Professional Documents
Culture Documents
E-Tray Exercise 2
Cannon Carlisle - Questions
Instructions
Please read the instructions on this page, then turn over the page to begin the exercise.
There are 10 e-mails requiring your response, each appear just as you would use in an office
environment. Some of these items may appear to describe isolated issues, while others link
to one or more of the other items. Some of the e-mails could require information found on
certain documents, these have been provided in the documents section, or they might refer
to attachments which are provided alongside the corresponding e-mail.
You need to review each item and then need to select the Most Effective and Least
Effective responses from the options provided.
Your task is to respond to as many of the emails as you can within the time limit of 45
minutes. You must read the background information which gives you useful information
about the role you are being asked to assume and the company you are working for. When
responding to the emails try to imagine yourself in a work environment. You will NOT receive
replies to any of your emails or actions during the exercise, so reply to the best of your ability
with the information you are given.
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Background Information
Cannon Carlisle is a reputable consultancy firm based in the UK, having been established in 1982
by Senior Executive and acting CEO, David Cannon. The company is based at a single location,
although there are plans to expand in the near future, provided that the success of the business
continues at its current pace. At present, the structure of Cannon Carlisle is split into three main
divisions, Corporate, Consultancy and New Business. The corporate division houses the Information
Technology, Human Resources and Administrative departments, all of which are concerned with the
internal workings of the corporation and do not contribute to the consultancy process or to individual
client accounts. The Consultancy division is comprised of the main management consultancy
departments, Operational, Strategic and Financial Consulting. New Business, which also has subdivisions for Marketing and Press Release; deals with the procurement of new accounts, acquisition
of projects and their assignment to the most appropriate department within the company, so that
they can be handled by those most qualified.
Company Direction
Cannon Carlisle expect to increase their clientele base through implementation of a venture
support scheme called Entrepreneur Fast-Track, a programme which aims to provide resources
and operational support to business-minded individuals embarking upon independent ventures.
Through Entrepreneur Fast-Track, Cannon Carlisle also offer consultancy to projects within the
programme for a discounted fee, enabling clients to access valuable expertise while establishing
a start-up company. Through the venture support scheme, Cannon Carlisle will be entitled to a
portion of all endeavours established under the programme, in return for financial support and
consultancy.
Plans for structural realignment throughout the Consultancy division are in place for the launch of
Entrepreneur Fast-Track during the next month, having reassigned some of the existing
consultants from Operational, Strategic and Financial Consulting to a new department for
Entrepreneur Fast-Track. With this addition to current company structure, the Consultancy
division will be split into four departments; Entrepreneur Fast-Track, and separate departments
for the original consultancy types; Operations, Strategic and Finance. New Business will still work
symbiotically with Consultancy, while maintaining its status as a separate division.
Entrepreneur Fast-Track General Duties
Formative assessment of successful projects, resulting in the assignment of personnel most
equipped to meet the client's precise needs.
Collaborating effectively in order to deliver cohesive consultations; formulated specifically to
provide a combination of Operational, Strategic and Financial Consulting.
Allowing the client access to pooled expertise in the case of any query; including emergency
consultations if deemed beneficial.
Overseeing the individual progress of the projects selected and ensuring that they are supported
at all times.
For personal use only. Unauthorised copying or
distribution in printed, electronic, or any other
form in whole or in part, is prohibited without
prior written permission from AssessmentDay.
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Situation
Following the role reassignments advocated for structural realignment, some existing members
of staff are displeased with their new position within the company. It would appear that there are
concerns regarding the Entrepreneur Fast-Track programme and its success, with some
individuals expressing trepidations that in the light of failure and abandonment of the project, the
team might not be reintegrated into the company after such vast structural changes, thus
requiring them to seek alternative employment. These apprehensions have resulted in one
employee's decision to part with the company, which comes at an extremely delicate time, as this
employee had been allocated a position within the new Entrepreneur Fast-Track team. As the
other Consultancy departments have already lost members of their staff, Cannon Carlisle have
opted to employ a new recruit in order to fill the position.
The Task
You have recently accepted a Consulting position at Cannon Carlisle, following the unexpected
resignation of Odette Lawson, whom you will be replacing in the Entrepreneur Fast-Track
programme. As it is a critical period for the company, you have helpfully agreed to take up your
position early, by coming in to the office on the afternoon of Friday 24th January 2014. You must
respond to as many of the e-mails in your inbox as possible during the assigned time limit,
keeping in mind that you will not be able to make or receive any further contact once the task is
over. Helpful information has been provided within the Documents section of the inbox, which
you will be able to refer to throughout the exercise.
_______________________________________________
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E-mails: E-mail 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From: Sally Hayes
To: _____
Subject: Welcome
Sent: 21:07 Thursday 23rd January
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hello _____,
Just wanted to send a quick message to welcome you to the company and let you know that we
really appreciate your willingness to start so promptly. In order to ease your transition into the
company, Ive attached some useful employee profiles to help you get to know the team, and in
your documents folder there should be the minutes from the launch party meeting. This will help
you get up to speed on the arrangements so far. As you are joining us during a large change to
company structure, things may appear a little hectic. So if you have any queries please refer to the
documents folder in your inbox, as this should provide you with all the information youll need. You
may notice that your predecessor, Odette Lawson, is still listed on the departmental and structural
information, this will be updated and replaced with your name over the next few weeks.
On behalf of David Cannon and all of the staff, we look forward to working with you.
All the best,
Sally Hayes
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Employee Profiles
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Entrepreneur Fast-Track
Director
Alan Walker Previously a Senior Consultant within the Finance department, CIMA qualified Alan
Walker recently accepted a promotion, becoming Director of the newly established Entrepreneur
Fast-Track scheme. He is a self-confessed advocate for the importance of group cohesion is eager to
strengthen team mentality among his staff. Under his leadership we are confident the programme
will be an enormous success.
Secretary Amanda Dunn
Senior Consultants
Laura Clarke A former Senior Consultant within the Operations department, Laura Clarke has a
wealth of experience having been with us for the past 12 years and completing an MBA a few years
back. She is extremely pleased to have been selected as part of the Entrepreneur Fast-Track team,
seeing it as an exciting opportunity to take Cannon Carlisle to new heights.
Anthony Arkin Anthony was one of the Senior Consultants in our Strategy department and
although he was originally considered for the role of Director within Entrepreneur Fast-Track, he is
also renowned for his quick temper. This ultimately cost him the promotion. However he remains a
valued asset to Cannon Carlisle and has an MBA along with his years of experience.
Consultants
Robert Murrell Originally from the operations department, Robert was allocated to Entrepreneur
Fast-Track in the hope that he might improve his performance. It would appear from his time with
the Company that he has a tendency to miss certain details, although he works hard. Having been
associated with a number of disagreements among his former team, it was suggested that he might
get along better in a new department.
Sam Prescott A real up and comer with a great attention to detail, Robert was previously a part of
the Strategy team where he performed exceptionally, securing a number of projects and building a
vast portfolio. Having been with the Company for just over 7 months, he is already proving to be
one to watch and is on his way to completing an MBA.
Odette Lawson Odette has been with us for just over a year now, having come to us from a rival
consultancy. She was selected to join Entrepreneur Fast-Track as a financial consultant, due to her
original position as part of our main Finance department. Although she was apprehensive at first,
Miss Lawson is a resilient member of staff and sure to meet any structural changes head on.
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New Business
Director
James Andrews - Highly motivated and extremely well organised, when James Andrews sets his
sights on a particular goal, consider it achieved. He is efficient in targeting potential accounts and
always assigns prospective clients appropriately. James is a real people person and well regarded by
both the Corporate and Consultancy divisions.
Secretary Justine Willis
Marketing
Executive - Amira Khan Miss Khan is known for her creative flair, often developing bold
and exciting ways to promote Cannon Carlisle. Confident in her abilities and those of her
team, Amira seeks to maintain a positive morale and is always appreciative of hard work.
Press Release
Executive Stuart Hargreaves With years of experience in public affairs, Stuart Hargreaves
lends his expertise to Cannon Carlisle, whether dispelling unwanted publicity or reactualising the Company image, He is an invaluable asset and always goes the extra mile.
