Success Of Robin And The Merrymen example essay topic

Introduction Two years into his campaign against the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin Hood was walking through Sherwood Forest. While walking Robin began to think of all of the problems he and his band of Merrymen were beginning to see. The numbers of his Merrymen were starting to rapidly increase. Along with this increase came a shortage of food. Furthermore travelers were beginning to travel around Sherwood Forest, cutting into the bands' looting revenues.

With the Sheriff growing stronger by the day, Robin must decide what to do in order to insure the success of his campaign. 1. What problems does Robin Hood have? Robin Hood is faced with many problems.

First he is faced with the increasing number of men. Due to the popularity of his crusade, more and more men are joining his campaign against the sheriff. This is a problem because, the more men there are the harder it is to feed and discipline them. With the Merrymen's numbers growing, game in the forest is becoming less available. This is causing the men to find food from outside the forest, slowly diminishing the bankroll that had been created. The men are becoming less vigilant and more playful, making it harder for Little John to discipline and train.

2. What issues need to be addressed? There are four issues that need to be addressed. First is the issue of food, with more men to feed food is becoming scarcer. Second is the fact that travelers are beginning to stay clear of Sherwood Forest. The third issue is more of a time issue.

The fact that the sheriff is growing stronger means Robin has less time to make his move. Fourth is the issue with King Richard. Robin must decide whether or not to join the barons in the ransom of King Richard. 3. Do Robin and the Merrymen need a new mission? New performance targets?

A new strategy? Robin and the Merrymen do not need a new mission; however they do need to develop a new strategy. Robin's current strategy of living off of the forest and looting travelers as they pass has hit its limit. In order to insure the success of Robin and the Merrymen campaign a new strategy must be developed and quickly. 4. Continuing with the present strategy is not a viable option.

A SWOT analysis can help sort out alternative courses Robin needs to consider: STRENGTHS 1. One of Robin's greatest strengths is the size of his band of merry men. 2. The reputation Robin and his men have developed could be of considerable strength to his cause. 3. Having Will Scarlet as a spy is also helpful in planning raids and making defensive moves.

This espionage is also useful in robbing tax collectors and merchants as they travel in and around Sherwood Forest. 4. Little Johns ability to keep the men's archery at its peak performance. 5.

The loyalty and willingness of Robin's men. With great loyalty it is easier for Robin to have his decisions accepted and put into action. 6. The relationship between Robin and the barons who wish to have Prince John removed from power.

WEAKNESSES 1. Robin's lack of influence over the English court and nobles. 2. Robin's emotions.

If Robin acts with vengeance in mind, he could become distracted from the problems that he and his men face. 3. The lack of Lieutenants within Robin's band. With more men joining, it is becoming harder to discipline and train them. 4.

The scarcity of provisions for the members of Robin's merrymen. OPPORTUNITIES 1. THREATS 5. Does it make sense to impose a fixed transit tax to counter the decline in revenues?

6. What about expanding the band's operations to geographical areas out and away from Sherwood Forest as a strategy of rejuvenating revenues and cash flows? 7. Why not try to end the campaign by killing the sheriff? 8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of accepting the offer of the barons to assist in securing King Richards release from prison?

9. What action plan would you recommend to Robin? 10. How should Robin implement the recommended plan? What steps need to be taken to make the recommended strategy work successfully?