19228.

CAROLINE REGIS AT EXCEL SYSTEMS HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL BRIEF CASE STUDY
915515 SOLUTION. NEW, FALL 2016. This paper provides a Berkeley Research analysis and case
solution to a Harvard Business School (HBS Brief Case collection) organizational behavior case study by
Anthony Mayo and Michael Roberts on Caroline Regis, VP of Manufacturing at Excel Systems. The case
focuses on changes in Regis’s role and threats to her career trajectory at Excel following a merger and the
appointment of a new CEO. The case analysis and solution includes problem identification, case analysis,
identification of alternatives,

successfully ran with Gemini prior to the merger. Regis, who was in charge of in-house
manufacturing at Excel Systems, feels threatened by the VP for Supply Chain Management at
Gemini, Margaret Ogilvie, and her proposed changes. The case focuses on Regis's reactions to
the outsourcing proposal and her actions to clarify her new role at Excel Systems.
Initially, Regis seems to consent to the new organizational politics and support the new
outsourcing strategy as well, only to change her mind at the last minute and exasperate her
superiors, who had all thought she would support the plan. She attempts to regain control of the
situation and threatens to resign if she would not be allowed to determine the appropriate
strategy for the newly merged entity. The case further analyses and discusses the career and
personal development issues that lead up to Regis’ determination to either be in charge of
manufacturing at Excel Systems, or resign and move on to another company.
The case describes Caroline Regis as an independent, original, analytical, and determined person.
She possesses an exceptional ability to turn theories into solid plans of action. After working for
an investment company for several years she decided to go back to graduate school and further
develop her skills. Upon graduation, Regis decided that the financial industry would not be the
perfect fit for her future career path. Instead, Regis…...