Project guidelines

The project involves a detailed HBR case study. In the case study, you have to critically
examine the information available, appreciate the unusual situation and recommend the
decisions that the characters should make.

Refer Harvard Business Review to answer technical questions

Project Background
Eric Holt had one responsibility as FireArt's Director of Strategy, that is, to put together a team
of people from each division and create and implement a comprehensive plan for the
company’s strategic realignment within the next six months. It seemed like an exciting and
rewarding challenge. Unfortunately, the team got off on the wrong foot from its first meeting.
Randy Louderback, FireArt's charismatic and extremely talented Director of Sales and
Marketing, seemed intent on sabotaging the group’s efforts. In the fourth team meeting, Eric
was determined to address Randy’s behaviour openly in front of the group. However, before
Eric could do anything, Randy provoked a confrontation, which ended the meeting abruptly.
What should Eric do now? What is the team’s problem and how can it be resolved?
Project Objectives
1. Analyse the key factors that are responsible for the sub-optimal performance of the
team.
2. Recommend the best strategies to overcome the business crisis.
3. Critique the role of a top leader as an inspirational leader to foster business growth and
administer their team.
Important note: Your answers to the first three questions will be tested for your
writing skills and ability to communicate clearly, correctly, efficiently, and
professionally.

Grading Questions & Criteria

Project Assessments
Before you read through the assessments shared in this segment, it is important for you to
thoroughly review the case study: 'The Team That Wasn’t' by Suzy Wetlaufer.

Question I (2 Marks)
Suggested word limit: 100 - 150 words
Based on the case study and your understanding of the ungraded questions, give a summary
of the major leadership and team problems at FireArt. (Give the summary in 4-5 points).

Mark
Grading Criteria
s
Listing all major problems at FineArt (Summary) 1

Clarity and Conciseness: How well you convey the essential information within the
1
word limit.

Question II (7 Marks)
Suggested word limit: 200 - 250 words
The FireArt team responsible to plan and execute actions to overhaul the organisation within 6
months is deeply demotivated to work both individually and collectively. List and elaborate on
two ways which Eric Holt and CEO Jack Derry can take in order to intrinsically and extrinsically
motivate the team.

Grading Criteria Marks

1 (0.5 marks
Listing 2 intrinsic motivators
each)

1 (0.5 marks
Listing 2 extrinsic motivators
each)

2 (1 mark
Elaboration for intrinsic motivators
each)

2 (1 mark
Elaboration for extrinsic motivators
each)

Clarity and Conciseness: How well you convey the essential information
1 mark
within the word limit.

Total 7 marks

Question III (7 Marks)

Suggested word limit: 150 - 200 words
In module 2, you learnt about Patrick Lencioni's framework called 'Five dysfunctions of a
team', which are namely: Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability and Result.
Based on the case study, evaluate the 'conflict' and 'commitment' dysfunction of the FireArt
team quoting two strong instances from the case study.

Grading Criteria Marks

1 (0.5 marks
2 instances of conflict dysfunction
each)

1 (0.5 marks
2 instances of commitment dysfunction
each)

Evaluation of conflict dysfunction 2 (1 mark

 each)

2 (1 mark
Evaluation of commitment dysfunction
each)

Clarity and Conciseness: How well you convey the essential information
1 mark
within the word limit.

Total 7 marks

Question IV (9 Marks)
'You have one responsibility as a FireArt’s new director of strategy...that’s to put together a
team of our top people, one person from each division, and have a comprehensive plan for
the company’s strategic realignment up, running and winning within six months.'
As Jack Derry, the CEO of FireArt, speaks these words to Eric,
1. Analyse Jack Derry as an inspirational leader of his organisation under the following
headers, based on your learnings from Module 1:
o Sensing

o Relating

o Visioning

o Executing

2. Recommend any changes or alternative steps that Jack Derry could have taken to be a
more effective leader.

Mark
Grading Criteria
s

Evaluation of Jack’s personality as an inspirational leader:

1
 Sensing
1
 Relating
1
 Visioning
1
 Executing

Recommendations 2

Oral Presentation: Clarity of speech, engagement with the audience, and the ability
1.5
to present the content confidently and effectively within the given time limit.

Professionalism and Delivery: Professional demeanor, poise, and overall

1.5
presentation style, including the use of language, tone, and body language.

Total 9