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1. Case Studies

Instructions for Case Study Analysis

For each case study:

  1. Read the background and challenges carefully.

  2. Select one of the three frameworks discussed in the module (CARE, Talent Management Lifecycle, or McKinsey 7S) that you think is most appropriate for analyzing the situation.

  3. Use the chosen framework to analyze the organization's current human capital management practices and identify areas for improvement.

  4. Develop a set of 3-5 specific recommendations that address the key challenges identified.

  5. Create a simple implementation plan for your recommendations, including:

  • Priority order for implementing recommendations

  • Key actions required for each recommendation

  • Potential challenges and how to overcome them

  • Simple metrics to measure the success of each recommendation

  • Be prepared to present and discuss your analysis and recommendations, explaining how they align with the specific context and constraints of a grassroots NGO.

Remember to consider the limited resources available to these organizations and focus on practical, cost-effective solutions that can be implemented relatively quickly.

Case Study 1: Sustainable Futures

Background

Sustainable Futures is a small, grassroots NGO focused on promoting sustainable agriculture practices in rural communities. Founded five years ago, the organization has grown from a team of three passionate individuals to a staff of 10, supplemented by a rotating group of 15-20 volunteers. Despite their growth and increasing impact, Sustainable Futures is facing several human capital challenges that are hindering their ability to expand their programs and reach more communities.

Key Challenges

  1. High turnover rate among both staff and volunteers

  2. Difficulty in attracting individuals with specialized skills (e.g., grant writing, data analysis)

  3. Inconsistent performance across different project teams

  4. Limited resources for training and development

  5. Founder burnout and difficulty in delegating responsibilities

Your Task

As a consultant brought in to help Sustainable Futures improve their human capital management, you need to:

  1. Analyze the organization's current situation using one of the frameworks discussed in the module (CARE, Talent Management Lifecycle, or McKinsey 7S).

  2. Identify the most critical areas for improvement based on your analysis.

  3. Develop a set of specific, actionable recommendations to address the key challenges, keeping in mind the limited resources of a grassroots NGO.

  4. Propose a simple implementation plan for your recommendations, including how you would measure success.

Questions to Consider

  • How can Sustainable Futures better align their human capital management with their mission and values?

  • What low-cost strategies can be implemented to improve retention of both staff and volunteers?

  • How might the organization develop a more structured approach to performance management and skill development?

  • What steps can be taken to prevent founder burnout and build a more sustainable leadership model?

Case Study 2: Youth Empowerment Network

Background

Youth Empowerment Network (YEN) is a grassroots NGO that provides after-school programs and mentorship for at-risk youth in urban areas. Started by a group of community activists, YEN has been operating for three years and has gained a positive reputation in the community. The organization runs programs in three locations, relying heavily on volunteer mentors to support a small core staff of five full-time employees.

While YEN's programs have shown promising results, the organization is struggling to manage its growth and maintain program quality across all locations. The founders are passionate about their mission but have limited experience in organizational management and human resources.

Key Challenges

  1. Inconsistent volunteer engagement and high volunteer turnover

  2. Difficulty in maintaining program quality across different locations

  3. Limited capacity for volunteer training and support

  4. Lack of clear roles and responsibilities among core staff, leading to confusion and inefficiencies

  5. Challenges in measuring and demonstrating program impact to potential funders

Your Task

As a human capital management specialist advising YEN, you need to:

  1. Choose an appropriate framework (CARE, Talent Management Lifecycle, or McKinsey 7S) to assess YEN's current human capital management practices.

  2. Identify the most pressing human capital issues that need to be addressed for YEN to sustainably grow its impact.

  3. Develop a set of recommendations that address both volunteer management and core staff development.

  4. Create a simple, actionable plan for implementing your recommendations, including key milestones and metrics for success.

Questions to Consider

  • How can YEN improve its volunteer recruitment, training, and retention processes?

  • What strategies can be employed to ensure consistent program quality across different locations?

  • How might YEN clarify roles and responsibilities among core staff to improve organizational efficiency?

  • What simple performance management and feedback systems could be implemented for both staff and volunteers?

  • How can YEN develop its capacity to measure and communicate its impact effectively?

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