Slimnastics School of Ballet: entrepreneurial decision-making “En Pointe”

Abstract

Learning outcomes

Students studying this case study will critically evaluate business scenarios to develop strategic decisions, incorporating ethics, stakeholder impacts and long-term outcomes; assess managerial competencies and offer recommendations for growth, stability and employee engagement; identify entrepreneurial traits and characteristics, analyzing their impact on strategic planning and growth; evaluate leadership styles and their influence on organizational culture, motivation and success; and apply theoretical frameworks to assess Slimnastics’ challenges and propose data-driven growth strategies.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study focuses on a critical dilemma faced by Passant Esmail, founder of Slimnastics School of Ballet in Egypt. With the business recovering from the effects of the global pandemic and Esmail considering a personal relocation, she faces a key strategic decision: whether to sell Slimnastics for a profit, risking its legacy or to distribute equity among the management team, ensuring continuity but potentially compromising operational growth and future scalability. This dilemma forces her to weigh the sustainability of the business, ethical concerns and the impact of her decision on employees, students and the broader community.

Complexity academic level

This case study is designed for both undergraduate and postgraduate level students and is ideal for courses in entrepreneurship, strategic management and leadership in sports management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS3: Entrepreneurship.

Citation

Barsoum, M.R. (2025), "Slimnastics School of Ballet: entrepreneurial decision-making “En Pointe”", , Vol. 15 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-04-2024-0186