Case studies

Teaching cases offers students the opportunity to explore real world challenges in the classroom environment, allowing them to test their assumptions and decision-making skills before taking their knowledge into the workplace.

11 – 20 of 147
Applied filters:
Accounting and Finance
Built Environment
Environmental Management
International Business
Public Sector Management
3,000 - 6,000 words
Clear all
Case study
Publication date: 28 May 2024

Tyechia Veronica Paul

This descriptive case study is written using factual case information was obtained from an employee of the firm with their consent. All names, including the firm name, have been…

Abstract

Research methodology

This descriptive case study is written using factual case information was obtained from an employee of the firm with their consent. All names, including the firm name, have been anonymized.

Case overview/synopsis

After being denied promotion, Vivienne began the first step to her long-term exit strategy by seeking another graduate degree. Her supervisor failed to supply the recommendation he’d promised for her graduate school application. Vivienne felt that his breach of trust was deliberate and now must decide what course of action to take. This case analyzes Vivienne’s organization, needs and ambition using management theories, laws and concepts. It also analyzes the phenomenon of trust, specifically vertical trust between managers and employees, and it leads to an important career crossroads for Vivienne.

Complexity academic level

Undergraduate. Courses: Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 10 May 2024

Jewel Thompson

The research consisted of a questionnaire and in-depth interview with the CEO. Secondary research was conducted to read through various articles and literature available on the…

Abstract

Research methodology

The research consisted of a questionnaire and in-depth interview with the CEO. Secondary research was conducted to read through various articles and literature available on the organization. Relevant courses are organizational behavior/organization development/strategic management.

Case overview/synopsis

In a landscape traditionally dominated by male leadership, this case study highlights the compelling narrative of a new leader with an unconventional leadership style. This purpose of this case study aims to explore the change management challenges faced by Molade, CEO of WAVE, a leading vocational education social enterprise based in Lagos, Nigeria, as she grapples with the issue of organizational culture and gender bias and their impact on team dynamics while implementing a new strategy. Her leadership journey reflects not only personal triumphs but also the broader impact of diverse perspectives at the helm of organizational decision-making. Despite having over a decade of industry experience and being well-respected in her field, Molade is met with resistance and patronizing behavior from some of the existing team members who question her authority and decision-making abilities. The case discusses leadership challenges faced by Molade, a female leader, its negative implications on her performance and her ability to implement change within the organization. Ultimately, Molade’s perseverance and strategic thinking enabled her to successfully navigate her dilemma.

Complexity academic level

Undergraduate business course(s) which include organizational behavior, organization development and strategic management.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 25 July 2023

Pooja Gupta, Sangita Dutta Gupta, Varnika Garg, Aakriti Jain, John Kavalakkatt and Aditi Mahawar

There are two theoretical concepts that can be taught in this case.The new approach to teaching entrepreneurship is termed “lean start-up” and “hypothesis-driven…

Abstract

Theoretical basis

There are two theoretical concepts that can be taught in this case.The new approach to teaching entrepreneurship is termed “lean start-up” and “hypothesis-driven entrepreneurship.” The business model canvas is a core tool of this approach. This framework defines nine key components of a successful business strategy. These components include defining value propositions; identifying customer segments; identifying channels; maintaining customer relationships; defining key activities, key resources and key partners; understanding the revenue model of the business; and the organization’s cost structure. This is considered to be a rigorous approach to learning about and developing a new venture.The other theoretical approach that can be discussed through this case is the link between uncertainty and entrepreneurial growth. These theories associate the willingness of entrepreneurs to bear the perceived uncertainty associated with entrepreneurial acts as representative of the belief-desire model. There is a need for entrepreneurs to experiment and search for alternative paths forward in order to counter this uncertainty. Systematic search processes to discover relevant information will strengthen this process.

Research methodology

This case is based on primary data collected through interviews with company personnel. The company consented freely to the use of their data in the case. The authors have no connection with the company. The four student coauthors had previously pursued an internship with the company and had worked on the machine learning analysis part.The two faculty coauthors in the case contacted the company after the internship and discussed the opportunity to write the case on the company. One of the faculty then interviewed key personnel in the company, including one of the co-founders.

Case overview/synopsis

Xoxoday is a technology company that provides employee rewards and corporate gifting to its customers. The company was started by Sumit Khandelwal, Manoj Agarwal, Abhishek Kumar and Kushal Agarwal. In 2018, the company reinvented itself as an experiential gifting company.The company faced some challenges during the lockdowns imposed due to COVID-19. Khandelwal knew that they had to try something new to achieve higher growth in the future. He wondered if higher usage of technology was the solution. It was necessary for them to carve a new path in these times.

Complexity academic level

This case study can be used at the undergraduate level in courses relating to entrepreneurship strategy and business models for entrepreneurs.The case can be used to highlight the dilemmas faced by entrepreneurs due to unforeseen crises. This case is relevant for classes that will discuss growth crises and out-of-the-box solutions for unprecedented crisis situations.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

Content available
Case study
Publication date: 8 June 2023

Avil Saldanha and Rekha Aranha

A secondary research method was used to collect data for this case. The authors have made use of newspaper articles and published articles written by journalists and experts…

Abstract

Research methodology

A secondary research method was used to collect data for this case. The authors have made use of newspaper articles and published articles written by journalists and experts, which are available in the public domain.

