The Participant assumes the role of a recently appointed Sales Manager of Socrates Systems, a medium-sized software company specialising in Financial Accounting packages. The Participant is asked to investigate a situation in which a customer has requested that a Sales Executive should be dismissed. There are a number of pertinent facts to be unearthed and the Participant is required to make a decision based on the information they have gathered.
Competencies: Interpersonal Sensitivity
As the Production Director of Chameleon Corporation UK, a large manufacturing corporation, the Participant has to deal with a number of issues related to product quality, technological development and innovation, major capital expenditure projects, product development and the interface between production and all other aspects of the Companys operations. At this level much of the content is future oriented. Current issues have an impact across the whole organisation.
As the Finance Director of Chameleon Corporation UK, a large manufacturing corporation, the Participant has to deal with a wide range of strategic and operational matters. Current strategic challenges include a potential acquisition and a collaboration agreement. Operational matters relate to ensuring adherence to accounting standards, managing pension and treasury issues, preparing the annual Shareholders Report and various other day-to-day issues to do with staff management and resourcing requirements.
The Participant assumes the role of a new recruit, working within the Trade Support department of a leading Investment Bank, Bear Capital. The Department is responsible for providing day-to-day operational support to the trading desks. Within this role they have to deal with a number of important issues that arise. These include investigating failed trades, ensuring timely payments are made and dealing with queries from internal and external customers. No prior experience of Investment Banking or related financial services is required.
The Participant takes on the role of a Human Resources (HR) Director of Chameleon Corporation and is required to handle a number of complex, strategic issues relating to HR policies on pay and reward mechanisms, succession planning and the future development of the Human Resource Department and other executive decisions.
The Participant assumes the role of the Director of Corporate Support and Shared Services for the Department of Personal Data, which is responsible for the collection, co-ordination and dissemination of all personal data for use by other Government departments. The In-Basket contains issues relating to the preparation of ministerial briefings regarding the security and abuse of personal data and the need to provide public reassurance and respond to legal challenges. There are also some issues relating to staff performance and implications for the Departments policy on diversity awareness and budgetary planning, as well as other strategic matters.
As the Sales Director of Chameleon Corporation UK, a large manufacturing corporation, the Participant is required to deal with a wide range of sales-related issues, to do with performance, targets, recruitment, awards, conferences and business opportunities, amongst other things. The Participant is also expected to take a strategic view across the business in their capacity as a Director and a number of the items reflect this requirement.
Working within an organisation which is committed to building sustainable communities and better lives, the Participant will assume the role of a newly appointed Branch Manager within Haven Housing Association. The issues included in this In-Basket are typical of a first-line management role and include managing services to customers, team motivation, maximising income and performance management. No prior experience of Housing Associations or related services is assumed.
The Participant assumes the role of a Factory Human Resources (HR) Manager of a leading motor components manufacturer. The role requires them, supported by a small team, to be responsible for all HR matters at several sites and this entails managing a wide range of correspondence, from various levels within the organisation. The issues raised relate to selection, appraisal, training & development, internal communications, rewards and disciplinary matters. Participants are not required to display specific knowledge of HR practices or legal principles, beyond what would be expected of any line manager.
The Participant assumes the role of a Trainee Store Manager working for a major international retailer, EuroBargain, which has numerous hypermarkets across Europe. The Participant is asked to deal with a range of issues typical of those faced in a retail environment. Issues include standard day-to-day management tasks relating to sales figures, stock levels, staffing challenges and customer liaison, as well as a number of non-standard tasks.
