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.
Competencies: Problem Analysis
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.
The Participant assumes the role of a Customer Service Agent working for a small low cost airline, Low-Fare Air. It is the ParticipantÂ’’s first day, having taken over from their predecessor who has transferred to another department within the airline. Due to an urgent offsite meeting, no other members of the Organisation are available. The Participant is required to deal with internal and external customer issues and complaints such as damaged baggage, complaints against staff, reservation errors, rota checking, and policy document checking.
The Participant assumes the role of an International Business Development Manager, with a remit to grow the EMEA region for DentaGlo, a US manufacturer of a tooth whitening system. Although DentaGlo is well established within the US, it has only started to move into overseas markets in the last few years. The ParticipantÂ’’s role requires them to expand the sales channels within the region through a combination of direct sales activity and third party distributors. Items relate to sourcing and evaluating potential new distributors, managing performance issues and devising sales and marketing strategies for the different territories within their region.
The Participant takes on the role of a recently recruited Graduate who is on the Management Trainee Scheme at Concordia Ltd, a kitchen appliance manufacturer. The scheme is comprised of a series of 3-month placements working on a series of special projects, aimed at giving the individual a broad understanding of the Organisation. The exercise scenario involves the Participant managing a range of issues related to a new set of projects. Items within the In-Basket include emails, circulars and correspondence and the Participant has to process these items within the allotted time.
The Participant takes on the role of an acting Unit Manager for a Psychiatric Unit situated in the grounds of the regional general hospital. The Participant is asked to deputise for the previous Unit Manager who has been taken seriously ill. Whilst their day-to-day responsibilities do not include patient care, they do need to liaise with medical staff and are responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the Unit, through the provision of effective administrative support and other services. As such, the Participant is expected to deal with a wide range of typical issues that have arisen.
The Participant is asked to imagine themselves as a Graduate Trainee at Midshires Consulting, a large accountancy and professional services firm. The scenario involves the Participant returning from a training course to find that their in-tray is full of emails, circulars and reports as well as information regarding future meetings and presentations. The object of the exercise is to prioritise and organise the items in a structured and considered way.
The Participant assumes the role of Managing Director of International Operations within Mega Toys and Games. This role is highly strategic, having overall responsibility for international sales & marketing, as well as product sourcing. It does not however include manufacturing. Items to be handled in the In-Basket relate to strategic issues about divisional responsibilities, headcount, potential mergers and other executive decisions.
The Participant assumes the role of the General Manager of Mega Models Ltd, a subsidiary of Mega Toys and Games. Mega Models manufactures a range of toys and models, which span age groups from nursery to adult. The In-Basket contains issues relating to sales & marketing, production, finance and human resources. As such they typify issues likely to be faced by a middle manager.
The Participant is asked to imagine that they are the manager of a branch of a retail bank, Regal Bank plc. Within this role they have major responsibilities for the people in the branch, for developing sales of banking and associated products, and for the supervision/efficiency of all the day-to-day processes. The items within the In-Basket relate to all of these major accountabilities, which are typical of the work of a first-line manager.
