ING Direct Canada is a retail banking operation and a subsidiary of one of the top global providers of integrated financial services, ING Group of the Netherlands. ING Direct Canada needs to meet the operational demands of a growing client base, while maintaining its current staffing levels, physical space and commitment to same-day processing of accounts. The senior vice-president of operations must implement procedures to cope with the immediate challenges of the company's growth, as well as develop a long-term strategy. Options to consider included new technology, increased efficiencies, or relaxing the same day processing requirements.
The economy segment in the market for mayonnaise in Venezuela has become extremely competitive. Mavesa, Venezuela's largest and most professional consumer goods firm, finds its pioneer Nelly brand under assault from large players such as Kraft, and small nimble regional players such as Albeca. In this competitive scenario, Nelly's managers decide to cut price on the brand. The managers must analyze the implications of cutting price, including both the profitability impact of a pricing decision, as well as strategic competitive considerations.
The vice president of an innovative community hospital is proposing a plan focusing upon family practitioners to deliver an integrated health delivery system. A key issue is how to alter the incentive/compensation plan from fee-for-service (i.e., piece rates) to a schedule based on capitation (i.e., guaranteed income based on serving all the health needs of a defined population). The teaching purpose is to examine change management issues in a very complex, political environment involving professionals and develop appropriate metrics of physician accountability.