Scenario E

Read the following information and respond accordingly.

You are a manager of a local not for profit community centre. You have been reviewing the night security processes you have in place to see if there is a more cost effective means of ensuring the building is safe at night and running additional children’s after school programs. You have collected the following information:

- Contracted night security officer to monitor the premise each night.
- Three years ago there were consistent acts of vandalism to both the outside of the building, which ceased when the security company was hired.
- Occasional break-ins and thefts occurred at the building prior to the security firm being contracted.
- The security officer is paid £2,000 a month.
- Security cameras can be installed for £5,000 which would cover the entire building.
- Studies have shown that security cameras are effective at preventing break and enters and vandalism in buildings without significant property to steal.
- Lockers can be installed for locking up laptop computers for a cost of £1000.
- There are several empty rooms available between the hours when school is let out and evening programs begin.
- Many volunteers would be willing to work with the children during afternoon programs.
- Funds would have be set aside to manage the after school program in the amount of £1000 per month.
- Although there is equipment to entertain children during the program, it would be a good idea to purchase additional equipment such as games, toys and activities.

Answer Key

Total security costs per year: £ 24,000 (2,000 x 12)
New Security Equipment: £ 6,000 (5,000 + 1,000)
New Program Manager: £ 12,000 (1,000 x 12)
Savings Year One: £ 6000 (18,000 – 12,000)

Proposal for After School Program and Night Security Changes

I have put a proposal together which will have an impact on both security procedures at night as well as implementing an after school program for children. This proposal will keep the three following goals in mind.

1) The security of the property is maintained at night.
2) An afternoon school program is implemented.
3) Costs are saved in the process.

I’m recommending that the security contract we have be cancelled and replaced with security cameras and security lockers to store the laptop computers when they are not in use. Studies have shown that security cameras are effective devices to prevent vandalism and thefts in buildings without significant property to steal. With the laptops secure, the security cameras should be an effective deterrent against break and enters, theft and vandalism. Cancelling the contract will produce £ 24,000 annual savings, while the required equipment would cost £ 6,000. This first year savings of £ 18,000 with annual savings afterward of £ 24,000.

I’m also recommending the implementation of an after school program that will take place in the already available rooms in the centre. We have more than enough volunteers to run the program, and the cost of managing it would be £ 1,000 per month or £ 12,000 per year. Some of the money saved with the new security procedure can be used to purchase equipment for the children, while the rest can be allocated in a manner that best suits the community centre.

In the first year there would be £ 6,000 of savings (not including additional equipment for the children) and each additional year would have a savings of £ 12,000 per year.

Competencies to Consider

Analytical Thinking: Analyze the problem and determining a cost effective solution is available to satisfy all variables (scarce funds, security, additional program). Negotiation / Facilitation By addressing the security concern and additional program while always considering the cost savings, you will make a much more effective proposal. Work Organization: The solution will ensure that better processes are in place for security, as well as a new after school program. Information Seeking / Cooperation: By finding additional funds that can be used, and leaving the allocation of those resources to others, you are seeking their input and encouraging them to participate in the decision. These are just some of the competencies that could be addressed in your answer.

Written Tests