Question

Ten years ago, Lisa's nephew, Darren Carter, became the controller of the company. At first, Darren was very focused on the company. He instituted many worthwhile changes and improved the financial reporting process. More recently, however, Darren's attention has shifted to a petroleum exploration venture that he and a couple of his university colleagues are pursuing.

Answer 1

Darren Carter's shift in focus from his role as a company's controller to an outside venture resembles historical President Jimmy Carter's challenges managing unemployment, inflation, and energy dependence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ten years ago, Lisa's nephew, Darren Carter, took on the role of controller at his company and brought about many positive changes initially, particularly in the company's financial reporting processes. However, his engagement has recently waned as his focus has shifted towards a new venture in petroleum exploration with his university colleagues. This scenario is indicative of a challenge where a key employee's attention is diverted from their original role due to outside business interests, potentially impacting company performance and goal alignment.

In a broader context, the historical figure Darren Carter brings to mind is Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, who also faced significant challenges in his tenure. Carter endeavored to manage a high unemployment rate and tackle inflation during his presidency. His attempts included tax reform measures, the deregulation of industries such as aviation and trucking, strengthening social programs, and emphasizing energy conservation through the creation of the Department of Energy. While consumers saw some benefits, such as lower airline fares, his strategies had varied success, with some notable failures such as Pan American World Airways going out of business.