Manager Mission Sub Plan Manager Mission
Teacher Facilitation Guide & Substitute Plans
Lesson: Decision Dilemma
Target Grade: 8th Grade CTE
Project Overview
This is a 2-day independent project designed for students to practice management-level decision-making and problem-solving. Students act as "Junior Managers" for a fictional company, Apex Athletics , which is facing a critical logistics and reputation crisis.
Learning Objectives
Identify the steps of the Rational Decision-Making Model.
Analyze a business problem and weigh multiple alternatives.
Communicate a strategic decision through a professional presentation.
Apply problem-solving skills to a real-world business scenario.
NC CTE Standards
Focus Area: General Management & Problem Solving.
Included Materials in this Lesson
Decision Dilemma Project Guide
Solution Sketcher Organizer
Project Pitch Rubric
Day 1: Analysis
1
Introduction (10m)
Distribute the Project Guide and Solution Sketcher . Explain that they are now managers for Apex Athletics.
2
Case Study Review (15m)
"The Warehouse Flood Crisis"
Students read the scenario in the Project Guide and identify the core problem.
3
Planning (30m+)
Students complete the Solution Sketcher . They must brainstorm 3 alternatives and evaluate pros/cons before picking a final choice.
Day 2: Presentation
1
Slide Creation (45m)
Students use their planner to build a 5-8 slide presentation. Remind them to refer to the Project Pitch Rubric .
2
Review & Polish (15m)
Student Checklist:
Grammar check, uniform slide transitions, and clear graphics/images representing their choices.
3
Submission (5m)
Students turn in their digital link and their physical planner sheet.
Substitute Facilitation Tips
Independent Work: This is designed for zero lecture. Students should have individual devices.
The "Role Play": Encourage students to use professional language as if they are actually speaking to a Board of Directors.
Troubleshooting: If a student finishes Day 1 planning early, they should start their slide deck shell (Titles and layouts).
Helpful Prompt: If students get stuck on "alternatives," ask: "What is the cheapest option? What is the fastest option? What is the best for the customers?"
Decision Dilemma Project Guide Employee Handbook Supplement / / Apex Athletics
Project ID: DD-8-01
THE DECISION DILEMMA
Junior Manager Promotion Project
The Executive Briefing
Welcome, Junior Manager. You have been assigned to lead the Crisis Management Team for Apex Athletics . Our biggest product launch of the year, the Titan-X Running Shoe, is scheduled for exactly 7 days from today.
CRISIS: Last night, a massive water pipe burst in our East Coast Distribution Center. 40% of our Titan-X inventory has been destroyed by water damage.
The Board of Directors is looking to YOU to decide how we handle this. Thousands of pre-orders have been paid for, and our marketing campaign has already spent $2 million.
Mission Goals
Use the Rational Decision-Making Model .
Brainstorm at least 3 unique alternatives .
Create 5-8 Professional Slides .
Final product due at the end of next class.
Presentation Content Guide
Slide 01
Title Slide
Logo, Project Title, Name, Job Title.
Slide 02
Problem Statement
Summary of the warehouse flood & its impact.
Slide 03
Alternatives
List the 3 solutions you considered.
Slide 04
Evaluation Table
Compare Pros and Cons for each solution.
Slide 05
The Recommendation
Reveal and justify your final choice.
Slide 06-08
Action Plan
Steps for implementation & Conclusion.
Manager's Scratchpad
Optional: Draft your first thoughts here
Identify the Problem:
Possible Solution Ideas:
Remember: Successful managers don't just solve problems; they protect the brand. Think about how each choice affects the Apex Athletics reputation!
Solution Sketcher Organizer Solution Sketcher
Crisis Management Planning Packet
Apex Athletics // Logistics & Reputation Division
Manager Name:
Project Date:
CRISIS RECAP: A warehouse flood destroyed 40% of the Titan-X shoe inventory. You have 7 days until the launch. Thousands of pre-orders are paid for.
1
Identify the Core Problem
What is the "root" of the issue? What are we losing (money, reputation, time)?
2
Brainstorm 3 Alternatives
Solution A Idea
Solution B Idea
Solution C Idea
3
Evaluate Pros & Cons
Plan Pros (Advantages) Cons (Risks) Solution A Solution B Solution C
4
The Recommended Decision
Select your final winning solution (title of the idea):
Provide your Business Justification (Why is this the best for Apex Athletics?):
Day 2: Presentation Build Checklist
Review your slide content against these requirements before turning in.
Professional Title Slide (Logo + Name)
Clear Definition of the Flood Crisis
Pro/Con Comparison for 3 Alternatives
Winning Selection + Logic
Step-by-Step Implementation Plan
No Typos / Formal Tone (No Slang)
Project Pitch Rubric Apex Athletics Performance Review
Form: PR-77-MGMT
Project Pitch Rubric
Decision Dilemma: Crisis Management
Evaluate the 5-8 slide presentation and the problem-solving strategy used.
