Case 22 Robin Hood case study analysis questions:

 1.     What problems does Robin Hood have? What issues need to be addressed?

·       PROBLEMS

                                      i.     Progress of his campaign:

                                    ii.     The sheriff’s growing power

                                  iii.     Increasing the size of the band

                                   iv.     Vigilance and Discipline

                                    v.     Food Capacity of the forest

                                   vi.     Taxation: Changing from “Rob the rich and give to the poor” to a Fixed Transit Tax

                                 vii.     Keeping the old ways or embracing the new ways

                               viii.     Joining the Baron’s proposition of collecting ransom to release King Richard which is dangerous in the eyes of Prince John

·       ISSUES NEED TO BE ADDRESSED

                                      i.     The growing population of merry men: The trust within new recruits needs to be established.

                                    ii.     Food supply.

                                  iii.     Sheriff’s growth in power and influence

                                   iv.     Affiliation to the Barons

                                    v.     Policy of taxation

2.     Do Robin Hood and the Merrymen need a new mission? new objectives? a new strategy?

·       Robin Hood and the Merrymen need a new strategy to keep up and be one step ahead of the Sheriff. Destabilizing the Sheriff should be the first step in order; to address the issue of the Sheriff’s increasing influence and rise in power.  

3.     What strategic options does Robin Hood have? Is continuing with the present strategy an option or is the present strategy obsolete?

·       The present strategy of stealing from the rich and giving it to the poor has becoming obsolete with the rise of power of the Sheriff. It needs to evolve to a certain extent. Expansion of territories should be the number one priority of Robin Hood and his merry men. Form allegiance to other outlaw groups or village folks who opposes the Sheriff’s authority.

4.     Why not try to end the campaign by killing the Sheriff?

·       Killing the Sheriff is just a temporary solution. Another dictator will just replace its stead and rule similarly as the sheriff or worse. Robin Hood’s reputation will further enrage Prince John and will make their life even more miserable.

5.     What are the pros and cons of accepting the offer of the barons to assist in securing King Richard’s release from prison?

·       PROS

                                      i.     Increased resources

                                    ii.     Political support from the Barons

                                  iii.     Help for the release of King Richard

·       CONS

                                      i.     Robin being an outlaw and the Barons being noble are not similar in interests and goals. Robin may be betrayed eventually by the Barons.

6.     What action plan would you recommend to Robin?

·       Expand his operations and establish allies.

·       Outsmart the Sheriff

7.     How should Robin implement the recommended plan? What action steps will need to be taken to make the recommended strategy work successfully?

·       Consult with his most trusted allies and discuss new missions and objectives.

·       Develop clear communication and rally support from local communities and allies.

·       Continue gaining support from local communities.

                                      i.     The implementation should be precise but in steps, with emphasis on building sustainable goals.

 

Thompson, A et al (2022) Crafting and Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage, Case Teaching Note pp, 715 – 725.