Least
Effective
No response required.
Thank you very much for welcoming me to the Company and
for the additional information you thoughtfully included. I look
forward to working with you in the near future.
Thank you very much for welcoming me to the Company. The
documents you mentioned sound extremely helpful and I am
keen to have a look at them, where would I be able to locate
them? I look forward to working with you in the near future.
Thank you for welcoming me to the company, I really
appreciate your kind and thoughtful e-mail. Not to worry about
the departmental and structural information, there is no rush
to replace my predecessors name with my own. As for my
willingness to take up the position so quickly, I am just
enthusiastic to be working with such an established company
and am eager to apply myself to the role. I look forward to
working with you in the near future.
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E-mails: E-mail 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From: Amira Khan
To: _____
Subject: Launch Event
Sent: 09:43 Friday 24th January
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi ____,
Welcome to the company, I trust that you will be a real asset to the Cannon Carlisle team. Im sure
that you have a lot on your plate already but if you could have a look at the menu choices for the
night of the launch event and let me know your preference as soon as possible; that would be
greatly appreciated. After Odette Lawsons departure from the company we have to re-arrange a
few things at the last minute so I apologise for the rush. Theres some information about the launch
party in your documents to bring you up to speed regarding the current plans.
Kind regards,
Amira Khan
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E-mails: E-mail 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From: Laura Clarke
To: _____
Subject: IMPORTANT
Sent: 11:53 Friday 24th January
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi ____,
Im just forwarding an e-mail to you that had been sent to Odette Lawson earlier in the week. I know
you werent originally working on this project, but I would really appreciate your opinion as to which
technical support system we should recommend. The information for each of the support systems is
attached to the e-mail below. There is also some useful background information about Myro Ltd in
your documents.
We meet with Myro Ltd tomorrow, so it would be preferable if you could send me your response
before this afternoon.
Thank you,
Regards,
Laura Clarke
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>>>Fwd: 10:36 Friday 24th January
From: Robert Murrell
To: Odette Lawson
Subject: Tech Support Systems
Sent: 16:23 Tuesday 21st January
Odette,
Just thought Id send over the support system evaluations and see if I could get your opinion on
them? Ive got an idea as to which provider we should go for, but wanted to see if you come to the
same conclusion. Myro Ltd require some specific features; they would prefer to have a reliable
performance rate of over 70% and have stated a monthly budget of 205, plus a bit for installation
costs. The monthly budget is the main issue as they are not willing to compromise on this.
Thanks,
Robert.
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After looking into various services, the four companies listed below have been selected as
they provide systems which meet the aforementioned requirements. However, it is important
that we cross-check our selection with the desired system specification sent over by Myro
Ltd, in order to ensure that the service we recommend will be the most suitable for them,
while improving the operational cohesion of their company
All of the suggested systems have been tested and reviewed during a trial set-up of
networked hardware. The information gained during these trials has provided in the table
above for further consideration.
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E-mails: E-mail 4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From: Alan Walker
To: _____
Subject: Entrepreneur Fast-Track Meetings
Sent: 12:35 Friday 24th January
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hello,
Firstly, I would like to welcome you to the Entrepreneur Fast-Track (or EFT) team! We are so pleased
that you were able to start your new position so quickly; it means that we can continue with
preparations for the launch of the EFT programme as planned. Speaking of which, there will be some
one-to-one meetings for those involved in the EFT scheme, so that I can have a chat with you all
personally and get you up to speed. The schedule for the meetings is in your documents, if you could
respond to this e-mail and confirm your attendance by the end of the day it would be most
appreciated.
I look forward to meeting you,
Alan Walker
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E-mails: E-mail 5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From: Robert Murrell
To: _____
Subject: Job Security
Sent: 12:47 Friday 24th January
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi there,
I hate to just drop this on you but as the newest member of the team, I wondered if you had
managed to pick up on anything regarding the future of Entrepreneur Fast-Track during the process
of your recruitment? I only ask because I am concerned that if the EFT programme fails, all those
associated with it might be let go. Im quite certain that this is the main reason behind Odette
Lawsons decision to leave and it makes sense that after the recent company re-structuring, there
may no longer be a place for us elsewhere in the company. I was thinking of bringing some of the
others in on this to see how they feel, but thought it best to see if you had any information first.
