Dave Armstrong(A) Case Study

Summary of the case

Dave has just completed his MBA and is facing a difficult decision of choosing a job He has 3 jobs to choose from each having advantages & disadvantages. He has work experience of around 5 years before MBA, and was earning good, but the problem there was that all the work was dependent on him. He applied to Harvard Business School and got selected. So considering it to be a good option he went for it. Now that his MBA is over and he is been working for a oil exploration company in Kentucky for the past few months, he is facing probably the biggest dilemma of his life. He has three job prospects: Job A, B, and C. One of the job is very exciting but involves some risk where on other extreme is a job which is safe option but what he calls as a traditional job.

1. Describe the decision that Dave Armstrong faces. What aspects are important for Dave Armstrong decision? Ans. Dave Armstrong faces the decision of selecting one among the three jobs one of which is very exciting but involves risk of investment. Another one is a little less exciting but will help in developing lot of contacts, the problem being it being a short term deal & may not work out if oil glut dries up before the launch of business. The aspects which are important for his decision are: Excitement level/interest in job The potential to grow in the job. Job security. Travel Business Contacts

2. What advice would you give Dave that would help him make a wise choice?

Ans. Dave needs to look into various aspects of the job. He needs to look into the following points: Dig out for facts on each of the organisation & growth prospects. Look out for people who have been in his position & what decision they took. Talk out with different group of people - friends and family & then take a wise decision. Remove all the biases like this work is going to be boring or risky & think from other prospects of it as well. He needs to see if his decision is not made on the basis of decision framing the way he has framed the pictures of 3 jobs. Since he is getting some income from his old policyholders, he may think of taking a risk.

3. Why is the decision facing Dave Armstrong a difficult one? Ans. The Decision is a difficult one because: sIt has options each one having advantages

& disadvantages of its own which are different from each other. The decision will affect other members also his wife. On one side he has work of his interest but it involves a risk of investment & on other side there is a traditional job which is a safe bet.