A tough choice

Abstract

Subject area

Strategic decision making, strategic alternatives.

Study level/applicability

This case is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate business and management, MBA programs; the case could be used in strategic management, strategic analysis methods, change management courses.

Case overview

This case illustrates how Storm, a small innovation company located in the city of Novosibirsk, Russia, tackled the problem of future development. The company was set up in 1992 by young scientists to produce equipment for automatic process control systems in power engineering. All the engineering solutions were based on the developments of the company's founders. Currently Storm is the regional leader in creating engineering complexes for power generating companies. However, because of the drastic changes in the business environment and increased market competition, the company faced the challenge of further development. The company's management and owners saw the further development prospects and risks differently. Three strategic alternatives are available and the company is required to choose one of them, substantiating the choice made.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the case study assignment, learners should be able to: state the strategic problems of small business development; identify the challenges of the external environment for company development; apply the tools of strategic analysis for evaluation of the company's market position; analyze the company's internal strengths and weaknesses; and elaborate and evaluate strategic alternatives for the company's growth.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available – consult your librarian for access.

Citation

Kravchenko, N.A. and Kuznetsova, S.A. (2012), "A tough choice", , Vol. 2 No. 7. https://doi.org/10.1108/20450621211284624