University of Santo Tomas

Robin Hood

A
Case Presentation

Submitted to
Sir Real Carpio So

In
Partial Fulfillment
Of The Requirements
In
Entre 7 Strategic Management

Submitted By:
Reyes, Jemima
Tamayo, Janelle
Taylo, Michael John
Teñido, Lenard
Turgano, Glerish
Verosil, Richard
Yabut, Katrina

19 November 2012 I.
Statement of the Problem
Mismanagement of the lieutenants with the recruitment and training of Merrymen members leading to the scarcity of resources, and incoherency of his goals from the band; this may result in the weakening of the band of Robin Hood that will give the Sheriff a chance to eliminate them.
The revolt against the Sheriff had begun as a personal crusade. It erupted out of Robin’s conflict with the Sheriff and his administration. However, alone Robin Hood could do little. He therefore sought allies, men with grievances and deep sense of justice. Later he welcomed all who came, asking few questions and demanding only a willingness to serve. Strength, he believed, lay in numbers.
Robin ruled the organization; he makes all the important decisions. He delegated specific tasks to his lieutenants. The increasing number of the band was a source of satisfaction for Robin, but also a source of concern. The fame of his merry men is spreading, and new recruits were pouring from all the corners of England. As the band grew in number the resources they have is not sufficient for all of them like food and shelter.
The Sheriff was growing stronger and becoming better organized. He now had the money and the men and was beginning to harass the band, probing for its weaknesses. The tide of events was beginning to turn against the Merrymen. The problem is how Robin can organize his band to be more efficient and effective so they can achieve their goal of removing the Sheriff from his office, before he eliminated them first.

II. Background of the case

It was in the spring of the second year of his insurrection against the High Sheriff of Nottingham that Robin Hood took a walk in Sherwood Forest. As he walked he pondered the progress of the campaign, the disposition of his forces, the Sheriff’s recent moves and the options that confronted him.

The revolt against the sheriff had begun as a personal crusade. It erupted out of Robin’s conflict with the Sheriff and his administration. However, alone Robin could only do little. He therefore sought allies, men with grievances and a deep sense of justice. Later he welcomed all who came, asking few questions and demanding only willingness to serve. He believed strength lay in numbers.

He spent the first the first year forging the group into a disciplined band, united in enmity against the Sheriff and willing to live outside the law. The band’s organization was simple. Robin ruled supreme, making all important decisions. He delegated specific tasks to his lieutenants. Will Scarlet was in charge of intelligence and scouting. His main job is to shadow sheriff and his men, always alert them to their next move. He also collected information on the travel plans of rich merchants and tax collector. Little john kept discipline among the men and saw to it that their archery is in high peak that their profession demanded. Scarlock took care of the finances, converting loot to cash, paying shares of the take, and finding suitable hiding places for the surplus. The Miller's son had the difficult task of provisioning the ever increasing band of Merrymen.
The increasing size of the band was a source of satisfaction for Robin, but also a source of concern. The fame of his Merrymen was spreading, and new recruits poured in from every corner of England. As the band grew larger, their small bivouac became a major encampment. Between raids the men milled about, talking and playing games. Vigilance was in decline, and discipline was becoming harder to enforce. The growing band was also beginning to exceed the food capacity of the forest. Game was becoming scarce, and supplies had to be obtained from outlying villages. The cost of buying food was beginning to drain the bank’s financial reserves at the very moment when revenues were in decline. Travelers, especially those with the most to lose, were now giving the forest a wide birth. This was costly and inconvenient to them, but it was preferable to having all their goods confiscated.
Robin believed that the time had come for the Merrymen to change their policy of outright confiscation of goods to one of a fixed transit tax. His lieutenants strongly resisted this idea. They were proud of the Merrymen’s famous motto: "Rob the rich to give to the poor." "The farmers and the townspeople," they argued, "are our most important allies." "How can we tax them, and still hope for their help in our fight against the Sheriff?"
The Sheriff was growing stronger and becoming better organized. He now had the money and the men and was beginning to harass the band, probing for its weaknesses. The tide of events was beginning to turn against the Merrymen. Robin felt the campaign must be decisively concluded before the Sheriff had a chance to deliver a mortal blow. Robin had often entertained the possibility of killing the Sheriff, but the chances for this seemed increasingly remote. Besides, killing the Sheriff might satisfy his personal thirst for revenge, but it would not improve the situation. Robin had hoped that the perpetual state of unrest, and the Sheriffs failure to collect taxes, would lead to his removal from office. Instead, the Sheriff used his political connections to obtain reinforcement. He had powerful friends at court and was well regarded by the regent, Prince John.
Prince John was vicious and volatile. He was consumed by his unpopularity among the people, who wanted the imprisoned King Richard back. He also lived in constant fear of the barons, who had first given him the regency but were now beginning to dispute his claim to the throne. Several of these barons had set out to collect the ransom that would release King Richard the Lionhearted from his jail in Austria. Robin was invited to join the conspiracy in return for future amnesty. It was a dangerous proposition. Provincial banditry was one thing, court intrigue another. Prince John had spies everywhere, and he was known for his vindictiveness. If the conspirators' plan failed, the pursuit would be relentless and retributions swift. III. Objectives

* To organize the internal structure and gain control of the organization (Basis: Between raids the men milled about, talking and playing games. Vigilance was in decline, and discipline was becoming harder to enforce.) * To replace the Sheriff on Robin Hood’s third year of insurrection (Basis: The main reason on why Robin Hood formed the band Merrymen. So change can be implemented and for fulfilling his revenge) * To generate more revenue, keep expenses under control and control the inventory of supplies and goods. (Basis: the growing band is exceeding food capacity of the forest. Game is becoming scarce and supplies had to be obtained from outlying villages. The cost of buying food is drying the financial reserves.)

