Case studies

After completion of the case study, students will have the ability to identify and apply various distribution strategies in the low-income market segment, to identify how last mile distribution is organized and executed in unconventional market situation and to identify and apply the 4Ps to support low-income market in last mile situations.

Mariam Atinga, the founder and owner of Mariam Special, was a native of Garu in the Upper East region. Mariam Special had specialized in the processing of freshly grown sorghum in the community into sorghum drink alongside some other natural spice additives. The drink was popularly called and known in the Garu community as “Zomkom”. Although there were other women who also processed and sold the drink in the community, the competitive advantage with Mariam Special was on the hygiene and innovative way it was prepared. She was also outward looking and had already made some attempt at expanding her business and passion beyond the community/district and into the villages. This was where her passion and interest caught the attention of a non-governmental organization (NGO) with interest in supporting low incomes in last mile situations. Atinga’s main interest and that of the NGO was hence to develop a route-to-market and associated strategic marketing approaches to reach this type of market or audience in Garu environs in the Upper East region of Ghana.

This case study is suitable for undergraduate students.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS8: Marketing.

After completion of the case study, the students will be able to understand lead and lag indicators, understand job performance and its linkage with job satisfaction, calculate the cost of turnover and design solutions to the problem of attrition and low satisfaction.

Pace Control Gears was a small-scale enterprise based out of Sonipat, India. It was an entrepreneurial venture by Rajesh Kumar, who had set Pace in 2010 to manufacture low-voltage electrical apparatus. Recently, Pace had begun to experience issues with quality control that were largely the result of human error. The company was facing a drop in satisfaction levels and higher attrition levels among the employees. Kumar had to find a solution quickly to address the problem, as it had direct implications for the company’s margins and the assurance of quality that it was associated with in the market.

This case study is suited to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in human resource management and general management.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 6: Human Resources Management.

After reading and discussing the case, the students will be able to: apply paid, owned and earned digital marketing tools to Zilli’s, analyze the omnichannel and e-commerce strategy of Zilli’s, evaluate digital marketing strategy of Zilli’s and elaborate resources available to Zilli’s in the context of emerging markets.

Anubhav Bhatnagar founded Zilli’s – The Spice Company to bring grandma’s recipes to modern kitchens. This case study chronicles the growth and challenges faced by the company. Zilli’s philosophy relied on hand-pounding spices, which retained their aromatic signature, flavor intensity, nutritional value and cultural importance better than their commercially processed counterparts. Bhatnagar started his business during the lockdown. The founder aimed to produce spices that were free of preservatives and had long-lasting aromas. His kitchen trials demonstrated that hand-pounded spice powders simplified cooking and improved flavor. Direct manufacturer ties and a Hyderabad production plant managed by local rural women enabled the firm to expand to India and a few neighboring markets. Zilli’s growth was slow due to heavy competition from well-known brands. E-commerce was Zilli’s only viable option. The prospect sounded great, but the company needed to strategize differently to build an effective digital marketing strategy. Marketing and sales of Zilli’s products presented various constraints as it was difficult to convince consumers of Zilli’s products’ authenticity, quality and pricing. Many retail outlets and e-commerce platforms already sold numerous competitor’s products. The company’s aspiration to establish a global footprint could be hampered by low consumer acceptance of Zilli’s goods due to its limited reach. Thus, Bhatnagar sought digital marketing tactics to promote Zilli’s products and create brand awareness and recall for his spice powders in the competitive spice powder category. This case requires the reader to debate, analyze and propose digital marketing strategies to boost Zilli’s product visibility, acceptability and sales. The readers could identify gaps in Zilli’s existing digital marketing strategy and offer suggestions to Zilli’s for increasing spice powder sales in the online marketplace.

This case study applies to a postgraduate-level management course.

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CSS 8: Marketing.

By the end of this case study analysis, students are expected to understand the dynamics of global markets by identifying institutional voids in prospective export destinations using the framework by Khanna and Palepu; evaluate potential export destinations for Nablus Soap Company (NSC), taking into account the identified institutional voids and their implications for market entry.

Formulate strategies for NSC to address institutional voids and manage exports effectively to the selected country.

Assess various global expansion strategies beyond exporting for NSC, examining their respective advantages, disadvantages, and feasibility within the context of the company’s goals.

Analyze the factors that contributed to NSC’s successful expansion into 72 countries, despite the longstanding challenges faced by Palestinians since 1948, including the recent impact of the 2023 situation in Gaza on the West Bank.

