TerraCog:

Justin Sabo Andy Browne Jeff Weaver Jeffrey Schafers III

Case Highlights
Traditional leader of handheld GPS market Innovative competition Executive team in turmoil

Problem Statement

TerraCog has an executive team in flux, lacking true leadership, effective communication, and cohesive vision.

Creation of two cross-departmental teams to research and recommend cost savings or value added options.

Alternative I:

Advantages
Create framework for company wide inter-disciplinary approach to challenges / projects Provide combinations of subject matter experts in each department optimize outcomes Ensures each department has ownership of recommendations enhancing buy-in and acceptance of ultimate implementation Enhances Friendly competition motivates teams to explore all avenues

Disadvantages
Likely will delay launch of Aerial by several weeks Department Leaders, Executives and Board may not embrace options presented Losing team could suffer morale drop Resource use could negatively affect other projects

Emma Richardson works one on one with Team Leaders to address underlying agendas

Alternative II:

Advantages
Coordination between teams can fix problems betterTackling hurdles will enhance collaboration Understanding of Team Leaders positions provides basis for consensus Alignment of purpose facilitates decision making Timeframe for meetings can be short No additional drain on resources

Disadvantages
Emma may not have enough management skills to effectively conduct meetings Issues raised could be intractable Too late in the development process for any changes to be made

Enlist assistance of Harold Whistler to moderate project

Alternative III:

Advantages
Having Co-Founder involved can provide weight to the decision process Leverages his experience from other projects Semi-retirement and position in firm implies less political jockeying

Disadvantages
Leaders perception of Whistlers semi-retirement might be he is put out to pasture and therefore not respectful Requires Emma to admit her role as project leader is not effective Whistler may not wish to dedicate significant time to address all of the problems

Redesign product and work out unresolved technical problems

Alternative IV:

Advantages
Fresh start allows for more planning and better understanding of project vision Adverts possible retail and financial embarrassment if Aerial launch is a flop Provides time to incorporate more value added features and functionality

Disadvantages
Delay in launch requires missing key holiday sales season Recommendation to Board for delay is not career enhancing move Other projects in pipeline would be delayed Significant amount of resources lost