Thanks a lot,
Robert
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E-mails: E-mail 6
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From: Sam Prescott
To: _____
Subject: Budget Mistake
Sent: 13:16 Friday 24th January
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello,
I saw that you had a look over the potential tech support systems we could recommend to Myro Ltd.
Unfortunately in the E-mail written by Robert Murrell, which was forwarded to you by Laura Clarke,
Robert had stated that Myros monthly budget was 205. It is actually 215, not including initial
installation costs. Im sorry to ask this but could you take another look over the tech support systems
information and see which provider you would recommend in light of this new information?
Thanks so much,
Sam
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E-mails: E-mail 7
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From: Glen Reynolds
To: ALL
Subject: Updated Organogram
Sent: 13:26 Friday 24th January
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi All,
I just wanted to let you know that there is now an up to date Organogram available in the
documents section, which follows from the latest company realignment. Personnel changes that
occurred recently and have not been updated yet will be addressed over the next week, but the
correct division of departments can now be displayed.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Regards,
Glen
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E-mails: E-mail 8
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From: Alan Walker
To: _____
Subject: Staff Morale
Sent: 13:52 Friday 24th January
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello there,
As you know there have recently been a lot of structural changes here at Cannon Carlisle, due to the
addition of the new Entrepreneur Fast-Track department, of which you are a member. Following the
structural realignment, I am concerned that some members of the EFT team might not be too
enthusiastic about their new position within the company. With this in mind I am keen to address
the current state of morale, particularly focussing on communication and resilience within the team,
in the hopes of improving staff satisfaction. As you are new to the company and have a fresh outlook
on the matter, I would appreciate any suggestions that you might be able to come up with. There is
some information in the documents section of your inbox that might prove useful to you.
Welcome to the team, and thank you in advance for your much appreciated opinion.
Regards,
Alan Walker
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E-mails: E-mail 9
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From: Anthony Arkin
To: _____
Subject: Complaints received
Sent: 14:09 Friday 24th January
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hello,
I apologise for delving straight into business, but it is important that you are aware of the current
state of things. As you know, the EFT programme is due to launch very soon and it is our
responsibility as a team to ensure that it is a success. That being said, if not all team members are
pulling their weight it is likely to harm the overall performance of the project. To be frank, Robert
Murrell is becoming a concern to me as he is often making mistakes and it is increasingly apparent
that he keeps dropping the ball. I would like you to alert me if there has been any evidence of this
throughout the day.
Much appreciated,
Anthony Arkin
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E-mails: E-mail 10
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From: Amanda Dunn
To: _____
Subject:
Sent: 14:23 Friday 24th January
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------_____,
Having taken a look at the Group Cohesion Exercises offered by Optimax Incorporated, Alan is
leaning towards implementing TWO of them in order to target Communication, Trust, Collaboration
and Resilience, as opposed to just one exercise focussed on fewer Team-Building skills. He feels that
this would be most beneficial to the EFT team and is eager to improve morale as soon as possible,
hoping to create a pleasant and productive atmosphere for all involved in Entrepreneur Fast-Track.
Alan is happy for both exercises to be carried out in a block session during office hours and has
requested that the session last up to 1 hour 15 minutes, but no longer. He would like for you to look
through the information in the documents folder and come up with the best option for the team. It
is mandatory for all members of Entrepreneur Fast-Track to attend, although secretaries are exempt
from the session.
He requested that you get back to him as soon as possible,
Many thanks,
Amanda
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Document Title
Organogram
Minutes
Myro Ltd
Menu
Cohesion Exercises
Cohesion Exercises Review
EFT Meeting Schedule
Organogram 2a
Organogram 2b
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Item 1 - Organogram
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Item 2 - Minutes
MINUTES
Meeting Dated: 02/01/2014
In Attendance:
Alan Walker Director, Entrepreneur Fast-Track
James Andrews Director, New Business
Amira Khan Executive, Marketing
Stuart Hargreaves Executive, Press Release
TOPICS RAISED
CATERING Following the consideration of various restaurant caterers, it was concluded that Olympia provided
the best menu for a reasonable price of 12.50 per head.
