Reference no: EM131089392
THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME?
Randy Harber, a 36-year-old construction crew chief, is employed by one of the largest mechanical contractors in the country. His employer operates in 44 states and 14 foreign countries. Randy and his spouse, Eileen, have two children, seven-year-old Kelly and three-year-old Jason. Eileen is a registered nurse and works part time in a family-practice office. Randy began his career in the construction field by entering the apprenticeship program immediately upon completing high school. He served as an officer in the local union and became a crew chief three years ago. His technical skills rank among the best. During the past two years, he has taken evening courses at the local community college to enhance his supervisory skills and to improve his chances of becoming a field superintendent. However, the construction industry has experienced no real growth, and opportunities for advancement are slim. During the past winter, Randy and others suffered reduced work weeks and had their use of the company truck severely restricted.
Randy Harber had been called to meet with Kevin Cook, vice president of field operations, in Cook's office. The following conversation took place:
KEVIN: Randy, you know that our revenues are down about 25 percent from last year.
RANDY: Yes. (Thinking to himself, "Here it comes: I'm going to get laid off.")
KEVIN: We've been trying to expand our base of operations and have bid on contracts all over the world. I think we have the opportunity of a lifetime, and you figure to be one of our key players. The United Methodist Church is collaborating in a joint venture in Liberia to build a
hospital on the outskirts of Monrovia, the capital city. They have a medical missionary program there, and this hospital is a $23 million project. The general contractor will be out of Milan, Italy, and we have received the mechanical portion of the contract.
RANDY: That's great! We can use the work.
KEVIN: This project will give us a strategic advantage in the European-African corridor. Top management has talked it over, and we would like for you to be our field superintendent on this project. Not only is this a great opportunity for us, but it will give you invaluable experience.
In addition, your salary will almost double. All the people on this project will be our very best. You'll be leaving in three weeks, and we'd expect you to be on-site for 14months. What do you think?
RANDY: Geez, that sounds fascinating. How soon do you need an answer?
KEVIN: Go home, think it over, talk to Eileen, and let's get back together tomorrow afternoon at about 3:00.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Evaluate the offer made to Randy Harber. Do you agree that this is the opportunityof a lifetime? Why or why not?
2. What factors should Harber consider, and how should Harber evaluate hiscareer options?
3. If you were Randy Ha:irbe-r, what ,would you do and why? (Before you answerthese questions, you may want to check some Web sites to get information onthe country's history, economy, business and governmental practices, policies,culture, language, and living conditions.)
|
Belief in the efficient market hypothesis
: Your co-worker tells you that he has beaten the market for each of the last three years. Suppose you believe him. Does this weaken your belief in the efficient market hypothesis? Why?
|
|
The market will go up as economy recovers
: We know that the market should respond positively to good news and that good-news events such as the coming of the end of a recession can be predicted with at least some accuracy. Why, then, can we not predict that the market will go up as the econom..
|
|
Differences between virtue theory
: Write a 450- to 700-word essay comparing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics.
|
|
Human resources development
: The paper should not simply be a restatement of concepts described in the materials. Writing on 3-4 pages on CHOOSEN AREA on Human resources development, safety and health, compensation and benefits
|
|
Largest mechanical contractors in the country
: Randy Harber, a 36-year-old construction crew chief, is employed by one of the largest mechanical contractors in the country. His employer operates in 44 states and 14 foreign countries.
|
|
Revenues generated by new product are forecast
: Revenues generated by a new product are forecast as follows: Year Revenue 1 $40,000 2 30,000 3 20,000 4 10,000 5 -0- no sales after year 4 Expenses are expected to be 40% of revenues, and working capital required in each year is expected to be 20% of..
|
|
Mortgage loans with monthly payment
: A local bank offers 40 year mortgage loans with a monthly payment of $1,000 each month. The interest rate for these loans is 6% per year compounded monthly. What is the most expensive house you can buy with a down payment of $15,000?
|
|
What is the return on assets and return on equity
: Keller Cosmetics maintains an operating profit margin of 8.45% and a sales-to-assets ratio of 3.80. It has assets of $590,000 and equity of $390,000. Interest payments are $39,000 and the tax rate is 40%. What is the return on assets? What is the ret..
|
|
What is the expected risk-free rate of return
: If asset A has a beta of 1.3, has an expected return of 25 percent, and the expected market return is 20 percent, what is the expected risk-free rate of return?
|