Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WAC Assignment
WAC Assignment
Report on:
Liu Bai: A Chinese Successor’s Dilemma
By
Saurabh Gupta
Section D
2018PGP490
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Letter of Transmittal
19th November,2018
Prof. Abha Chatterjee
IIM Indore
Subject: Report submission of the case “Liu Bai: A Chinese Successor’s Dilemma”
Respected Ma’am,
As discussed in previous session, I am submitting an attached report on the case “Liu Bai: A
Chinese Successor’s Dilemma”.
This report examines the conundrum that Liu Bai is facing on deciding upon a proposal made
by his father of coming back and taking over the falling business. It takes into considerations
various criteria and aspects that must be taken into consideration before deciding upon a
reasonable decision. It also discusses the alternative solutions along with recommendations.
I hope you find the report satisfactory.
Sincerely
Saurabh Gupta
(Sec - D)
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Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary 4
2. Situation Analysis 5
3. Problem Statement 5
4. Alternatives/Options 6
6. Evaluation of Options 7
7. Implementation 8
8. Contingency Plan 8
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Executive Summary
Liu Bai is a middle-aged independent man living in London away from his home since the time
he fled away from his family business and family itself. He was living safely and successfully
when one day his father calls him to explain about their declining business and how his sisters
have turned away from business. He tells Liu that he has no other option than selling business
which would bring shame on name of family if Liu doesn’t turn up in revival of their business.
The report discusses about options Liu has in form of staying in London or going back to
Malaysia to help his family in crisis, or he could potentially take a temporary break from his
current job and go to Malaysia and come back when business starts flourishing again.
Before taking a final decision, Liu must consider about his own personal life might get
affected, think for his career and future growth opportunities while also considering his family
and emotions for them.
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Situation Analysis
Liu Bai is a middle-aged man hailing from Malaysia and living in London for the past three
years. He is a talented, hardworking person having lots of connections in Asia, which has
resulted in his quick promotions. Years earlier he had turned away from his family’s business
empire and family itself to flee to the West. He is working with Tate & Lyle, a sugar trading
company. He is living an independent life away from home, which was unacceptable to his
family and their traditions. He was disinherited by his family, and he had not spoken to them
in five years.
Life in London for Liu was beginning to feel safe and successful when one fine day he receives
a phone call only to find out his father on the other side. His father explains how the recent
flooding and political unrest in country is having a major impact on their family business.
The business has been experiencing low profits for years and is in need for desperate revival.
Liu’s father explains how old he is getting and cannot run the business all by himself. As Liu’s
sisters have also turned their faces away from their business, he asks Liu to come back and
start leading the business or else he would have to sell it, which would eventually bring a
shame to their family.
Faced with choosing his personal life or moving back to family business, Liu asks for two
weeks’ time before making a final decision.
Problem Statement
What decision should Liu Bai take considering proposal made by his father?
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Alternatives/Options
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Criteria for Evaluation
1. Personal life
2. Career growth
3. Family and Emotions
Evaluation of Options
Option 3: Spend some time with business and come back later
By choosing this path Liu personally would feel of having fulfilled his duties towards his family.
He can be proud of this fact and not regret anymore of having fled away. His career would
not get affected much as he would only be taking a temporary break from his current job. In
this way he can also convince his sisters of joining their business and giving them motivation
and confidence to take it forward.
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Implementation
Liu Bai should consider taking a temporary break from his current job in London and go back
to Malaysia to take care of declining business. Liu having knowledge of company that directly
competes with his family business would give him an upper hand and help the revival process
speedily. In this way he can also convince his sisters to join the business and hire some
valuable employees who can take the business forward.
Contingency Plan
Liu Bai could else decide to go back to Malaysia and have a new beginning with his family.
Although he may not be sure of his father’s nature he can opt out of living with family and
stay in separate house.
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