Case Analysis on Virsis using IVEY method

VIRSIS

The leader in its field in Canada, VIRSIS employs some 200 plant workers. Its workforce is very stable and about 45 employees, most of them young, were hired in the last two years. Three first-line foremen also joined the organization during this period (3.7). Since the company is active in a highly competitive market, it has to offer innovative, top-quality products at the lowest cost. All its customers are in the United States and are becoming increasingly demanding. To respond to this situation, the organization has made a concentrated effort to improve plant efficiency over the last five years. It would like to continue its improvement projects in order to sustain its dominant market position. It can rely on a strong and aligned management team to help it achieve this goal.

Unfortunately, recent discussions about working conditions have had an impact on the climate at work. Management has noticed a lack of cooperation, teamwork and knowledge sharing among employees, as well as a reluctance to get involved in the organization. Employees also pay little attention to rules about coffee and meal breaks. Whats more, they remain suspicious of the organizations motives since their previous experiences with organizational change resulted in layoffs.

VIRSIS wants to implement a human resources management model that focuses on accountability, skills promotion and results (rather than on management by seniority) in order to enhance employee involvement. However, it doesnt know where to start. It has already informed managers of the direction they will be expected to take and the support it will be asking you to provide.

(use this template to organize your research and thoughts)

Background Information or synopsis (use point form) Select the most relevant facts from the case which have a direct bearing on the issue at hand:

Immediate Issues/Symptoms Explain (list from most to least severe) Who is involved? What is their role and responsibility in creating or resolving this issue? Impact on costs, quality, customer service, or innovation?

Root Cause/Basic Underlying Issues Explain (list from most to least severe) Who is involved? What is their role and responsibility in creating or resolving this issue? Impact on costs, quality, customer service, or innovation?

Analysis of Case Data Causes & Effects

Constraints

Opportunities

Quantitative Data

Qualitative Data

Course Concepts Relevant to Case

Describe alternatives to resolve root cause/basic issues. Issue Considerations/Support

Decision Criteria What are the criteria that are important to making this decision? Justification for choosing this criterion

Alternative Assessment

Note: You are not required to use 4 criteria or identify 5 alternatives; alter the table as required for your analysis.

Alternative Decision Criteria Criterion 1 Criterion 2 Criterion 3 Criterion 4 Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 4 Alternative 5 Recommendations Recommendation Justification for choosing this alternative

Implementation Plan What? Who? When? Resources Monitor/Audit Short Term (<90days)

Medium Term (3 months 2 years)

Long Term (over 2 years)