This case study provides students with an in-depth understanding of the Palestinian economy, focusing on the NSC, a small and medium enterprise in the olive soap industry. Founded by Mojtaba Tbeleh in 1971, NSC’s legacy spans 400 years. It is known for crafting handmade, 100% natural soap with olive oil as a key ingredient. As of November 2023, NSC has successfully expanded its exports to more than 72 countries. Despite this achievement, the company faces significant challenges due to various restrictions, particularly those imposed by occupying forces. The case study provides insights into NSC’s international expansion challenges, guiding students in understanding how institutional voids in potential expansion destinations impact market entry decisions. It encourages them to identify these voids select appropriate markets and formulate strategies to leverage NSC’s global expansion potential.

This case study is suitable for undergraduate- or postgraduate-level students.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 5: International business.

This case is written to help students understand the concept of segmentation, targeting and positioning in the context of the biscuit industry. The primary learning objectives can be identified as follows: understand the different categorisation in the biscuit market; analyse the basis of consumer segmentation in the biscuit market; analyse the marketing mix strategy of a firm; and highlight the importance of positioning.

Rao, the Director (Marketing) of Mayora India Private Limited, was in dilemma as to how to position Coffee Joy biscuits in the Indian market. The Indian market was intensely competitive with major players like Britannia, Parle and ITC capturing a major share of the market. Should he consider the only the south Indian market based on geography?” Or “Should he target the modern aspirational youth of the country who frequent “Starbucks”?

This case is appropriate for the use in postgraduate course on Marketing particularly on “Segmenting-Targeting-Positioning” (STP) module. The science of STP lies in the collection and analysis of market knowledge and research to understand consumer’s mind, whereas its art lies in generating various implementable alternatives so that the brand can find a place in the hearts and minds of consumers.

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CSS8: Marketing.

The learning outcomes are as follows: to identify and analyze the importance of operations management in a situation demanding minimizing environmental impact and maintaining operational momentum; access the risks faced during project executions and apply project management concepts to facilitate Karachi Steel in implementing indigenous technological solutions; and evaluate the importance of adaptability, continuous improvement and innovation in creating sustainable solutions to address complex challenges.

Javaid Iqbal, CEO of Karachi Steel, was the case’s protagonist. With capacity expansion, Javaid relocated the steel facility from Rawalpindi to Islamabad, Pakistan. The company encountered several difficulties because of the air emissions’ inconvenience to nearby residents and the strict environmental regulations. To push the emissions into the air, the company first installed a locally fabricated chimney. Later, they hired a foreign Pakistani engineering firm to install air filters, but the project proved unsuccessful. To control emissions, the company developed a Wet Particulate Control (WPC) system based on a water-sprinkling mechanism. The endeavor was successful, but it resulted in water pollution. As a result, Karachi Steel signed a contract with a local engineering company that invented and effectively installed an air filtration system. Karachi Steel not only devised solutions for their predicaments but also made significant contributions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the emissions reporting and monitoring mechanism continued to cause inconvenience for regulators. In addition, the filtration facility encountered a blocked duct conveying zinc sulfate from smoke, resulting in the periodic suspension of operations. As Karachi Steel seek long-term solutions to current challenges, it is critical to examine the relationship between internal circumstances and external forces and stimulate a holistic approach to resolving issues within the realms of operations management and project management.

The case study is suitable for students pursuing their undergraduate degree programs in business studies or management sciences. This case can be taught in specific subjects in the domain of management sciences, including project management and operations management. Furthermore, undergraduate students pursuing degrees in environmental sciences, specializing in environmental impact assessment and sustainable development, can also learn from this case study. These subjects have the potential to provide students with a detailed understanding of the dynamic relationship between environmental problems caused by business activities, and how to address these challenges using principles of project management and operations management. There is no pre-requisite for this case study, and the level of difficulty is moderate. The recommended teaching pedagogy for this multidisciplinary case study includes role-playing exercises, simulations to replicate real-world situations and the Socratic method, which encourages critical thinking.

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CSS 7: Management Science.

Following a discussion of the case, students should be able to analyse competitive dynamics: provide an in-depth critical analysis of Ilco Farming’s microenvironment, using the structure–conduct–performance framework; evaluate strategic positioning: conduct a SWOT analysis of Ilco Farming’s medicinal cannabis business; and develop strategic approaches: propose actionable strategies that would provide effective solutions to the problem of constrained market conditions currently faced by Ilco Farming.

Coenie and Ilse Venter established Ilco Farming, a cannabis farm located in the Viljoenskroon district in the Free State province in South Africa, in 2021. From the beginning, they poured their hearts and souls into their new venture, which soon paid off. A few short months after Ilco Farming began operating, despite the presence of other large competitors, Ilco Farming supplied a large share of the domestic medicinal market with flower heads. But then an unexpected challenge presented itself. In March 2023, Ilco Farming was operating at only 23% (600 m²) of its production capacity of 2600 m² and had considerable room for growth, the local market – at least the local legal market – for cannabis began to show signs of saturation. Coenie and Ilsa found themselves at the proverbial crossroads, grappling with the crucial decision of how to secure their farm’s future in the face of a fast-saturating local (legal) cannabis market and a thriving (illegal) black market. Coenie and Ilse refused to entertain the idea of going the black market route, as they were unwilling to risk losing their operating licence. They calculated that the farm would reach breakeven point within the next two years, with profits unlikely during this period. Should they persist with their current strategy of producing high-quality products and delivering a superior service in the hopes of growing their market share? Or should they consider other strategic options? Coenie and Ilse were sitting at their boardroom table having a cup of coffee and looking out of the window at Ilco Farming’s impressive SAHPRA- and GAP-approved warehouse and tunnels. “What should we do?” they both wondered.

