The following is an example of the process involved in writing a Case Study paper. The Case Study is found at the end of Chapter 1 of your textbook; Elektra Products, Inc. Items in red font are explanatory notes and would not be included in the finished product.

Charles A. Student 20 Nov 2011
Elektra Products, Inc.

The following summary identifies the basic substance of the situation, the key individuals involved, and the dilemma faced by the responsible manager.

Summary: Barbara Russell, Elektra's Vice President of Manufacturing, has been tasked by Martin Griffin, Elektra's new President, to head one of the teams that will devise a plan to change Elektra's management style from a traditional top-down firm to a de-centralized organization that emphasizes employee empowerment in the management process. Ms. Russell forms an enthusiastic team that works extra hours to compile management changes that would allow employees at all levels to make decisions appropriate to their positions. However, When the recommendations are presented to department heads, they receive a cold reception when Mr. Griffin is called away from the meeting. Ms. Russell is now faced with the problem of implementing change against the resistance of the mid-level management.

Question 1: How might top management have done a better job changing Elektra Products into a new kind of organization? What might they do now to get the empowerment process back on track?

Note: Question 1 asks two questions; both must be answered in the response to Question 1. Response: Answer 1 Top management could have included the mid and lower level managers, and employees in the study teams. The study teams should have received instruction on the concept behind "empowerment", and how the objective was to have employees at all levels taking responsibility for decision making, at that level, and