Once the case study is read, a one page, summary should be typed and contain the following information :

A. Abstract of the case to include overview of the probleme or issue.

B. Contribution of case to strategic managent.

C. Recommendations for the solving the problem or issue.

Further instructions :

- One page three paragraphs for each critiue is the recquirements inclunding any references.

CASE 1 w preemble ROBIN HOOD* It was in the spring of the second year of his insurrec lose, were now giving the forest a wide berth. This tion against the High Sheriff of Nottingham that Robin costly and inconvenient to them, but it was Hood took a walk in Sherwood Forest. As he walked he having all their goods confiscated. Robin believed that the time had come for the Merry pondered the progress of the campaign, the disposition of to change their policy of outright confiscation of goods to his forces, the Sheriff's recent moves, and the options that confronted him one of a fixed transit tax. His lieutenants strongly The revolt against the Sheriff had begun as a personal this idea. They were proud of the Merrymen's famom crusade, erupting out of Robin's conflict with the Sherill motto: "Rob the rich and give to the poor"The and the townspeople, they argued, are our most importan and his administration. Alone, however, Robin Hood could do little. He therefore sought allies, men with grievances allies. How can we task them, and still hope for their helpen Sheriff and a deep sense of justice. Later he welcomed all who came, asking few questions, and only demanding a will Robin wondered how long the Merrymen coulder to the ways and methods of their early days. The Sharif ingness to serve. Strength, he believed, lay in numbers. He spent the first year forging the group into a disci was growing stronger and better organized. He now for plined band, united in enmity against the Sheriff, and will the money and the men and was beginning to harass the ing to live outside the law. The band's organization was band, probing for its weaknesses, simple. Robin ruled supreme, making all important deci- The tide of events was beginning to tum against sions. He delegated specific tasks to his lieutenants. Will Merrymen. Robin felt that the campaign must be des Scarlett was in charge of intelligence and scouting. His sively concluded before the Sheriff had a chance to deliver main job was to shadow the Sheriff and his men, always mortal blow. "But how," he wondered, could this be alert to their next move. He also collected information done? on the travel plans of rich merchants and tax collectors. Robin had often entertained the possibility of killing Little John kept discipline among the men, and saw to it the Sheriff, but the chances for this seemed increasingly that their archery was at the high peak that their profession remote. Besides, while killing the Sheriff might satisfy ha demanded. Scarlock took care of the finances, convert- personal thirst for revenge, it would not improve the smo ing loot into cash, paying shares of the take, and finding ation, Robin had hoped that the perpetual state of unrest suitable hiding places for the surplus. Finally, Much the and the Sheriff's failure to collect taxes, would lead to his Miller's son had the difficult task of provisioning the ever- removal from office. Instead, the Sheriff used his politi- increasing band of Merrymen. cal connections to obtain reinforcement. He had power The increasing size of the band was source of satis- ful friends at court, and was well regarded by the regent faction for Robin, but also a source of concem. The fame Prince John of his Merrymen was spreading, and new recruits poured Prince John was vicious and volatile. He was consumed in from every corner of England. As the band grew larger by his unpopularity among the people, who wanted the their small bivouac became a major encampment. Between imprisoned King Richard back. He also lived in constant raids the men milled about, talking and playing games. fear of the barons, who had first given him the repetics Vigilance was in decline, and discipline was becoming but were now beginning to dispute his claim to the thront. harder to enforce. "Why." Robin reflected, "I don't know Several of these barons had set out to collect the half the men I run into these days." that would release King Richard the Lionheart from his The growing band was also beginning to exceed the jail in Austria. Robin was invited to join the conspiracy food capacity of the forest Game was becoming scarce. return for future amnesty. It was a dangerous propositice and supplies had to be obtained from outlying villages Provincial banditry was one thing, court intrigue another The cost of buying food was beginning to drain the band's Prince John's spies were everywhere. If the plan failed, the financial reserves at the very moment when revenues were pursuit would be relentless and retribution swift. in decline, Travelers, especially those with the most to The sound of the supper horn startled Robin frem thoughts. There was the smell of roasting venison in de air. Nothing was resolved or settled. Robin headel - Prepared by Joseph Lampel, Olty University, London Caput Joseph camp promising himself that he would give these problem pelo 1985. etod 1991. Reprinted with powo his utmost attention after tomorrow's raid. C2 CASE 1 ROBIN HOOD