You are on page 1of 17

Robin Hood

Presented by Sumanta Bandyopadhyay MBA(FINANCE), 2ND YEAR, II SEMESTER DEPT. OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION UNIVERSITY OF KALYANI

Robin Hood: Organizational Profile

Robin Hood (1938)

Brief History

First year of Revolt: built a large body of men with grievances; made a disciplined fighting force; housed in Sherwood Forest Robin ruled supreme; had lieutenants to whom he delegated functions Fame spread; the band grew As the band grew, discipline slackened and food was scarce. Revenues were running short as the rich were avoiding the forest Barons want to overthrow Prince John, bring King Richard back, and want Robin Hood to help them in exchange for amnesty Something had to change, but what?

Robin Hood: Financial Indicators


The Changing Forest
First year, did well. Small organization, growth was steady, revenues consistent, stockholder support No competition
Company Revenue Expenses Coffers Year 1 13.4 10.0 3.4 Year 2 12.1 11.5 .6 Change -1.3 +1.5 -2.8

Robin Hood: The Problem(s)


Sheriff is getting stronger; more men and money Band is running out of money Food is scarce How do we decisively end the conflict before the Sheriff regains control?

Robin Hood: SWOT


Strengths Strong leadership Large band of well-trained fighting men Support from stockholders (the peasants and farmers that hate the Sheriff) Opportunities Expand into other forests, spreading the revenue base Weaknesses Unable to sustain growth (limited resources) Lack of familiarity with all org members

Threats The sheriff is getting stronger, increased competition Prince John is paranoid, could act irrationally Barons could undermine Robins efforts

Robin Hood: Alternatives


TOWS Matrix
Opportunities SO Strategies: Kill the Sheriff Strengths Wipe him out, no more problems Has the men to do it When the sheriff is gone, disband Threats ST Strategies: Join the barons Has the fighting force Get access to capital markets Maybe ends the conflict quicker

WO Strategies: Limit size of band Weaknesses: Turn the fighting band into a group of elites Maintains discipline Solves food issues Basically, curtail growth

WT Strategies: Disband Give up the cause, return to normal life Robin flees to another country to escape punishment

Robin Hood: Questions.


1. What problems does Robin Hood have, and what issues need to be addressed? 2. Do Robin Hood and the Merrymen need a new mission, new objectives, a new strategy? 3. What strategic options does Robin Hood have? Is continuing with the present strategy an option or is the present strategy obsolete? 4. Why not try to end the campaign by killing the Sheriff? 5. What are the pros and cons of accepting the offer of the barons to assist in securing King Richard's release from prison? 6. What action plan would you recommend to Robin? 7. How should Robin implement the recommended plan, and what steps will need to be taken to make the recommended strategy work successfully?

1. What problems does Robin Hood have/ what issues need to be addressed?
Robin Hood has many issues that need to be addressed. The most immediate problem is that the band is overstaffed and with insufficient resources to sustain it. Just as the numbers of Merrymen are growing, travelers are beginning to find alternate routes through the forest to avoid apprehension, causing a decline in the bands revenue stream. This, along with other changes in the external environment is making the bands business model obsolete. These changes must be addressed along with the structuring and training of the evergrowing band of Merrymen. In short, Robin needs to select a new strategy and rally the Merrymen behind the cause, training new members and practicing change management to get the older members on board.

2. Do Robin Hood and the Merrymen need a new mission? New objectives? A new strategy?
Robin Hood and his band are in need of a fresh strategy in response to external happenings. For instance, travelers are beginning to avoid the forest, despite added cost and inconvenience, to protect their belongings. Also, Robins plan to force the Sheriff out of Nottingham by causing unrest is not working. Indeed, the Sheriff is using powerful connections to apply added pressure to Robin and the Merrymen. To further complicate matters, some of the barons that appointed Prince John to the throne are now campaigning to clandestinely raise the ransom to free King Richard. These barons have offered Robin Hood the chance to help in this mission in exchange for future amnesty. While the return of King Richard and the ousting of King John is what Robin wants, the risks involved in such a deal are very high. The unofficial mission of the gang is rob from the rich and give to the poor. However, the true goal of the organization is to remove the amoral Sheriff from office, as evidenced by the consideration of Robin to institute a fixed transit tax. A more appropriate mission would be rid Nottingham of the corrupt King John and Sheriff. The gang also needs to outline some objectives, as this has not been done in the past. For example, each Merryman shall produce enough loot each day to pay for his own food.

3. What strategic options does Robin Hood have? Is continuing with the present strategy an option or is the present strategy obsolete?
In regards to strategy, Robin Hood must weigh the benefits and risks of the following: I) Form a strategic alliance with the barons to rescue King Richard

II) Expand the organization into areas outside Sherwood Forest


III) Kill the Sheriff as a defensive strategic move IV) Switch to a fixed transit tax for an offensive strategic move The current strategy of the group is becoming obsolete at a hurried pace, as wealthy patrons are avoiding the forest. With a growing army of men to feed, Robin must develop a new strategy or significantly alter current practices.

4. Why not try to end the campaign by killing the Sheriff?

Robin has considered killing the Sheriff to end the feud, but decided against it because it would only satisfy his thirst for revenge without improving the matter. The next Sheriff would undoubtedly be just as bad if not worse because the Sheriffs association is devoid of values. Also, with the Sheriffs high-powered friends and increasing resources, the chances of succeeding in the slaying are dim. If there is an unsuccessful attempt on the life of the Sheriff, retribution will be fierce.

5. What are the pros and cons of accepting the offer of the barons to assist in securing King Richard's release from prison?

Working with the barons to free King Richard would provide Robin Hood with amnesty and a resolution to the campaign against the Sheriff. However, if the plan proves unsuccessful, King John will unleash his vicious and volatile side to ensure Robin Hoods demise.

6. What action plan would you recommend to Robin?

To achieve the goals of the organization and


return to a law-abiding life, Robin should accept

the offer of the barons to work on freeing King


Richard.

7. How should Robin implement the recommended plan? What action steps will need to be taken to make the recommended strategy work successfully?

While this is the riskiest strategy, the rewards are great. To implement the plan effectively, Robin Hood needs to immediately send some of the new men home, so as not to attract any more attention to the group. With the remaining members, Robin Hood should spend some of the gangs free time

Robin Hood: Recommendations

Robin and one of his merry men

Recommendation:
Join the barons
take a chance on getting King Richard back and getting rid of John and the Sheriff in one fell swoop Get capital to grow the business and feed the troops

Robin Hood: Case Update

Maid Marian

Robin joined the barons. King Richard was freed and reclaimed the throne Prince John was exiled and the Sheriff lost his job; he now cleans pigsties for a living. Robin was exonerated and lives in a large mansion on the edge of Sherwood Forest, enjoying life with his wife (Maid Marion), three kids, two horses, and a dog named Jack.

Robin Hood: The End

Thank You!

You might also like