VENUE Albion Park Hotel was the favourite among a selection of venues; providing suitable atmosphere, ease
of transport and all within budget.
CLIENT INVITATIONS New Business will assess prospective clients. Those likely to be interested in the
Entrepreneur Fast-Track project; and those who may benefit from attending will be sent complimentary tickets. A
list will be prepared and invitations to be sent over the next week.
FORMS Attendance forms to be sent out over the next week. Employees will be able to provide information as
to whether they will be in attendance and will have the option of booking guest tickets (up to 2, complimentary).
MANDATORY ATTENDANCE Attendance is mandatory for all members of the Entrepreneur Fast-Track team,
as this creates a positive department image. In the case of illness, notification is to be given immediately.
DATE OF LAUNCH PARTY - Friday 7th February 2014
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Myro Limited
21 East Street
Marlborough Ave.
London
SE1 3SW
+44 (0) 207 855 7192
Company Overview
Myro Limited was put into action 2 years ago by Arthur Welles, who has since maintained his position as
company Director. Myro Ltd has always been supportive of the development of alternative energy
sources, and seeks to make them more available to the public by developing systems to allow everyday
products, such as lawn mowers, lighting and electrical appliances, to run using eco-efficient energies.
The company is dedicated to promoting ways to introduce these environmentally friendly energy
resources into the mainstream market, and although this is no small task, it is something that Director
Arthur Welles has always been passionate about.
Number of Employees
Myro Limited currently has 13 individuals in its employ, although this is expected to increase in the near
future.
Myro Limited
21 East Street, Marlborough Avenue, London, SE1 3SW
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 855 7192
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Item 4 - Menu
Menu Options
6th February 2014
Starters
Starters
Starters
Mezze Platter
Mains
Mains
Mains
Moussaka
Pork Souvlaki
Spanakopita
Desserts
Desserts
Rizagolo
Desserts
Baklava
Pasta Flora
Galaktoboureko
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All Ears
Team members take it in turns to be blind folded and guided through a set path by
their superior. Only audible commands may be used and onlookers must not try to
assist in navigating their team mate. If these rules are broken, or the blind fold is lifted
at any time, the team must begin the challenge again. The first team to navigate all
members successfully through the course will be crowned victorious.
This task can be performed in teams to add friendly rivalry, or as a singular group
focussing on collaboration and trust.
Green Shoots
While sitting in a circle, team members take it in turns to express a concern about their
re-allocation within the company. Clockwise around the group from those who just
spoke, team members each say a way in which this could be seen as something
positive rather than negative. For example, Im concerned that we have been taken
out of our comfort zone could become I see this as an exciting opportunity to
develop my skills.
Marble Run
Having been provided with an assortment of plastic tubes, vertical drop slides, simple
levers and turn cogs, the team are instructed to build a course in order to transport a
giant marble from one side on the room to the other. No further help will be given,
meaning that the team will have to work together and communicate in order to
complete the task successfully within a time limit of 25 minutes.
This task can be performed in teams to add friendly rivalry, or as a singular group
focussing on collaboration and communication.
Optimax Incorporated
Published 12/04/13 All Rights Reserved.
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Our Group Cohesion Exercises aim to develop individual capabilities within TeamBuilding and focus specifically on four key skills:
Communication
Trust
Collaboration
Resilience
Figure 1 demonstrates how well each of the exercises target these specific skills,
how effective they are and the amount of time required to complete each task. All
of the information has been broken down so that it is easy to select the teambuilding exercise most suited to the clients needs.
Figure 1
*It is important to note that the time required for the All Ears task to be
completed can vary depending on the number of employees participating. As a
general rule the task will normally take 20 minutes for 5 employees, then a
further 5 minutes for each extra participant.
Optimax Incorporated
Published 12/04/13 All Rights Reserved.
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Item 8 Organogram 2a
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Item 8 Organogram 2b
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