Reference no: EM133298118

Case Study: Sean, a Chemical Engineer and MBA from the University of Waterloo had recently joined the Atkins Plastics Manufacturing Group in Sarnia, Ontario as Director of Marketing. Atkins, an employee owned Canadian company, was well known as an innovator in the plastics industry and was earning a modest operating profit in difficult economic times.

For the last 6 years Sean had worked for a well-known international consulting organization specializing in manufacturing. He had consulted to numerous companies in the plastics industry and was well known as a capable industry analyst and consultant. During his MBA studies Sean worked 2 of his required work terms for Atkins. He enjoyed the work at Atkins and over the years had stayed in touch with the Atkins VP Marketing and Sales. About a year ago, as an outside consultant, he was assigned by his consulting employer and under contract to work with Atkins senior management in the development of a new strategic plan. Both he and his employer signed a strict confidentiality agreement. The project was exciting and the best and most experienced people at Atkins actively participated. They examined a number of interesting ideas including a new cutting-edge program for a rigid self- lubricating plastic (RSLP) for use in the automotive parts industry. This technology was not new but was very expensive and so far had limited application in mass manufacturing and production. Atkins through an unexpected fluke by a junior research scientist discovered an inexpensive process to produce large quantities of RSLP. As a result, RSLP became the keystone of the new strategic plan which was quickly adopted by Atkins senior management.

Atkins attorneys were researching a possible process patent while Research and Development (R&D) tested and refined the process needed to produce RSLP and test various applications. The VP Marketing and Sales was assigned to administer the project full time. He relocated temporarily to London, Ontario near the University of Western Ontario, where Atkins R&D offices and labs were located. In his absence to manage his department he hired Sean as his right hand and gave him responsibility for day to day Atkins marketing and sales activities. Sean was thrilled and regularly briefed the CEO and Directors on sales and marketing activity. On one occasion he attended a product development meeting during which the Board was briefed by the VP on the status of the RSLP project. It was exciting and the new product applications seemed endless. All present were reminded to keep the project absolutely secret. Of course, secrecy in such matters was also demanded by the Atkins Code of Ethics which all employees were required to read, acknowledge and sign at time of being hired.

Sean was asked to attend the 2012 annual plastic manufacturing trade show and conference in New Orleans, La. While he was there a few odd things happened. Over lunch one afternoon with a former consulting colleague Sean was quizzed about rumours over new Atkins' products. Sean smiled but stayed tight lipped about RSLP. Later that same day, while out for a walk after a seminar, he saw his friend the Atkins VP playing golf with the CEO of a large European competitor who was a key note speaker at the conference. Sean was surprised the VP was there but there was no opportunity to say hello. Sean confirmed he was not registered at his hotel. A few days later he returned home. A week or so later Sean received a call from a reporter of a plastics trade magazine. He asked if Atkins was about to introduce a revolutionary new plastic. He went on to mention rumours of an impending takeover. Sean politely refused to comment.

Immediately after the reporter's call Sean called the VP. He was at his office in London. He told him about the call and his concerns that RSLP secrecy was compromised. The VP sounded surprised at Sean's call and after Sean mentioned seeing him at the conference quickly denied being in New Orleans.

He told Sean not to worry and just keep quiet. As the call ended the VP made an odd remark and told Sean "don't worry I have your back." Sean hung up feeling unsure and deflated. He went home and slept little that night

Question 1: What are the key (important) and known "facts" of this case? - list and briefly explain each

Question 2: What are the 4 or 5 most important considerations (personal and corporate) Sean must consider to resolve this case without jeopardizing his career at Atkins or his reputation in the industry? Explain the importance of each

Question 3: What should Sean do? Explain why he must follow your recommendation.