Erik Peterson at Biometra (A)

Abstract

This case describes the problems facing a recent MBA graduate in his job as general manager of a medical device company owned by a parent corporation. It raises issues of corporate divisional relationships and the difficulties facing an inexperienced manager who seems to be receiving little support. This case is a redisguised and updated version of earlier case 494-005, reflecting the challenges of managing in innovation-/R&D-driven industries and across multiple international sites.

Learning Objective: To raise and discuss the leadership, management, and business problems facing a new MBA graduate in a general management job involving a new product launch; to have students address how he got into his current situation and the choices he must make to resolve these problems, while also preparing for a site visit by his newly appointed boss, the newly appointed head of the division, and the corporate EVP in charge of the sector.