I. II. III. IV. Analysis of External Environment

A. Industry Analysis

1. Rivalry among existing firms (HIGH)

There is a high intensity between Robin Hood and the Sheriff; Robin Hood wants to remove him from his administration.

2. Threat of New Entrants (NONE)

There is no threat of new entrant against the Merrymen band.

3. Bargaining Power of Buyers (NONE)

There is a no bargaining power of buyer in relationship of Robin Hood’s case.

4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers (MODERATE)

There is a high bargaining power from the supplier because the band renders their supply from the donation of the outlying villages. Another is merchants can choose another route from Sherwood forest so they can avoid the band.

5. Threat of Substitute Products (MODERATE)

There is a moderate threat of substitute product; Prince John.

B. Analysis of the Macro environment

1. ECONOMIC (Threat)

The forest has limited resources. The number of rich travelers is also decreasing in number because these merchants are avoiding passing the route in the Sherwood Forest. These factors contribute to the shortage of food supply and financial reserves; another factor is the scarcity of trained manpower, people are the foundation of an organization without this the organization won’t function.

2. SOCIOCULTURAL (Threat and Opportunity) The men like talking and playing games. This can cause to their lack of focus and discipline. Robin Hood sought allies with grievances and a deep sense of justice. The Merrymen’s famous mottos “rob the rich and give to the poor”. The townspeople and farmers are also against the administration of the Sheriff. This is a plus for them because they have the support of the people.

3. POLITICAL & LEGAL (Threat and Opportunity)

The Sheriff used his political connections to obtain reinforcement. He had powerful friends at court and was well regarded by the regent, Prince John. Provincial banditry and court intrigue is a grave crime. If ever the conspiracy will fail it will result to relentless pursuit and swift retribution.

The perpetual state of unrest, and the Sheriffs failure to collect taxes, would lead to his removal from office. Another factor, Robin was invited to join the conspiracy on freeing King Richard in return for future amnesty.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL (Threat)

Growth of the band created a large encampment that can be easily noticed even miles away that makes them a target for attack. The position and the place of the band cannot accommodate all of them. As a result the resources like food are beginning to diminish.

Opportunities

* The Merrymen’s famous mottos “rob the rich and give to the poor”. (Basis: Analysis of macro environment Economic)

* The perpetual state of unrest, and the Sheriffs failure to collect taxes. (Basis: Analysis of macro environment Political & Legal)

* Robin Hood sought allies with grievances and a deep sense of justice. (Basis: Analysis of macro environment Socio Cultural)

* Robin was invited to join the conspiracy on freeing King Richard in return for future amnesty. (Basis: Analysis of macro environment Political & Legal)

Threats * The forest has limited resources. (Basis: Analysis of macro environment Economic)

* The number of rich travelers is also decreasing in number because these merchants are avoiding passing the route in the Sherwood Forest. (Basis: Analysis of macro environment Economic)

* The men like talking and playing games. (Basis: Analysis of macro environment Socio Cultural) * The Sheriff used his political connections to obtain reinforcement. He had powerful friends at court and was well regarded by the regent, Prince John. (Basis: Analysis of macro environment Political & Legal)

* Growth of the band created a large encampment that can be easily noticed by the enemy. (Basis: Analysis of macro environment Environmental)

* Scarcity of trained man power (Basis: Analysis of macro environment Economic)

* Provincial banditry and court intrigue is a grave crime. (Basis: Analysis of macro environment Political & Legal)

V. Analysis of the Internal Environment

A. Value Chain Analysis

1. Marketing and Sales

In incorporating the case story of Robin Hood’s story in terms of an actual industrial company the motto of the Merrymen band which is “rob the rich and give to the poor” turned to be the key in persuading the town people to join their campaign and support their goals.

2. Distribution

When it comes to the distribution part of the organization, I think there is no distribution department in Robin Hood’s organization.

3. Human Resource

From very few members, the Merrymen band grew larger because of the word of mouth. Little john was responsible in keeping discipline among the men and saw to it that their archery is in high peak that their profession demanded.

4. Technology

There is no technology in Robin Hood’s organization.

5. Research and Development

Will Scarlet was in charge of intelligence and scouting. His main job is to shadow sheriff and his men, always alert them to their next move. He also collected information on the travel plans of rich merchants and tax collector. His task is the basis of Robin Hood on what will be their next move against the Sheriff.

6. Supply Chain

Scarlock took care of the finances, converting loot to cash, paying shares of the take, and finding suitable hiding places for the surplus. The Miller's son had the task of supplying their food for the ever increasing band of Merrymen.

