Robin Hood

Introduction

As children, we read about the adventures of Robin Hood and his intense rivalry against the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham. In Joseph Lampel’s “A Sample Case Study: Robin Hood” (1991), we are re-introduced to Robin Hood at a critical point in his regime against the Sheriff. Faced with a lack of crucial resources and the strengthening power of the Sheriff, Robin must determine a course of action with which to proceed. Approaching the case from the perspective that Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham are fierce rivals competing in the business of tax collection, personal and property protection, and income distribution, we have developed a strategic plan for Robin Hood, as defined in this document.

Vision

In order to best apply Grant’s definition of vision as “an aspirational view of what the organization will be like in the future”, we have concluded that at the outset of his crusade, Robin Hood’s vision is to implement a governing body or administration that is just, fair and equitable to the stakeholders of his organization: Robin Hood and his Merrymen; as well as its shareholders, the poor.

As the campaign evolves, in order to continue the fulfillment of his vision, Robin is required to change his strategy – which, though successful so far - needs to be adjusted to meet the changes in the marketplace prompted by the Sherriff’s growing power. He must shift his focus from the eventual, outright removal of the Sheriff of Nottingham from office to one that will address immediate issues that may “derail” this plan as a whole.

The matters requiring his immediate attention are both the increase in the numbers of his own forces, as well as the improved organization and renewed vigour of the Sheriff and his men. The actions that have led to Robin’s success thus far need not be abandoned, nor should he change his vision: he instead must formulate a short-term strategy for securing the resources required to rise above the current regime...