NAME: SUBJECT: DATE: SCORE

COURSE/YR/SECTION: INSTRUCTOR: Class Schedule:

CASE STUDY NO. 01

Jack Ammou, Vice President of COE Company, a manufacturer of highly technical
products, was contemplating the increase in sales volume during the past year and the sales
forecast. It was now apparent that the firm needed to create a position of Director of Research
and Development (R&D). If this position were approved, the individual would be responsible for
the day-to-day operation of the R&D Division and the long-range planning for new product areas.

Jack thought of offering the job to Chris P. Pata. Chris had been with the company for 15
years and had worked his way up from a junior engineer to chief engineer. Although he has not
completed his master’s degree, he is practically a genius when it comes to the engineering and
technical problems of manufacturing. Jack was told that Chris would be very disappointed if he
were not given a shot at the job and that it would probably have a severe effect on his morale.
Jack was sympathetic to Chris’ feelings. After all, Chris had been extremely loyal to the company
and had done a good job over the years.

Nevertheless, Jack had some real doubts about Chris’ ability to handle a true engineering
management job. Jack knew that being a top-notch engineer did not guarantee that Chris
would be a good engineer manager. Jack had heard complaints from several of the firm’s
engineers about their feelings that Chris was narrow-minded and that he tried to handle people
the same way that he handled machines.

1. Should Chris be promoted? Explain.

2. What would be some of the consequences of promoting Chris?
3. What would the consequences be if Chris were not promoted?
4. If Jack promotes Chris, what should jack do to try to ensure Chris’ success as an engineer
manager?

MARIANO MARCOS
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING CIVIL ENGINEERING
STATE UNIVERSITY
MARIANO MARCOS
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING CIVIL ENGINEERING
STATE UNIVERSITY