Case Analysis 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.

Case Analysis Methodology - Ivey

Background Information or Synopsis

Definition of the Issue

Analysis of Case Data

Identify Clear and Definable Alternatives

Identify Specific and Defendable Decision Criteria

Quantitative	Qualitative
Profit	Competitive advantage
Cost	Customer satisfaction
Return on investment	Employee morale
Market share	Corporate image
Capacity	Ease of implementation
Delivery time	Synergy
Risk	Ethics
Cash flow	Flexibility
Inventory turn	Safety
Productivity	Visual appeal
Staff turnover	Obsolescence
Quality	Cultural sensitivity
Growth rate	Motivation
quantity	Goodwill

Objective Assessment of Alternatives

Defendable Selection of Preferred Alternative

Implementation Plan

Structure

Your case analysis should flow logically from beginning to end. In other words, I should not be surprised by something coming up for the first time in the later sections of the paper. For example, if you are suggesting an action in the implementation plan that doesnt relate to the recommendations youve made, perhaps you need to revisit your recommendations (and maybe even your alternatives or problems) to see if youve missed something