For Office Use: Score Communication for Managers Case Assignment No. 2 Case Analysis Report on ‘Is it ever okay to break a promise?’ Submitted by: Name: Pranav B Mohite Roll No: 211211 Section: C Batch: MBA - FT (2021-2023) Institute of Management, Nirma University Date of Submission: 27/08/2021 1 of 7 Executive Summary: Sameer Hopkins worked in operations at BABA, under Ioana Romano, VP-Operations. To gain a better understanding of the business world, Sameer urged Ioana to persuade Anil Baba, the CEO, to sponsor him for MBA. Baba agrees to this, under a contract of working for 3 years for BABA Enterprise after completing his MBA. However, near the end of his MBA, Sameer is offered a huge opportunity to work for Cloudskim, with a salary double than that of BABA, leaving him torn between the two options. However, his third alternative is to structure another deal with BABA in order to produce a win-win situation for both parties. Word Count- 106 2 of 7 Situational Analysis: The Protagonist, Sameer Hopskin, is a BABA employee who is at the centre of the case. Sameer is a hardworking and dedicated employee at the firm. Sameer had excelled in all of his assignments and had already received four promotions. He was so comfortable in the workplace that he could do almost any job. He understood he needed an MBA after a brief lunch with a colleague in order to rise to a management position and influence his career. But he lacked the financial means to do so, forcing him to approach his head. Ioana Romano is the Vice President of Operations. Ioana tries to explain the workplace and what is expected of him; she discusses the company's concept and policy of immersing oneself in the work and receiving first-hand training. She does, however, manage to set up a meeting with the CEO. Mr Baba, CEO of BABA Enterprise doesn't like Sameer's idea of requiring formal training, thus the first meeting isn't particularly beneficial for him. As a result, he asks Ioana to try to talk to Mr Baba again and help him see the wider picture since he believes Baba trusts her and that she has the ability to influence his ideas. This indicates that Mr Baba is sceptical and does not believe that the staff will return after earning an MBA because of the prestigious credentials they will receive. In the meantime, Mr Baba urges Ioana to keep Sameer connected to the organisation. This is because he sees Sameer's great potential and regards him as a valuable asset who can help the company expand. Ioana enlists the help of HR to draught a formal contract stating that if the firm sponsors him, he will be required to work for the company for the next three years following his MBA. If he fails to do so, he will be responsible for paying the organization's tuition expenses. This is officially communicated to Sameer, including with its legal implications. Ioana, on the other hand, discusses something even more essential, namely the opportunities that may arise when Sameer returns to BABA after completing his MBA. She emphasises to him that it's not about the money, but rather the example he'll make for other employees' brighter futures, highlighting Sameer's close buddy Patrick, who wishes for the same thing. She wants him to guarantee that he will return to the company with all of his skill and knowledge. He reaffirms his commitment, after which the HR takes care of all the legalities. During Sameer's MBA programme, he receives an email from a search firm informing him of a new opportunity to work for CloudSkim. With high income and a slew of benefits, the position is ideal for an astute like Sameer. Knowing that Sameer is obligated to BABA, Cloudskim offers to cover half of the tuition money for BABA as well. Ioana reminds Sameer of his pledge and the likelihood of such head-hunters when he tells her about it. This puts him in a bind because he receives 3 of 7 a job offer from CloudSkim while also being reminded of his prior company's commitment. There is a trade-off between ethics and personal benefit in this case (Exhibit 1). Problem Statement: Sameer must decide quickly whether or not to accept the CloudSkim offer. To arrive on a road that will enhance his career, he must make a difficult choice between his ideals and logic. Objective: • To climb the corporate ladder to a high, prestigious position where he can enjoy a wide range of financial and recreational rewards. • To choose the best alternative from 3 options available. • To create a win-win situation. Options Evaluation of options: 1. Option 1: Sameer should apply for the position at CloudSkim. Pros: • Because CloudSkim is a Silicon Valley start-up, he will have higher intellectual learning and networking chances. • Because the start-up provides amenities for leisure activities, he will have a better work-life balance. Cons: • Accepting the job would mean breaking the commitment and closing the doors to BABA's valuable growth potential. • If he accepts the offer, BABA's management will never push or allow anyone to pursue an MBA. 2. Option 2: Sameer should apply for the position at CloudSkim Pros: • BABA respects Sameer and will provide him with the best possible atmosphere in which to put his abilities to use. 4 of 7 • At BABA, Sameer will set an example for other employees to follow, and they will look up to him. Cons: • His will be deprived of the possibility to pursue various options. • Although he will be promoted, he will not receive a significant pay raise. 3. Option 3: Sameer should renegotiate his contract with BABA in order to reap the most benefits from the company. Pros: • He was under consideration for a position on the headquarters team. • He will be pleased with the work environment, and his commitment will result in increased production. Cons: • He'll limit his efforts to BABA and miss out on fresh opportunities. • He may be too demanding for the organisation, and he may not be given the authority to make big choices. Decision and Justification Sameer will be happiest if he pursues the option of signing a new arrangement with BABA (option 3), in which he could persuade them to raise his income and, because he is a management graduate, grant him control over some areas in which to utilise his abilities. This would assist him in resolving the difficulty in the best possible manner, ensuring that he does not breach his word while also obtaining the finest results. The corporation would be involved in the negotiations to retain such a dextrous employee since it values him and is aware of his abilities. He should return to his previous employer since it has invested in him in the belief that he will be a valuable asset (exhibit 1). Action Plan: • Sameer should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of making another arrangement. 5 of 7 • Sameer should select what terms and circumstances he will provide to BABA in order to receive benefits comparable to those provided by CloudSkim. • BABA should be informed of the above in a clear and professional manner. • To have the agreement accepted, negotiate thoroughly with BABA and demonstrate his commitment. Contingency Plan: If Sameer is unable to reach an agreement with BABA, he should accept the position at CloudSkim, as failure to do so could harm Sameer's relationship with the company. By accepting the position at CloudSkim, he will be breaking his vow, but it is preferable to have no employee than one who has regrets and is less committed to his work. Sameer may find himself tethered to his employment due to the contract and promise, but if he chooses to stay, he will be unmotivated to work. Allowing Sameer to go and maintaining professional contacts with him would be a win-win situation for everyone. Word Count: 1090 Exhibit: Exhibit 1: Name Sameer Hopkin Firm BABA Raji Hopkin Ioana Romano Designation Asst. Manager (Operations) VP (Operations) Anil Baba CEO BABA Lucia Baltimore VP (HR) BABA Patrick Fishburn Asst. Manager (Operations) BABA Dana Knight Principal Zeisberger Associates Lucy Vinapola HR Manager Cloudskim BABA 6 of 7 Remarks Wanted to study MBA Sameer's Mother Helps Sameer to convience Mr.Baba Sponsors Sameer’s MBA Looking after the contract Planning to do MBA hoping to get sponsored by Mr. BABA In search of a best candidate for their client Cloudskim Communicates the offer to Sameer UNDERTAKING To Whom It May Concern: I, Pranav B Mohite hereby declare that this assignment is my original work and is not copied from anyone/ anywhere. If found similar to other sources, I shall take complete responsibility of the action, taken thereof by, CFM Team. Signature : Pranav Mohite Name : Pranav B Mohite Roll No. : 211211 Section : C Batch : MBA – FT (2020-2022) Date : 27/08/2021 7 of 7
