Case studies

None.

The case study follows Ann’s journey towards entrepreneurship, focusing on the challenges she faced and how early educational interventions influenced her life decisions. Despite numerous obstacles, Ann’s perseverance, bolstered by her family’s support and her passion, led to her successful reintegration into academia and the launch of an entrepreneurial venture in the UK. Her story highlights the dilemma of balancing educational attainment with entrepreneurial aspirations, especially for at-risk students. Ann’s experience prompts critical discussions about the intersection of education and entrepreneurship, the importance of experiential learning and the role of mentorship in realizing business ideas. The nurturing environment of her business school, through guest lectures and real-world success stories, played a significant role in shaping her academic and professional outlook. This case raises essential questions about the role of higher education in fostering entrepreneurial skills and integrating experiential learning within academic curricula. Ann’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience and determination in overcoming systemic and entrepreneurial challenges, particularly for women facing similar struggles. Her story illuminates the multifaceted process of turning a personal experience into an entrepreneurial opportunity, emphasizing the critical role of mentorship and support networks in developing a viable business idea.

This case study is best suited to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in management and business-related courses that focus on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education. The case study is relevant in various business disciplines as it informs students of the process and challenges related to business start-ups and acquiring related capabilities. Instructors are encouraged to have students read the extensive reference list provided at the end to broaden their understanding and knowledge of entrepreneurship, including its processes, context and practices.

This case study is tailored for audiences engaged in subjects such as entrepreneurship, strategy and foundational marketing principles. The academic focus aligns with the business model conceptualized by Osterwalder and Pigneur. This case study targets both undergraduate and graduate students at the university level, catering to interdisciplinary groups enrolled in courses related to entrepreneurship, strategy, marketing fundamentals and more. The objective is to equip students with the skills to construct diverse business models based on various potential alternatives. This case’s adaptable design and straightforward cost and revenue formulation facilitate comprehension for nonbusiness students, enabling them to grasp the multifaceted dimensions of a business model and project figures using basic arithmetic.

Fookifun emerged as a company born from Mrs Alejandra Padilla’s insightful grasp of the market. With the initial investment from her husband, she initiated a venture focused on delivering high-quality theatrical performances for children in the city of Barranquilla, situated in the northern region of Colombia. This narrative unfolds through early scenarios, illustrating the strategic decisions made by the entrepreneurs and the meticulous calculation of their costs and expenses. Alejandra steered her enterprise from 2014 to 2017, navigating through various alternatives and their associated costs. The narrative delved into 2017, depicting Alejandra’s pivotal decision-making process. Faced with the challenge of insufficient profitability, she contemplated the sustainability of the business. This period prompted her to reassess whether to persist with modifications or relinquish the venture altogether. The crux of Alejandra’s dilemma laid in the business’s meager profitability, which failed to generate adequate income for sustainability. It became imperative for her to make informed decisions, identifying modifiable variables within the business model and assessing their potential impact, particularly on the income generation model. This case study is tailored for audiences engaged in subjects such as entrepreneurship, strategy and foundational marketing principles. The academic focus aligns with the business model conceptualized by Osterwalder and Pigneur.

Given the characteristics of this case, it can be used for the teaching and learning of business or business administration, marketing, economics or related students, at higher or postgraduate levels (graduate school).

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS3: Entrepreneurship.

The case study is based on field data, including in-depth semi-structured interviews with the main protagonist and related stakeholders of a large government hospital in Western India. After informed consent, the interviews with the stakeholders were conducted, transcribed and analyzed verbatim. In addition, secondary data from policy reports, newspaper articles and government websites was used to create the case. Since the protagonist works in the government system, her identity and other identifying information are disguised to maintain confidentiality.

The case study investigates the leadership challenges in a healthcare facility/hospital in public health. It traces the evolution of Dr Meena Sharma (Dr Meena), a leader in the government hospital ecosystem facing challenges such as infrastructural deficiencies, manpower deficit, healthcare bureaucracy and heavy patient load. This first-generation medical practitioner who transitioned from a private practice to a governmental one juggles balancing her demanding clinical practice, administrative responsibilities and teaching in the government hospital with her family responsibilities setup. However, in the wake of the upcoming LaQshya – Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, she strives to put together and motivate her team to work toward improving the quality of care during delivery and the immediate postpartum period at her hospital. Various issues arise in the organizational leadership for a woman leader such as adopting appropriate leadership style and using appropriate motivation and communication strategies for optimal performance.

The case study is aimed at teaching/training a) departmental heads of public and private hospitals, b) health program managers at higher and middle-level leadership roles, c) health policymakers at various levels in the government and other organizations and d) graduate and postgraduate students of public health, hospital management/administration. In addition to this, it can also be used for general management programs to teach organizational behavior, communication and leadership courses.

The data used in the case are collected through both primary and secondary sources. The interview method was used to collect data on the experience of the protagonist on visiting the expo and details about the Expo was collected using secondary sources.

The case study examines the success factors of initiatives implemented by the Dubai Expo 2020 team, with a focus on sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, people-centric spaces, biodiversity preservation, water efficiency, waste management, green building and communication. Even though not all objectives were met, the overall progress demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and positive effects on environmental, social and economic aspects. In addition, the case study demonstrates how businesses can incorporate social and environmental factors into their decision-making processes, supply chain management and responsible procurement practices. It highlights the significance of sustainability in business operations, stakeholder collaboration and continuous improvement. In addition, the case study provides innovative business models and practices that promote circular economy principles, waste reduction, resource efficiency and inclusivity. This case provides business students with valuable insights into successful sustainability initiatives and strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable economy.

This case study is appropriate for intermediate undergraduate students in their third year or postgraduate students in their first year, particularly those enrolled in courses on sustainability, operations management, strategic management, supply chain management and corporate social responsibility. The case study is designed to enhance cognitive skills by analyzing and evaluating real-world examples of successful initiatives in sustainability, energy efficiency, people-centric spaces, biodiversity preservation, water efficiency, waste management, green building and open communication. It also aims to develop affective skills by fostering a commitment to sustainable practices and psychomotor skills through practical applications and projects. By analyzing these initiatives, students can comprehend how businesses can integrate social and environmental factors into their decision-making processes, supply chain management and responsible procurement practices to create a more inclusive and equitable economy. In addition, the case study introduces innovative business models and practices that promote circular economy principles, waste reduction and resource efficiency while fostering economic inclusion and equity. Overall, the case study equips students with the knowledge and motivation necessary to drive sustainable change within organizations and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.