Xplant: entrepreneurship challenges for student entrepreneurs

Abstract

Subject area

The case is aimed at pointing out the basic nuances of entrepreneurship without a profit motive and the challenges faced in the course of achieving the same.

Study level/applicability

This case could be a part of the Entrepreneurship course in a Post-Graduate Program in Business Management. In case of an Executive Education Program, this case can be used to facilitate issues in Entrepreneurship Development and Non-Profit Marketing.

Case overview

The present case is a field-based illustrative study on Xplant, a unit set up by Xavier Research Foundation to promote production and selling of seasonal and ornamental plants with accessories to prospective buyers. The uniqueness about the organization was that it was solely governed and run by the students of Biotechnology Course at Xaviers College, Ahmedabad, India. However, in early 2012, it was found that the organization was facing a lot of issues such as competition, lesser demand and lack of motivation of the employees (students). All of which were taking the unit away from achieving sustainability.

Expected learning outcomes

Understanding the basics of a new venture and entrepreneurship; understanding the role of the team members in promoting the entrepreneurship venture; role of leadership in entrepreneurship; impact of independence of the entrepreneur and transference of business vision on long-term success of the venture; role of environment in success/failure or entrepreneurial ventures; and problems faced by entrepreneurship ventures.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email subhadip.roy@iimu.ac.in to request teaching notes.

Citation

Roy, S. and Goenka, S. (2014), "Xplant: entrepreneurship challenges for student entrepreneurs", , Vol. 4 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-08-2013-0173