Project Vishwamitra at TP Engineering Corporation
By Ramnarayan S, K.N. Rekha, Neha Gupta
Ivey publication | 2011
Ivey publication | 2011
DOI
www.iveycases.com/ProductView.aspx?id=52920
Citation
S, Ramnarayan., K.N. Rekha., Neha Gupta. Project Vishwamitra at TP Engineering Corporation Ivey publication www.iveycases.com/ProductView.aspx?id=52920.
Copyright
Ivey publication, 2011
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Abstract
The case describes the introduction of a human resources (HR) system named "Project Vishwamitra" (PV) in 2000 in a large, technocratic public sector organization, TP Engineering Corporation (TPEC). PV was introduced with considerable leadership support and visibility. It was intended to provide every engineer trainee at TPEC a friend and guide to ease their entry and socialization into the organization. The senior managers assigned to guide the trainees were called "mentors". For the first four to five years, the project ran smoothly. The trainees distinctly felt supported whenever they needed some help. At the same time, the mentors were happy to guide trainees. After four to five years, certain important changes took place in the organization in staffing of leadership positions. With expansion and new projects, the growth trajectory of TPEC also showed a sharp increase. With earlier people moving out and a significant rise in the number of trainees being recruited, PV ran into difficult waters. Yet, no changes were made in the system or processes. PV started to get ritualized - meetings between trainees and mentors became more infrequent and in certain areas, there was total absence of any contact between the two. In the midst of degeneration, one of the leaders was able to revive the project in Unit Chelpur. With highly ambitious growth plans, the number of trainees was expected to increase from 450 in 2010 to 750 in 2011. The company faced a choice regarding the form in which PV should continue.Learning Objective:This case is suitable for organizational behaviour and change management courses. The case deals with initiation and sustenance of a human resources (HR) system. It could be used in undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education programs in management.The case services the following learning objectives:
To encourage discussion on how to implement an HR system effectively in a large organization with strong hierarchical and procedural orientation.
To encourage discussion on how to deal with issues of organizational adaptation so that processes and systems are attuned to changing demands.