Learning outcomes After discussing this case, students will be able to apply the Competency Mapping framework to design redeployment and reskilling strategies for displaced employees; analyze workforce realignment challenges through the lens of Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) models; evaluate HR’s strategic role in balancing financial constraints with talent retention using evidence-based reasoning; assess the risks and outcomes of alternative workforce planning models and propose suitable HR interventions; and design an integrated competency assessment and performance evaluation framework to prepare the organization for future transitions. Case overview/synopsis In early 2023, Suresh Nair, Deputy General Manager of Human Resources at Vertex Engineering, a medium-sized firm in India’s construction equipment sector, faced a major workforce challenge. The company decided to sell its Core Manufacturing Plant, whose capacity utilization had fallen from 85% in 2010 to 50% in 2023. Out of 500 affected employees, 250 were transferred to the acquiring company, while the remaining 250 required redeployment, reskilling or release. This case study explores how Vertex can strategically realign its workforce through the application of Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) and Competency Mapping frameworks. It emphasizes the HR function’s evolving role from administrative redeployment to strategic capability building within an environment of technological change, cost pressure and labor volatility. The protagonist, Suresh Nair, must navigate conflicting priorities between cost reduction advocated by the CFO and the COO’s emphasis on talent retention as a long-term competitive asset. Complexity academic level Graduate and under-graduate level Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
Kumar et al. (2026) studied this question.