Evaluation Category Exceptional (4) Proficient (3) Developing (1-2) Problem Analysis
Identify core issues.
| Clearly identifies the root problem, brand risks, and financial impact of the flood. | Identifies the main problem and at least one consequence correctly. | Vague description of the problem; misses key details of the crisis. |
|
Strategic Thinking
Alternative selection.
| Three realistic solutions provided with deep pros/cons analysis for each. | Three solutions provided; analysis of pros/cons is accurate but basic. | Fewer than three solutions or solutions are unrealistic for the business. |
|
The Recommendation
Justification & logic.
| Recommendation is highly logical and balances cost, time, and customer loyalty. | Recommendation is logical and justified with business reasoning. | Recommendation lacks a clear "why" or doesn't solve the core problem. |
|
Visual Design
Slide appeal & layout.
| Deck is professional, uses branding/logos, and includes relevant visual aids. | Deck is clean and organized; uses basic visuals or standard templates. | Slide deck is messy, too short/long, or contains too much text. |
|
Professionalism
Grammar & tone.
| Zero errors. Tone is consistently professional and persuasive to the Board. | 1-2 minor errors. Tone is generally appropriate for a business setting. | Multiple errors or tone is too casual (uses slang or "I think"). |
Final Project Score
/ 20 Total Management Score
Executive Feedback / Evaluator Comments:
Manager Mission Modified Sub Plan Manager Mission
Modified Sub Plan (8th Grade CTE // 4th Grade Reading Level)
Apex Athletics
Project Goal
Students act as managers to solve "The Wet Shoe Disaster." They will identify the problem, evaluate 3 plans, pick a winner, and create a 5-slide presentation.
Read This Story Aloud to the Class:
"You are a new manager at Apex Athletics shoe store. Last night, a big pipe broke and water flooded the store. Almost half of your new Titan-X Shoes are wet, stained, and ruined."
"You have a BIG SALE in 7 days. People have already paid for these shoes. They will be very upset if they don't get them! Your job is to pick the best plan to fix this."
Day 1: Planning
Students use the Modified Project Guide and Solution Sketcher .
Listen to the story.
Review the 4 possible plans.
Evaluate 3 plans (Good vs. Bad).
Select the final winner.
Day 2: Slides
Students create their 5-slide deck.
Slide 1: Title & Name.Slide 2: The Problem.Slide 3: My 3 Plans.Slide 4: My Winning Plan.Slide 5: Thank You.
Substitute Facilitation Tips
Independent Work: This is designed for quiet work. Students should have devices for Day 2.
Reading Support: Walk around and read the "Good vs. Bad" table prompts for students who struggle.
Checkpoints: Ensure every student has a "Winner" picked by the end of Day 1.
Assessment: Use the Modified Rubric (Star-based) for grading.
Decision Dilemma Modified Guide Apex Athletics // Company Mission
Manager: Level 1
THE WET SHOE DISASTER
Junior Manager Mission
The Big Problem
Last night, a big pipe broke in the store. Water got everywhere.
Almost half of your new Titan-X Shoes are wet and ruined. They smell like dirty water and have stains on them.
You have a BIG SALE in 7 days. People have already paid for these shoes. They will be very upset if they don't get them!
The 4 Possible Plans
Plan 1: Wash Them
Wash and dry the shoes at the store. It is free but might take a long time.
Plan 2: Half Price
Sell the wet shoes for half price ($50). The store will lose money.
Plan 3: Buy New
Buy new shoes from a different store. It is fast but very expensive.
Plan 4: Money Back
Tell customers the shoes are gone and give their money back. They might be sad.
Your Mission
Slide Guide
Slide 1: Title (My Name & Logo)
Slide 2: The Wet Shoe Problem
Slide 3: My 3 Best Ideas
Slide 4: My Final Winner
Slide 5: Thank You
Manager Secret: Use pictures of shoes and the Apex Athletics logo on every slide!
Solution Sketcher Modified Organizer Solution Sketcher
Project: The Wet Shoe Disaster
Apex Athletics
My Name:
Date:
CRISIS: A big water pipe broke. Many shoes are wet and stained. The sale is in 7 days!
1
The Big Problem
2
3 Plans to Fix It
Circle 3 plans from the list below:
Wash and dry the shoes.
Sell them for half price.
Buy new shoes from a store.
Tell customers we are sorry.
3
Good Sides vs. Bad Sides
My Plan Good Side (Smile) Bad Side (Sad) Plan A Plan B Plan C
4
The Winning Plan
Write the name of the winning idea here:
Why is this the best plan?
Project Pitch Modified Rubric Apex Athletics Performance Review
Form: PR-L1-KID
Manager Project Score
The Wet Shoe Disaster
This is how well you did on your 5-slide project.
What I Checked: Awesome! (3 Stars) Good Job (2 Stars) Needs Work (1 Star) The Problem I explained exactly what happened at the store (the flood). I said the shoes got wet and it was a problem. I did not explain the problem very well. 3 Plans I looked at 3 different plans and found a good side for each. I looked at 3 different plans to fix the shoes. I did not have 3 plans on my slides. Winner I picked the best plan and gave a great reason why. I picked a plan and said why I liked it. I did not pick a winning plan. Slides My slides are clean, have pictures, and follow the list. I made 5 slides and they look good. My slides were messy or I was missing slides. Nice Work My project looks like a professional manager made it. I used good words and did my best. I used some slang words or did not check my work.
Total Stars
/ 15 Stars
Teacher Notes for the Manager:
