Case Study 3 – After the Layoff, What Next

Discussion by: Group 1

Hi all,
We the group 1 members; myself Aswathy, Arpitha and Amith, we are here to discuss and
analyse the case study “After the Layoff, What Next?”.
I will be presenting the outline of the case and the characters; Arpitha will discuss and
analyse the problem followed by Amith on the Solution/recommendations.
So yeah,
Delarks is a midwestern retain chain with 28 departmental stores in small and mid-size
cities. For years it had been run in an old-fashioned manner and patriarchal way led by the
founder’s son. It went public in the year 1988. The company had over 15000 employees &
was struggling to survive in market, sales were low and it was about to get bankrupt, there
was need in shift of policy of company and hence hired a new CEO – Harry Denton He made
company to perform with 400 million dollars revenue and 20% surge in stocks. This was
achieved by downsizing. He took the decision to sack 3000+ employees. This is the outline.
Main character’s introduction
1 - Harry Denton - CEO of Delarks department stores. He was an external recruit.

Harry was in charge of transforming Delarks' underperforming, outdated department stores

to vibrant, stylish and fun, chic shopping for Midwest’s growing population. Board of
directors were happy with Harry’s performance hence his contract was renewed for two
more years.
2 - Claire Ladd – Major distributor of Delarks & 20-year-old friend and well-wisher of Harry.

3 – Liz Garcia – Director of sales associate training of Delarks - an external recruit. whom
Denton brought in. She was also the reason for Harry’s success.
4 – Thomas Wazinsky – HR head of Delarks and old guard of Delarks as he worked for 30
years in Delarks.
Guys so what happens with layoff?? Rather say What will be the aftermath of Layoff!
Was it the right decision? and do you think it was executed well?
Arpitha will Continue.