Robin Hood's Organization

Problem Statement

Robin Hood’s organization is facing a high risk of being defeated by the Sheriff due to mainly financial and management issues. Their profit is being squeezed since the revenue stream is decreasing while all operating costs are rising due to the Merrymen continuous growth. On the other hand, their main competitor, the sheriff, is becoming more powerful, wealthier and better organized.

Issues related to the problem

The ever-increasing growth of Robin’s organization is amplifying serious issues prompted by poor management structure, lack of discipline, financial forecasting, recruiting process and long term vision/planning. Hence, Robin is starting to feel the harm on his organization invoked by the following realities:

 Decline of concentration and vigilance impacting security

 Exceeding food capacity

 Shelter/Space shortage

 Increasing maintenance and operating costs

Analysis of the External Environment

Looking at the external environment, some critical aspects need to be assessed by Robin to ensure a brighter future for his band. The forest has finite resources that could not allow further growth of the Merrymen. As the camp becomes larger, it will start to be seen from miles and becomes easy to target for attacks by the Sheriff’s army. Hence, an expansion to another location is required. In addition, the rich travelers (sources of revenue) are starting to avoid the forest despite added cost and inconvenience, to protect their belongings.

Applying the “Five-Forces” concept below magnifies the organization’s lack of leverage related to suppliers which invoke a high financial instability.

1. Rivalry among competing sellers (None)

 Soul source of help to farmers and peasants

2. Threats of new entrant (None)

 Operating outside law boundaries and owns all the forest operations

3. Availability of substitute products/ services (Low)

 No existence of other substitutes or lines of defense against the Sheriff

4. Supplier Bargaining Power (High)

 Single source supplier in providing food resulting in high bargaining power

5. Buyer bargaining power (None)

 Offered services are unique/irreplaceable resulting in no bargaining power

Internal Analysis:

Evidently, Robin Hood is a highly admired and respected