Case Study 2: The Hybrid Team Challenge
Student Learning Outcomes
This assignment assesses the following course student learning outcomes:
- MGMT101 SLO3 – Analysis: Apply management concepts and/or theories to hypothetical management simulations
- MGMT101 SLO4 – Conclude: Apply the appropriate management techniques to contemporary organizational problems confronting today’s manager.
Objective
The purpose of this assignment is to apply management concepts and theories to a realistic workplace situation. You will analyze the problems facing a manager and recommend appropriate management techniques.
Case Study: Juniper Bridge Events
This case, company, and all people described are fictional.
Jordan Lee was recently promoted to manager at Juniper Bridge Events, a small company that plans birthday parties, weddings, school events, and business meetings. Jordan supervises a team of 12 employees.
The employees answer customer emails, schedule appointments, create event plans, contact vendors, order supplies, and make sure events are completed correctly and on time.
The company uses a hybrid work schedule. Employees work in the office two days each week and work from home for the other three days.
At first, employees liked the flexibility. Over time, however, several problems developed.
Communication became inconsistent. Some employees discussed important event details while they were in the office but forgot to share the information with employees working from home. Employees also used different methods to communicate, including email, text messages, and several online platforms. As a result, employees sometimes missed important information or could not find previous decisions.
Employee performance also became uneven. Some employees completed their tasks on time, while others missed deadlines or forgot important details. High-performing employees became frustrated because they often had to finish work that their coworkers had not completed.
Employees also disagreed about the hybrid schedule. Some employees wanted everyone to spend more time in the office. Others felt they were more productive working from home. Several employees believed the schedule was unfair because some people appeared to have more flexibility than others.
Jordan wanted to be supportive and did not want employees to feel micromanaged. However, Jordan did not establish clear communication rules, deadlines, or performance expectations. Jordan also avoided addressing disagreements because of concern that stricter rules would lower employee morale.
Recently, the company lost an important customer after the team failed to confirm a vendor and respond to several customer messages. The customer canceled the event and hired another company.
The owner of Juniper Bridge Events has given Jordan 60 days to improve communication, employee performance, accountability, teamwork, and customer service.
Jordan must now decide how to solve these problems while continuing to offer employees some workplace flexibility.
Assignment Instructions
Assume that you have been hired as a management consultant to advise Jordan. Write a 750–1,000-word case study analysis that answers the following questions.
1. What are the main management problems? Identify and explain at least three major management problems in the case. Explain how each problem affects employees, teamwork, customers, or the company.
2. Which management concepts or theories apply? Choose at least three management concepts or theories from the course and apply them to the case:
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Communication
- Decision-making
- Teamwork
- Conflict management
- Organizational culture
- Performance management
- Goal setting
- Control
- Human resource management
- Fairness
- Employee engagement
- Change management
3. How effective has Jordan been as a manager?
4. What should Jordan do next? Recommend at least four specific actions Jordan should take during the next 60 days.
Your recommendations should address several of the following areas:
- Communication
- Employee performance
- Accountability
- Workplace conflict
- The hybrid work schedule
- Customer service
5. What should Jordan’s first priority be? Conclude your analysis by identifying the most important action Jordan should take first. Explain why this action should be the first priority and how it could improve the team and the company.
Required Course Connections
Your analysis must refer to concepts from the course textbook, presentations, or other assigned course materials. You may use credible outside sources, but outside research is not required unless directed by your instructor. Include citations when referring to course concepts and provide a reference list at the end of your paper.
Submission Requirements
- Length: 750–1,000 words
- Format: Typed and double-spaced
- Font: 11- or 12-point professional font
- Organization: Use headings for each required section
- Sources: Refer to course materials
- File type: PDF or Microsoft Word document