The case study can be used in postgraduate courses in microeconomics (PGDIP/MBA) and agricultural economics (PGDIP/MBA).

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CSS 5: International business.

After completion of the case study, students will be able to understand the service offerings within the nascent electric vehicle (EV) sector and end-consumer needs of EV charging services, understand the reasoning behind Sunfuel Electrics (SFEs) prioritisation of destination charging for their first go-to-market (GTM) strategy and appreciate SFE’s use of community marketing and alliance partners to execute its various strategies. Connect game-theory with the proposed strategies.

SFE was an early start-up in EV charging space. The co-founders believed that any success would hinge on their ability to play a differentiated game and carve a distinct yet profitable niche in the EV charging arena. SFE deliberately focussed on “destination charging” and identified a segment that they were confident of making a difference: the discerning high-end consumer. Soon, SFE’s success caught the eye of its deep-pocketed competitors who also entered the same space. As a single service company, the co-founders set in motion a back-up plan and identified three new strategic thrust areas to maintain SFE’s competitive edge. The first involved entering the city charging segment, and the second was a pioneering concept branded “E-Trails” targeted at a community of EV owners who were motor enthusiasts. Thirdly, SFE conceptualised an EV-Roadhouse concept, promising a full-bouquet of select premium services at a pit-stops along the highway. The co-founders needed to test which and to what extent would these initiatives would translate into real gains and if returns were commensurate with investments and SFE’s ability to deliver a scalable consistent experience. Specifically, if these proposed asset-light avenues added the required heft to their GTM strategy.

This case study is suitable for post-graduate students in marketing, strategy, entrepreneurship and sustainability courses.

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CSS 8: Marketing.

This case study would enable the learners to identify and evaluate the factors impacting the strategic decision to enter international markets. The learners would be able to identify parameters such as level of competition, perception regarding foreign entrants and demand factors that are crucial for the form to consider while taking such an important decision. The case study will also allow learners to understand the challenges of an entrepreneurial journey.

This case study is an interesting story of two entrepreneurs’ dilemma of internationalization strategy of their firm Aeron. Their firm’s product Tilt Switch had a good international demand and both partners wished to capture this opportunity, post the COVID-19 pandemic. This case study shows how the firm looked into factors to study new international markets, balancing risk and opportunity. The case study highlights the important role of strategic planning in achieving successful internationalization by analysing various approaches to market entry and adaptation. The firm had a choice of either developing their domestic market India or going for international markets of the USA or European Union.

This case study is suitable for graduation and postgraduation courses.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 5: International Business.

Specific teaching and learning objectives include to identify factors influencing market expansion decisions and recommend appropriate entry modes, understand factors in the international business environment that contribute to success or failure of international businesses in developing countries, evaluate strategies enabling international businesses to sustain market presence in developing countries and overcome local competition, analyze the concept of local responsiveness in international business operations and suggest strategies for internationalizing domestic companies from developing countries.

The McDonald’s case examines the challenges associated with market expansion by global brands. The case occurs during the early-globalization era in the 1990s. Barbados, a developing country, is the site for potential expansion. Prospective investors, the Winters, are desirous of establishing a McDonald’s in Barbados. They need to thoroughly analyze the previous experience of McDonald’s against the host country’s current international business environment, e.g. political, economic, cultural and competitive environment. This case analysis provides a framework for understanding the multifaceted reasons behind McDonald’s exit from Barbados, considering the complex interplay of political, economic, sociocultural, technological and legal factors in the international business environment. The case equips the instructor and students to explore the risks of international expansion, particularly in developing country markets. The case study on McDonald’s failure in Barbados highlights the need to thoroughly examine one’s market entry strategy and available information on the host market and be more locally responsive regarding tastes and preferences. The case study also presents essential lessons for firms and planners from developing countries. Local firms innovated and enhanced their operations in response to the threat from the entry of the global fast-food giant. Yet, they did not seek to internationalize once McDonald’s exited the Barbadian market. The case study, therefore, considers strategies firms from developing countries could utilize to penetrate markets from developed countries.

At the undergraduate level, the McDonald’s Barbados case can be used in international business classes to highlight risks in the international business environment and the need for a carefully planned and executed market entry strategy.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS5: International Business.