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The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the value of internship as a function of the disparity between the initial expectation from the internship and its actual experience. The perceived internship experience has been evaluated through the expectation confirmation theory (ECT).

A sample of 106 students pursuing Master of Business Administration in a business school in India were administered a questionnaire to assess their expectations and experience before and after the internship. The self-designed questionnaire based on review of extant literature on internship included items related to supervisor–intern exchanges, significance of prior classroom academic preparation, prior work experience and perceived learning value. Students’ assessment scores on the internship project were taken as the outcome variable.

Pre- and post-analysis of perceived internship value indicated a positive expectation disconfirmation. The result indicates that “Positive Expectation Disconfirmation” has a significant direct relationship with overall satisfaction with internship. Structural equation modeling further revealed that perceived quality of the supervisor–intern exchange has a significant relationship with perceived internship value. Perceived significance of classroom academic preparation has a weak negative relationship with both perceived internship value and internship performance. Perceived internship value has a weak positive relationship with internship performance.

It is first time an attempt has been made to look into the issue of internship from the ECT.

This hypothetical case study aims to revisit the classical model given by Henri Fayol whereby he put forward a set of 14 principles to guide managers in decision-making across organizations. The case study showcases the dilemma in which the top manager of an automobile company finds himself when some of the very basic principles – on which the whole discipline of management is founded – are ignored. It will also serve as an aid for faculty members in B-Schools to teach students the significance of basic management principles postulated many years back which stand relevant even in contemporary times.

This case study is based on a hypothetical scenario in the corporate world. Different incidents in a fictitious automobile manufacturing firm are presented and the corresponding principles given by Henri Fayol are inferred.

This case study highlights that decision-making gets complicated if fundamental principles of management are not complied with. The decision taken during each and every situation which has been discussed in this case study is contrary to the correct course of action as propounded by Fayol. Modern-day managers must acknowledge the relevance and importance of these principles for achieving success in business.

This case study underscores that even in this volatile business environment where most of the management practices are technology-driven, we cannot disregard the most elementary rules of management. The managers working at different levels in the organizational hierarchy may be guided to make the right decisions in situations similar to the ones described.