Read the case study entitled, "Shutdown at Eastland" on page 89 in your text.

How would you have handled this situation?

In this assignment, propose a plan to close the assembly plant in Eastland, Michigan. In this plan, be sure to explain the following:

Terms of the close - what notice would you give, what benefits would you provide, etc.?
Describe all of the affected stakeholders and how their interests will be considered.
Who do you propose should take primary responsibility for those laid off as a result of the plant closing?
How will this news be communicated to the workers, press, and community?

Knowing nothing about what the Shutdown is about, I would suggest looking up different laws regarding what a company must do in the event of a shutdown and massive layoffs.

I would look at how other companies addressed the situation. Read disasterous shutdowns and what went wrong and come up with a way to avoid those problems.

Matt

MattsRiceBowl has good ideas on how to research this problem -- and it is a problem. Make sure you look at it from all sides -- the company's side, the employees' side, the city's side, and the side of the stockholders of the company. Who will be hurt the most? Was the decision really necessary? Why?

This is an example of a good time to use the five W's -- WHO, WHERE, WHAT, WHY and HOW(I know, how doesn't start with W, but it does end with one!) and add WHICH and WHEN.

When you have an answer to most of those question words, you will be ready to begin to prepare to write your paper.

Happy researching!

To handle the situation presented in the case study "Shutdown at Eastland," it is important to conduct a comprehensive analysis and propose a well-thought-out plan. Here is a step-by-step approach to addressing the various aspects of the situation:

1. Understand the case study: Begin by reading the case study carefully to gain insights into the specific circumstances surrounding the shutdown at Eastland.

2. Research applicable laws and regulations: Look up relevant labor laws and regulations in your jurisdiction to understand the legal requirements for company shutdowns and employee layoffs. Pay attention to topics such as notice periods, severance benefits, and any specific obligations towards employees.

3. Analyze the affected stakeholders: Identify all the stakeholders involved, including employees, local community, suppliers, customers, and stockholders. Consider their varying interests and how their involvement will impact the shutdown plan.

4. Determine the terms of the closure: Based on the research done in step 2 and the analysis of stakeholders' interests, propose appropriate terms for the closure. This should include details such as the notice period given to employees, the severance packages or benefits provided, and any outplacement services to assist employees in finding new jobs.

5. Consider the welfare of affected employees: Primary responsibility for laid-off employees should be shared between the company and the local community. The company should prioritize providing support such as retraining programs, job placement assistance, and access to social resources to help ease the transition for affected individuals. Collaborating with local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and employment centers can be beneficial in addressing these needs.

6. Communication strategy: Develop a detailed communication plan for informing employees, the press, and the community about the shutdown. This plan should be sensitive, clear, and timely, focusing on explaining the reasons for the closure and the steps being taken to mitigate its impact. Ensuring transparency and providing resources for emotional support, such as counseling services, may also be important during the communication process.

7. Review and refine the plan: After developing the initial plan, review it to ensure all aspects have been adequately covered and that it takes into account the best interests of all stakeholders involved. Consider seeking input from relevant experts or stakeholders to refine the plan further.

By following this approach, you'll be able to propose a well-considered plan for the closure of the plant in Eastland, addressing the needs of the affected stakeholders while adhering to legal requirements and ethical considerations.