Case overview/synopsis

This case discusses the hurdles faced by Netflix in India. Netflix experienced rapid growth ever since its entry into the Indian over-the-top (OTT) sector. The aggressive pricing strategies by OTT competitors put Netflix in a defensive position in India. Netflix introduced the low-priced mobile-only plan to attract price-sensitive Indian consumers. However, this was not sufficient. Netflix was forced to reduce the price of all its plans in December 2021. The dilemma faced by Reed Hastings (Founder and Co-CEO, Netflix) was whether the revised price was low enough to hold on to existing subscribers and attract new subscribers in India. Netflix was caught between the rock and the hard place in its pursuit to achieve its target of achieving 100 million subscribers from India versus continuing its skimming-pricing strategy. This case highlights the compound challenges of low household income in India and high-income inequality resulting in a lower available market for multinational service providers such as Netflix. The pricing plans and features of OTT competitors in India have also been discussed in sufficient depth to facilitate analysis and classroom discussion by the target audience.

Complexity academic level

Undergraduate students studying marketing management and basic marketing courses in business management and commerce streams can use this case. This case can also be used for marketing specialization courses at the undergraduate level.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 11 December 2023

Jayakrishnan S

The objectives of the case study are to provide an overview of intellectual property rights and intellectual property rights in Indian context; understand the intellectual…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The objectives of the case study are to provide an overview of intellectual property rights and intellectual property rights in Indian context; understand the intellectual property rights implementation and challenges for implementing it in emerging economies; understand what would be the best approach that companies can adopt when the companies face backlash in such circumstances; and explore the scope for redefining the intellectual property rights in the changing global environment.

Case overview/synopsis

In December 2021, the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) in India revoked the plant variety protection (PVP) certificate granted to PepsiCo India Holding (PHI) for its Lays variety potato (FL-2027, known as FC-5). The FC-5 variety possessed low moisture content which made it suitable for making potato chips. The controversy started with Pepsi suing the small and marginal farmers of Gujarat for alleged patent infringement and cultivating the patented variety. Pepsi’s legal suit against nine marginal potato farmers in Gujarat initiated the dispute over how intellectual property (IP) rights are used to intimidate small, marginal farmers and its infringement of farmers’ rights. But, on the other side, the interesting aspect was how IP infringement could be a setback for the companies that made the capital investment to develop the variety. The case study discusses the backlash Pepsi faced due to this IP rights legal suit and the punitive aspects of IP rights (IPR) law. Moreover, in the context of the global pandemic, the case study helped discuss the need to redefine the intellectual property rights regime keeping in mind global welfare.

Complexity academic level

The case is intended for use in postgraduate-level management courses in agricultural marketing, agribusiness, international business and economics. This study can help management students understand how IPR is defined, the apparent complexities associated with it and the adverse effect of it on small and marginal farmers in emerging economies.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 5: International business.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 20 September 2023

Raja Sekhar Mamillapalli and Hanumantha Rao Pusarla

The learning outcomes of this study are to examine the financial performance of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) during past five years, to compare the financial…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this study are to examine the financial performance of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) during past five years, to compare the financial performance with the initial projections, to identify the causes of deviations in the performance, to recommend the measures to improve financial performance and to apply the learning from the BMRCL project to other similar upcoming projects in India.

Case overview/synopsis

BMRCL has been struggling to perform as per projections made in the initial detailed project report. The situation has further worsened because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its post-impact on the overall economic level of activity. Ramana Rao, the consultant for infrastructure projects, was worried after reading a news article which deemed the project a white elephant. Various articles published in the newspaper also reported that BMRCL was incurring a loss of Rs 45 lakhs every day. The consultant worried about the sustainability of the project. He wanted new ideas and plans which could turn around these losses and convert them into profitable ones. He, however, does not have any immediate plans to execute and is therefore in a dilemma about how a project that was launched with so much fanfare could be made profitable. Because of COVID-19 pandemic, BMRCL’s financial situation, which although improving, had taken a significant hit. It looked like the corporation might need government assistance to cover its losses. The transport utility suffered a loss of Rs 170 crore, as a result of a decline in ridership as well as other revenue sources including parking fees and leasing revenues. This amounted to a daily loss of Rs 1 crore. The pressure on revenues was putting the officials in a tight spot about meeting the company’s debt obligations and market borrowings.

Complexity academic level

The case study aims to enable participants to understand financial performance and viability of large-scale projects such as metro rail in India.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 4 May 2023

Riyazahmed K.

The case is presented as descriptive in nature and primarily involves exploratory research.

Abstract

Research methodology

The case is presented as descriptive in nature and primarily involves exploratory research.

