‘re spent the fist yeur forging the group ino a diseiplined band, united in enmity against the Sheriff and willing to live ouside the Jaw, The band’s organization was simple. Robin ruled supreme, making all important decisions. He delegated specific tasks to his lieutenants, Will Scarlet was in charge of intelligence and seouting, His main job was to shadow the Sheriff and his men aways alert to their next move, He also collected information on the trwvel plans of rch merchants and ts eolletors. Lite John kept discipline among the men and saw to it that their archery was at he high peak that their profession demanded, Scarlet took care of the finances, converting loot to ash, paying shares ofthe take, and finding suitable hiding places forthe surplus. Finally, Much the [Mile’s son had the difficult task of provisioning the everinereasing band of Merry Men, ‘The increasing size ofthe band! was a souree of stistuetion for Robin, but also a source of concern. The fame of his Merry Men ‘was spreading, and new recruits were pouring in from every corner of England. As the band grew larger, thei small bivouae ‘became a major encampment. Between raids the men milled about, talking and playing games. Vi discipline was becoming harder o enforce. “Why.” Robin reflected, “I don't know half the men I un into these days." sce was in decline, and The growing bund was also beginning to excced the food capacity ofthe forest. Game was becoming scarce, and supplies had to be ‘obained from outlying villages. The cost of buying food was hesinning to drain the band’s Financial reserves atthe Very moment ‘when revenues were in decline, Travelets especially those with the most to lose, were now giving the forest a wide berth, This was costly and inconvenient to them, but it was preferable to having all bir goods confiscated, Robin believed that the time had come forthe Merry Men to change their policy of outright confiscation of goods to one ofa fixed ‘wansit ax. His lieutenants strongly resisted tis idea. They were proud of the Merry Men's famous motto: “Rob the rch and give to the poor.” “The farmers and the townspeople.” they argued, “are our most important alles, How can we tax them, and stil hope for ther help in our fight against the Sheriff?" Robin wondered how long the Merry Men could keep tothe ways and methods oftheir early days. The Sheriff was growing stronger andl becoming better organized, He now had the money and the men and was beginning to harass the band, probing for its weaknesses. The tde of events was beginning to turn against the Merry Men, Robin felt thatthe campaign must be decisively ‘concluded before the Sherif had a chance to deliver a mortal blow, "But how." he wondered, “could this be done?” “Page @20T” Captight © 1991 by Kone amg Robin had often entertained the possibility of killin the Sherif, but the chances for this seemed inreasingly remote, Besides, killing the Sheriff might satistyhis personal thirst for revenge, bu it would not improve the situation, Robin had hoped that the perpetual state of unrest and the Sheriff's failure to collet taxes would lead 1 his removal from office. Instead, the Sheriff used his Political connections to obtain reinforcement. He had powerful friends at court and was well regarded by the regent Prine John. Prince John was vicious and volatile. He was consumed by his unpopularity among the peopl, who Wanted the imprisoned King Richard back, Heals lived in constant fea ofthe barons, who had first given him the regency but were now beginning to dispute ‘his claim to the throne, Several of these barons had sot out to collet the ransom that would release King Richard the Lionheust from his jail in Austria, Robin was invited to join the conspiracy in return for future amnesty. [twas a dangerous proposition, bandicy was one thing. cour intrigue another Prine John had spies everywhere and he was known for bis vindictiveness. I the conspirators” plan failed the pursuit would be relentless and retributions swif. Provinei ‘The sound ofthe supper horn startled Robin from hs thoughts. There was the smell of roasting venison in he air. Nothing was ‘resolved or seed. Robin headed for camp promising himself dhat he would give these problems his uumost attention after tomorrow’s raid,‘Suggested Assignment Questions for an Oral Team Presentation or Written Case Analysis. “The length of the case makes it ideal for an in-class written case or a final exam case. Our suggested written assignment questions are as follows 1. As Robin Hood's most trusted advisor (and.as Someone knowledgeable in the ways of crafting and executing effective strategies), please prepare an action plan for Robin Hood’s consideration. It is your job to convince hhim to pursue your proposed plan; hence your report should include full justification and arguments to support your recommended course of action. 2. Since you are Robin Hood’s most trusted advisor and are most knowledgesble about crafting and implementing effective strategies, he has called upon you to advise him on how to proceed in light of the situation. Within the next few hours, Robin Hood expects you to provide him with: (a) A rundown of the issues he needs to address (b) Anappropriate action plan that includes © a mission, a setof performance objectives, Case 25 TeachingNete Rodis Hoos a strateay for dealing with the issues'problems he confronts, and the action steps that will need to be taken to implement the strategy effectively lease provide supporting analysis and persuasive argument for your recommended course of action (you must convince him to do what you suggest!) and you nced to be specific about what to do and how to do it. Assignment Questions 1. What problems docs Robin Flood have? What issues need to be addressed? 2. Do Robin Hood and the Merrymen need a new mission? new objectives? a new strategy? 3. What strategic options does Robin Hood have? Is continuing with the present strategy an option or is the present strategy obsolete? 4. Why not try to end the eampaign by killing the Sheriff? 5. What are the pros and cons of accepting the olfer ofthe barons to assist in securing King Richard's release from prison? 6. What action plan would you recommend to Robin? 7, How should Robin implement the recommended plan? What action steps will need to be taken to make the recommended strategy work successfully?