The talent compass: guiding workforce realignment at Vertex Engineering

Title

The talent compass: guiding workforce realignment at Vertex Engineering

Creator

Kumar, Arun; Aranha, Rekha; Saldanha, Avil; Sivathanu, Brijesh

Description

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 HRs 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 Indias 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 functions 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 COOs 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. 2026 Emerald Publishing Limited

Source

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies;Volume;16;Issue;1;pp.1-7

Date

01-01-2026

Publisher

Emerald Publishing

Subject

Employee behaviour; Strategy; Workforce planning

Coverage

Kumar A., School of Business and Management, Christ University, Bengaluru, India; Aranha R., School of Business and Management, Christ University, Bengaluru, India; Saldanha A., Department of Marketing, St. Josephs Institute of Management, Bangalore, India; Sivathanu B., School of Business and Management, Christ University, Bengaluru, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 20450621;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-04-2025-0240

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105031952389?origin=resultslist