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.
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Avil Saldanha and Rekha Aranha
This case study provides students/managers an opportunity to learn about the following: to infer the challenges involved in the downsizing of employees; to asses and evaluate…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
This case study provides students/managers an opportunity to learn about the following: to infer the challenges involved in the downsizing of employees; to asses and evaluate BYJU’S organizational culture; and to determine the impact of workplace toxicity.
Case overview/synopsis
The focus of this case is the controversy faced by BYJU’S due to its mass layoffs and toxic work culture. This case discusses the CEO’s dilemma in resolving the controversy. Two rounds of mass layoffs at BYJU’S are discussed in detail. The industrial dispute filed by Employees Union against BYJU’S accusing it of denying due compensation to laid-off employees is also discussed. This case consists of a section explaining the toxic work culture at BYJU’S, which is supported by employee complaints. The CEO’s justification and apology have been illustrated in this case. The case ends with a closing dilemma and challenges faced by the CEO.
Complexity academic level
The case is best suited for undergraduate students studying Human Resources Management subjects in Commerce and Business Management streams. The authors suggest that the instructor inform students to read the case before attending the 90-min session. It can be executed in the classroom after discussing the theoretical concepts.
Supplementary material
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
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Avil Saldanha, Olvin Veigas and Rekha Aranha
After completion of the case study, the students will be able to critically analyze the business model of Desiri Naturals, analyze the pricing strategy of Desiri Naturals, examine…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
After completion of the case study, the students will be able to critically analyze the business model of Desiri Naturals, analyze the pricing strategy of Desiri Naturals, examine the importance of experiential marketing in the success of an environment-friendly business, identify the challenges faced by new entrepreneurs and evaluate the sustainability practices of Desiri Naturals.
Case overview/synopsis
This case study discusses the business model of an environmentally friendly business. The challenges and obstacles faced by entrepreneurs are illustrated in this case. The entrepreneurs’ vision to provide chemical-free food is highlighted and their business operations as a means to fulfill this vision are explained. Desiri used an age-old bull-driven method of oil extraction (Ghana). Challenges in pricing due to the availability of low-priced mass-produced edible oil using the solvent extraction process are presented in this case. The entrepreneurs faced the pricing dilemma at the inception of the business, as oil produced using the natural cold pressing method cost three times the selling pricing of solvent-extracted oil. Innovative methods of experiential marketing such as Ghana tourism are explained in this case. This case study also explains the sustainable and natural farming techniques propagated through its network of farmers. This case study provides insights into the scalability of this model and the scope for employment generation in rural India. The environmentally friendly practices followed by Desiri, such as the use of glass bottles and reusable steel containers for packaging oil are emphasized. Finally, this case presents the marketing and operational challenges faced by entrepreneurs in their quest to expand their operations.
Complexity academic level
This case study can be used by postgraduate and undergraduate students studying marketing, entrepreneurship, sustainability and operations management courses in commerce and business management streams.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS8: Marketing.
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Keywords
A secondary research method was used to collect data for this case. The authors have made use of newspaper articles and articles by experts published in the public domain.
Abstract
Research methodology
A secondary research method was used to collect data for this case. The authors have made use of newspaper articles and articles by experts published in the public domain.
Case overview/synopsis
This case discusses the dilemma faced by Amazon Prime Video in India regarding content. Amazon Prime Video attained success and rapid growth in India ever since its entry into the Indian over the top (OTT) market in 2016. However, the pursuit of attractive and bold content landed Amazon Prime Video in a legal tangle in India. Amazon Prime Video was accused of hurting the religious and political sentiments of Indians by broadcasting bold shows like Tandaav, Family Man, Mirzapur, Family Man 2, etc. Litigations against Amazon Prime Video were filed in the Indian courts by members of religious and political organizations. Protests and online campaigns on Twitter caught the attention of internet influencers in India. The key dilemma faced by the protagonist in this case is whether to continue streaming attractive content that may be controversial and may occasionally hurt the religious/political sentiments of some Indians or stream only safe content that may be deemed as boring by its young target audience.
Complexity academic level
Undergraduate and postgraduate students studying marketing management and international business courses in business management and commerce streams can use this case.
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Keywords
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Abstract
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Learning outcomes
Learning objectives are as follows: critically analyze the business model of the Instant Grocery Delivery Model like Zepto; infer the importance of competitor analysis in determining the success of a startup; and analyze customer complaints and develop a corrective action plan.
Case overview / synopsis
The focus of this case is the controversy faced by Zepto due to its aggressive 10-min instant delivery service. This case discusses the negative publicity and criticism faced by Zepto from various influential netizens like members of the parliament, a well-known industrialist and independent experts questioning the 10-min express delivery plan that could endanger the lives of its delivery partners. The case also discusses customer complaints and the negative publicity faced by Zepto in digital forums and social media. The primary focus of this case is the dilemma faced by Zepto’s young founders in resolving the criticism faced by Zepto due to its 10-min delivery model and due to mounting customer complaints regarding poor product quality and deficient service. The key managerial decision that the protagonists are facing is whether should Zepto continue to operate in the 10-min delivery model or should it increase the delivery time to 15 to 20 min.
Complexity academic level
Undergraduate students studying Marketing courses in Commerce and Business Management streams can use this case.
Subject Code
CSS 8: Marketing.
