are following the company's customer service guidelines. When the supervisor notices
a problem-such as an agent handling a call incorrectly-they step in immediately to provide
guidance and corrective feedback. This allows the supervisor to ensure that calls are handled
properly while they are still in progress. → Concurrent control
Case 3: The production manager at a car assembly plant regularly walks through the factory
floor, interacting directly with employees and observing their work. During these walks, the
manager provides real-time feedback, listens to employee concerns, and offers solutions to
any challenges they are facing. The manager also ensures that employees are following safety
protocols and quality standards. → Management by walking around
Case 4: After guests check out of a hotel, the management team sends out a customer
satisfaction survey to gather feedback about the guests' experiences. The team reviews the
survey responses and identifies recurring complaints about room cleanliness and slow service
in the restaurant. Based on this feedback, they implement new cleaning procedures and
retrain the restaurant staff to improve service in the future. → Feedback control
Chapter 18A: Planning and Control Techniques Module
Case Study 2: SunRise Cafe Chain is preparing its budget for the upcoming year and is
particularly focused on forecasting future sales for its various cafe locations.
The company has identified market growth opportunities and is using past sales data to
predict how many customers they will serve and how much revenue they will generate in
each location. The management uses this information to forecast revenue across all branches.
Budgeting Focus: Each cafe location is required to submit detailed projections of how many
beverages and food items they expect to sell over the next year. These projections are based
on past performance, seasonal trends, and anticipated changes in customer traffic due to
marketing initiatives.
→ revenue budget
Case Study 3: AquaPure Water Filters, a company that manufactures and sells water
filtration systems, is preparing its financial plan for the upcoming quarter. The company's
finance department is focused on making sure that enough funds are available to cover its
operations, including paying suppliers, employee wages, and covering unexpected expenses.
Their budget carefully tracks how much cash is available at the start of each month and
forecasts how much cash will be needed to pay bills and ensure liquidity.
Budgeting Focus: The finance team focuses on estimating the amount of cash inflows from
sales and service contracts. They also calculate the expected outflows for expenses such as
material procurement, salaries, and utilities to ensure the company does not run out of cash.
→ cash budget