7. Services

This department doesn’t apply to Robin Hood’s organization.

8. Operations

The band’s means of supporting their operations is through obtaining supplies from outlying villages and robbing travelers or merchants passing through the Sherwood Forest.

Strengths: * Specific tasks are divided or delegated to different lieutenants by Robin Hood (Basis: Value Chain Analysis – HR, Supply Chain, and R&D)

* Will Scarlet’s job is to shadow sheriff and his men, always alert them to their next move. (Basis: Research and Development)

* The great number of Merrymen members (Basis: Value Chain Analysis Human Resource)

* Well trained archery group (Basis: Value Chain Analysis Human Resource)
Weaknesses:
* The communication is informal; Robin has no direct link to the new recruits. (Basis: Case story)

* Lack of coordination within the band (Basis: Case story)

* The mismanagement of the lieutenant to their respective task that they were assigned to perform. (Basis: Case story)

* Lack of discipline and vigilance (Basis: Case story)

* Different objective of Robin Hood and band (Basis: Case story)

VI. ACAs (Alternative Course of Action)

ACA 1: Have a meeting with the Merrymen to explain the strategic problems, organization dilemma and come up with a next course of action.
The band’s problem is mainly caused by their lack of communication. The meeting should discuss the increase of organizational discipline, converting the organization system into decentralization this means involving the lieutenants and other band members in the decisions of solutions, developing a more horizontal organization involves a greater degree of decentralization and also a better focus on each of the tasks performed. Recruitment of qualified leaders for a new decentralized structure will manage the group efficiently and effectively.

They could also discuss of creating a sub-band and assign each group to different tasks (each of them being in charge of a major department such as: human resources, research and development, finance, operations etc.) it will lessen the size of the group and make the group more efficient.

Basis
S -Specific tasks are divided or delegated to different lieutenants by Robin Hood, The great number of Merrymen members
W - The communication is informal; Robin has no direct link to the new recruits, Lack of coordination within the band, the mismanagement of the lieutenant to their respective task that they were assigned to perform, Lack of discipline and vigilance. T -The men like talking and playing games, Scarcity of trained man power, The forest has limited resources, The number of rich travelers is also decreasing in number because these merchants are avoiding passing the route in the Sherwood Forest, Growth of the band created a large encampment that can be easily noticed by the enemy.

ACA 2: Creation of new organization mission, vision and objectives
Imposing of a new mission, objectives, and the new mission should be to free the people from Prince John and return King Richard to the throne. This can help on focusing on the band members to be motivated on achieving the objective. The support will also be great from the townspeople because they hate Prince John once Prince John is out of the picture so is the Sheriff.
Basis
W - Different objective of Robin Hood and band
O - Robin Hood sought allies with grievances and a deep sense of justice, The Merrymen’s famous mottos “rob the rich and give to the poor”
T - the Sheriff used his political connections to obtain reinforcement. He had powerful friends at court and was well regarded by the regent, Prince John

ACA 3: Engage alliances beyond the current band of Merrymen, conspiring with the barons to free King Richard. Robin Hood would have to convince the Merrymen and the farmers and the townspeople that it’s a good idea. He can also impose the transit tax to the townspeople and convince them that tax will go to the ransom for King Richard. The citizens already do not like the Prince John and this will help them unite together and bring the king back. In line with this, in exchange of their cooperation they should negotiate a possible change in the political order; negotiate their amnesty.
W - Different objective of Robin Hood and band
O - The Merrymen’s famous mottos “rob the rich and give to the poor”, The perpetual state of unrest, and the Sheriffs failure to collect taxes, Robin Hood sought allies with grievances and a deep sense of justice, Robin was invited to join the conspiracy on freeing King Richard in return for future amnesty
T- The Sheriff used his political connections to obtain reinforcement, He had powerful friends at court and was well regarded by the regent, Prince John, Provincial banditry and court intrigue is a grave crime

VII. Solution and Conclusion Objective | Weighted Average | ACA 1 Ranking | | ACA 2 Ranking | | ACA 3 Ranking | | To organize the internal structure and gain control of the organization | 40% | 3 | 1.2 | 3 | 1.2 | 2 | 0.8 | To replace the Sheriff on Robin Hood’s third year of insurrection | 30% | 1 | 0.3 | 2 | 0.6 | 3 | 0.9 | To generate more revenue, keep expenses under control and control the inventory of supplies and goods. | 30% | 2 | 0.6 | 1 | 0.3 | 1 | 0.3 | Total | 100% | | 2.1 | | 2.1 | | 2 |

Based on the computation and analysis above, the strategy that should be implemented is either have a meeting with the Merrymen to explain the strategic problems, organization dilemma and come up with a next course of action or creation of new organization mission, vision and objectives. This action will solve the problem of mismanagement of the lieutenants with the recruitment and training of Merrymen members leading to the scarcity of resources, and incoherency of his goals from the band; this may result in the weakening of the band of Robin Hood that will give the Sheriff a chance to eliminate them. If they will have a good organization structure they can carry out their plans effectively.