Case Study Mount Everest - 1996

Case Study

Mount Everest—1996 

Content

Executive Summary        

1. Problem Statement        

2. Analyzing Case Data        

3. Generating Alternatives         

3.1 Strengthen Training        

3.2 Targeted Member Selection        

4. Key Decision Criteria        

4.1 Client Analysis        

4.2 Profit Analysis        

4.3 Risk Analysis        

5. Evaluation of Alternatives        

5.1 Strengthen Training Analysis        

5.2 Targeted Member Selection        

6. Recommendation         

Reference         

Executive Summary

In 1996, two climbing guide company led their clients to climb the Everest, which became a totally tragedy end with 5 people died. There were many problems during the whole leading process. I try to find out the biggest problem in this case then propose some alternatives. I recommend one of the alternative after analysis, try to prevent this kind of tragedy happen again.

1. Problem Statement

        Since 1985, climbing Everest successfully is not just a achievement belong to those professional climber, it also belong to rich. Hall and Fischer, two famous climbers who both had stood on the peak of Himalayan range, operate their own company aimed to generate profits by organizing and leading guided expeditions on the world’s highest peaks. However, in 1996, a great tragedy unfolded on the treacherous slopes of Mount Everest, 15 individuals lost their lives, including Rob Hall and Scott Fischer.

 The plan of the expedition to climb Mount Everest has so many flaws, which shouldn’t be existed in a plan made by professional climber. Maybe Hall and Fischer were good climber, but they weren’t good leader.  For example, the overestimate about two leaders evaluate their leadership. Hall’s member said Hall feeling those bad things others met wouldn’t be him.  They thought “lead some incompetent people on Mount Everest” is such an easy thing. Actually those incompetent people not just incompetent in the ability to climb the mountain, but also incompetent in the ability to build trust relationship with each member. The supply for the expedition is totally a mess, whether tent, oxygen canisters or radio are all get  into  logistical problems. However, all above were not the fatal mistake. The most crucial point cause this tragedy directly is: the Two O’Clock Rule, the rule all members must observe in any situation, was completely be broken.