Case overview/synopsis

Ashraf, a young graduate from Bangalore, India, started a chain of lifestyle shops, his family business in Khartoum, Sudan. To modernize the shops, Ashraf approached a small finance bank for financial assistance. However, after submitting the required documents and with a good credit score, he was denied a loan. The bank officials had mentioned that the loan automation software did not approve the application. Hence, the bank personnel said that they could not do anything further. Disappointed, Ashraf sought the help of his professor, John, to understand why the software rejected his application. Professor John explained to Ashraf the advantages and disadvantages of automation. In the process, Ashraf understood the significance and compelling need to address “Algorithm Bias,” a situation in which specific attributes of an algorithm cause unfair outcomes. The case place students in Ashraf’s position to help them understand the advantages and issues of applying automation through artificial intelligence.

Complexity academic level

The case suits graduate-level courses like business analytics, financial analytics and business intelligence.

Learning objectives

Through the case, the students will be able to: Understand the role of algorithms in business and society. Understand the causes, effects and methods of reducing algorithm bias. Demonstrate the ability to detect algorithm bias. Define policies to mitigate algorithm bias.

Case study
Publication date: 11 April 2023

Robin Clark, Joanna Kimbell and William Biggs

This case was developed from both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources were interviews. The secondary sources include legal opinions and journal articles.

Abstract

Research methodology

This case was developed from both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources were interviews. The secondary sources include legal opinions and journal articles.

Case overview/synopsis

In 2012, Scot and his co-owner, both experienced groomers, planned to open their own grooming business. Scott talked with his accountant about the best legal entity for their situation, and the accountant advised Scott that a limited liability company (LLC) would be the best choice. The accountant steered Scott to Legal Zoom, an online legal resource that helps people form business entities, including LLCs. A few years after starting their business, Scott and his co-owner reached an impasse: Scott wanted to expand the business; his co-owner did not. Scott talked with an attorney and learned that the standard form LLC operating agreement from Legal Zoom did not cover this kind of situation. How is an LLC formed? What are the consequences of a flawed LLC formation? What kinds of duties do accountants owe business owners?

Complexity academic level

This case was written for use in an undergraduate introductory business law course, an introductory accounting course or an accounting ethics course. The focus of the case supports classroom discussion for online and face-to-face instruction regarding business entity formation and fiduciary duties. Educators who use critical thinking in lessons to apply information about the roles of accountants and attorneys working with business owners can use this case to explore and discuss the impact ethical decisions can have on business owner clients.

Learning objectives

Through evaluating and examining this case, students will be able to:

• understand what an LLC is and explain how one is formed;

• recognize the consequences of flawed LLC business entity formation; and

• articulate the roles of accountants in the formation of an LLC.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 27 April 2023

Avil Saldanha and Rekha Aranha

A secondary research method was used to collect data for this case. The authors have made use of newspaper articles and published articles written by journalists and experts which…

Abstract

Research methodology

A secondary research method was used to collect data for this case. The authors have made use of newspaper articles and published articles written by journalists and experts which are available in the public domain.

Case overview/synopsis

Instances of celebrity activism such as athlete activism are rising. Social media has amplified the voice of celebrities and given them a personal channel to directly communicate with their fans without any media censorship. The same is true especially concerning endorsement by sports superstars, who now seem to have a mind of their own, independent of the official line of clubs, tournament organizers or sponsoring companies. This case discusses the embarrassment and financial loss faced by soft drinks giant Coca-Cola due to the public snub by football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo during an official press conference of the EURO 2020 championship.

Complexity academic level

Undergraduate and postgraduate students studying marketing management and brand management courses in business management and commerce streams can use this case. This case can also be used for marketing specialization students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 11 April 2023

Manjula N., Bala Subramanian R. and Sunita Mehta

This study adopted interview methods and field visits to collect the data. An audio recording was done for the whole interview and presented as facts in this case. Field visits…

Abstract

Research methodology

This study adopted interview methods and field visits to collect the data. An audio recording was done for the whole interview and presented as facts in this case. Field visits were done to see the packs and understand the consumers and their purchase habits of pickles.

Case overview/synopsis

Pandian Pickles is a pickle manufacturer located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, a state in the southern part of India. Mr Kandasamy, one of the partner of the Pandian pickle, had been thinking of ways to grow the business. Pandian Pickles dominated the low-price unit (LPU) market with a unique packing of pickles done in “arecanut” leaf. This added a unique flavour to their pickles. Mr Kandasamy envisioned to grow the business by introducing higher stock-keeping units in the form of jars and tap the middle class and the upper-middle-class segments in the market. In this category, there were much more prominent and branded players. Being a small regional player, Govindan wondered how Pandian Pickles would take these more prominent players in the industry head-on.

Complexity academic level

The case is ideally suited for discussing the concept of product line stretching, particularly in the product mix strategies of a small and medium enterprise (SME). The case can best fit into the courses such as Entrepreneurship Development, Product and Brand Management, Marketing Management for the Undergraduate levels and in the courses such as Strategic Marketing, Bottom of the Pyramid Markets and Strategies Management of SMEs in the postgraduate levels.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

11 – 20 of 147