Details
Keywords
Avil Saldanha and Rekha Aranha
After discussing this case, the authors expect that the students will have the following learnings: critically analyse the latest Reserve Bank of India (RBI) banking proposal…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
After discussing this case, the authors expect that the students will have the following learnings: critically analyse the latest Reserve Bank of India (RBI) banking proposal, which was proposed by the Internal Working Group (IWG) in November 2020. Understand concepts such as connected lending, crony capitalism and financial crisis. Have a basic idea about the Banking Regulations Act, 1949 and regulatory framework in the Indian banking sector.
Case overview/synopsis
This case is an analysis of the recent RBI proposal on banking regulations in India. The authors have referred secondary data in terms of published papers by stalwarts and experts in the banking and economics field. This case analyses the pros and cons of the IWG proposal to RBI governing body. The case also touches upon interesting banking and macroeconomics concepts. What makes this case interesting is that RBI is open to receive comments from all the stakeholders till January 2021.
Complexity academic level
Applicable to undergraduate and postgraduate students studying banking and finance specialisation in commerce and business management streams.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
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Keywords
Avil Saldanha and Rekha Aranha
The learning outcomes of this study are as follows:1. Analyze the pricing strategy followed by Netflix in India;2. Examine the challenges faced by media companies, including…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this study are as follows:1. Analyze the pricing strategy followed by Netflix in India;2. Examine the challenges faced by media companies, including over-the-top (OTT) service providers, in developing content for target consumers in emerging markets; and3. Evaluate the dynamics of the Indian OTT industry and understand the effect of external and internal factors on the growth of Netflix in India.
Case overview/synopsis
This case discusses the dilemma faced by Netflix in India regarding pricing and content. Netflix was accused of hurting the religious and political sentiments of Indians by broadcasting bold shows such as Sacred Games and A Suitable Boy. Netflix is caught in a dilemma between its pursuit to achieve its target of achieving 100 million subscribers from India versus continuing its profitable high pricing strategy. Another key dilemma is regarding the streaming of attractive bold content which may occasionally hurt the religious/political sentiments of some Indians or stream only safe content which may be deemed as boring by its young target audience.
Complexity academic level
Undergraduate and postgraduate students studying Marketing courses in Commerce and Business Management streams can use this case.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing.
Details
Keywords
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.
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Avil Saldanha, Sathiyaseelan Balasundaram and Rekha Aranha
This case study provides students/managers an opportunity to learn about:▪ Learning objective 1: Critically analyse reasons for the disgruntlement of delivery partners of…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
This case study provides students/managers an opportunity to learn about:▪ Learning objective 1: Critically analyse reasons for the disgruntlement of delivery partners of Zomato.▪ Learning objective 2: Evaluate Zomato’s moral obligations to gig workers in the absence of government regulations.▪ Learning objective 3: Analyse the drivers of well-being affecting e-commerce delivery partners.▪ Learning objective 4: Evaluate the welfare schemes undertaken by Zomato for its delivery partners and infer well-being measures that can be adopted to improve worker engagement.
Case overview/synopsis
The focus of this case was the crisis at Zomato as a result of the protests by gig workers engaged as delivery partners at the company. This case discussed the CEO’s dilemma in resolving the crisis. Zomato's business model was discussed to provide students an overview of the dynamics and challenges of online food delivery business; the company’s initiatives to enhance the robustness of its business model and the resulting media backlash questioning some of these initiatives that could endanger the lives of its delivery partners. In addition, this case explored the lack of regulatory provisions for gig workers in India. Finally, the options available to the protagonist to mitigate the crisis were discussed. The focal point was the well-being initiatives that the protagonist could consider implementing to address the concerns voiced by the delivery partners and encourage them to engage in Zomato's business with positivity.
Complexity academic level
The case is best suited for postgraduate and executive students studying Human Resources subjects in Commerce and Business Management streams.
Supplementary material
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
Details
Keywords
Avil Terrance Saldanha, Rekha Aranha and Vijaya Chandran
After completion of this case study, students/managers will be able to analyze reasons for the labor unrest at Wistron Corporation’s Indian manufacturing plant; examine the…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
After completion of this case study, students/managers will be able to analyze reasons for the labor unrest at Wistron Corporation’s Indian manufacturing plant; examine the implementation of labor regulations applicable to the employment of contract workers by Wistron Corporation; infer the problems associated with rapid expansion in the workforce; analyze the labor regulatory challenges faced by Wistron Corporation; and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
Case overview/synopsis
The focus of this case study was the crisis faced by Apple’s contract manufacturer – Wistron Corporation due to labor unrest, riots and violence in its production facility located near Bangalore in India. This case study discussed the CEO’s dilemma in resolving the crisis and regaining the confidence of stakeholders, namely, the contract employees, Apple Inc. and the State Government of Karnataka. To give the readers an overview of the crisis – this case discussed in detail the underlying reasons for the labor unrest such as a rapid increase in manpower, unilateral increase in working hours without extra pay, unjustified pay cuts, understaffed and underqualified human resources (HR) department, ill-equipped attendance and payroll system. It also gave an overview of mistakes in labor management that could be avoided by a manufacturing firm. The case also discussed the pressure faced by the Wistron CEO due to probation and a new business freeze by Apple Inc. This case study is suitable for understanding the complexities of labor laws and the legal complications that can arise when a corporation disregards local labor laws while operating in foreign countries.
Complexity academic level
The case is best suited for postgraduate and executive MBA students studying labor law, industrial psychology and HR management in commerce and business management streams. The authors suggest that the instructor should inform students to read the case study before attending the 90-min session. It can be executed in the classroom after discussing the theoretical concepts.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 6: Human Resource Management.