Participants take on the role of Branch Managers in the Financial Services Division of Universal Life, an insurance company. They are meeting to discuss several issues that the firm faces. These include strategies for targeting key markets, the analysis of performance figures, the introduction of a customer service charter which goes beyond meeting compliance regulations, and ideas for improving the effectiveness of the recruitment of Financial Advisors. The group is expected to prepare recommendations for subsequent review by the Regional Director.
Exercise Level: Middle Management
Each Participant sits on the Executive Committee as a Head of Department within the law firm Moloney & Walker. The Committee is faced with four different scenarios which raise issues such as client management, re-branding, performance monitoring and the threat of litigation against the firm. The Participants must discuss each issue and agree upon the most appropriate ways to proceed.
Acting as a group of consultants, the Participants are requested to make recommendations concerning a number of issues facing an NHS Trust. The group is presented with four agenda items each requiring a prompt solution. The issues addressed include managing performance problems, changing shift patterns, public relations and access to services for all sections of the community.
Participants assume the roles of senior managers in the Public Health Service who sit on a committee charged with driving forward a number of change initiatives. The group is meeting to discuss issues relating to organisational change within the Public Health Service arising from Government initiatives. The issues cover matters concerning restructuring and cultural change, partnership working, the provision of services and communications.
Participants meet as general managers of Leisure Hotels, who meet regularly to discuss operational issues. The managers have been nominated to form a policy committee responsible for discussing and resolving a number of issues facing Leisure Hotels. Their task is to provide recommendations for handling: the threatened loss of a service contract, a publicity initiative, a security review and pricing flexibility.
Participants take the role of Senior Managers of Household Products Ltd, sitting on a Strategic Review Committee with responsibility for recommending policy changes for consideration by the Board. In this instance the committee is meeting to review issues relating to lost customer agreements, a new packaging initiative, join venture plans and quality control infringements.
The Participant assumes the role of a General Manager within a service organisation, who has been asked by the Marketing Director to do an analysis of the level of service provided in comparison with competitors. The Participant is provided with a large amount of numerical data in tabular and graphical form as well as textual information relating to feedback from customers and reports on general industry trends. The Marketing Director has asked for a report highlighting appropriate conclusions and recommendations for action.
Participants assume the role of Business Managers for a large organic food business, OrganiBox, which has grown significantly over the last 5 years. The Board has asked them to review some key issues that the Organisation is facing and put forward recommendations for progressing them. The issues include the threat of emerging competitors, internal personnel issues such as sickness and inappropriate behaviour, a supplier problem, a situation regarding negative publicity in the media and also the need to diversify what the business is offering.
Express exercises are condensed versions of their original counterparts. They assess fewer competencies and take less time to both complete and mark.
The Participant assumes the role of Head of Development at Alpha Plastics, a global manufacturing company. Alpha Plastics is looking to expand into Asia in the coming year and there are two locations to choose between for a new site. The Participant’s role is to analyse the information collected to date and to recommend which site should be chosen and then resource the project. Information provided includes company details, Corporate Social Responsibility policies, industry trends and local area data.
Express exercises are condensed versions of their original counterparts. They assess fewer competencies and take less time to both complete and mark.
The Participant assumes the role of Procurement Manager for Hampshire Public Health Service Trust. The PHS Trust is re-developing one of its hospital sites and aims to achieve best service delivery and ‘value for money’ through partnership with a private organisation. The Participant is required to analyse a range of numerical and textual information, including a risk allocation matrix, to assess submissions from potential partners. The Participant must provide a considered proposal, making recommendations as to which submissions will be short-listed to the next stage. The Participant does not need any knowledge of procurement procedures in order to complete this exercise.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Flexibility
Openness to Change
Listening
Persuasive Oral Communication
Impact
