This case explores two dimensions of organization and human resource management (HRM). First, the case illustrates how Xibei evolved from an unknown northwest Chinese cuisine restaurant into one of the country's leading restaurant chains in a fiercely competitive catering market. Specifically, it describes how Xibei developed an organization and HRM system that supported strategic implementation, such as rapid expansion and product innovation. Second, the case expounds on how Xibei's founder and executive team responded to change. In particular, the case illustrates Xibei's paradox when reinforcing strategic implementation, such as the perspective of top-down versus bottom-up innovation, and centralization versus decentralization. It also stimulates discussion on organizational rigidity during growth, taking the chance on a Covid-19 outbreak.

In 2012, JD.com had emerged as the biggest business-to-consumer e-commerce retailer in China. The company’s founder and chief executive officer, Qiangdong Liu, realized that he had to strengthen the company’s internal management in order to sustain rapid growth. In 2011 and 2012, he recruited several chief officers, including Yu Long, who became JD.com’s chief human resources officer and general counsel. Case A describes the challenges Long faced when joining the company in August 2012 and invites students to think about what her priorities should be when tackling these challenges.

Case B describes what Long decided to do and how, in the first year, she executed her priorities, which primarily consisted of two improvement projects: culture consolidation and talent review. Case B asks students to set priorities on tackling the remaining HR problems in the coming few years.

In 2012, JD.com had emerged as the biggest business-to-consumer e-commerce retailer in China. The company's founder and chief executive officer, Qiangdong Liu, realized that he had to strengthen the company's internal management in order to sustain rapid growth. In 2011 and 2012, he recruited several chief officers, including Yu Long, who became JD.com's chief human resources officer and general counsel. Case A describes the challenges Long faced when joining the company in August 2012 and invites students to think about what her priorities should be when tackling these challenges.

Supplement to case W19373 Case B describes what Long decided to do and how, in the first year, she executed her priorities, which primarily consisted of two improvement projects: culture consolidation and talent review. Case B asks students to set priorities on tackling the remaining HR problems in the coming few years.