Jarvis Manufacturing

Abstract

The authors created the experiential and team-based Jarvis Manufacturing exercise to help students learn about the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are fundamental to effective teamwork. In the exercise, students are asked to assume the role of the CEO of Jarvis Manufacturing, a fictional manufacturer and retailer of skis and snowboards. They are tasked with choosing the members of a team that will decide the new strategy for the company’s snowboarding business. Students choose their team from a core management group of 12 employees, for whom descriptions are provided in the case. They first make their choices as individuals, then in teams. We provide a description of the exercise and suggestions for how to debrief it. The exercise provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the KSAs that they should consider in choosing and managing a team and to develop these KSAs in themselves.