Case Study

Dell – From Direct Sales to Channel Strategy

This management case study briefly discusses Dell’s channel strategy and partner program introduced to recapture its lost market leader position. The case further highlights how Dell has successfully transformed itself from its direct-sales-only mantra to building a successful reseller network within three years. Case Contents Introduction Dell’s unique ‘direct build-to-order’ sales model Dell’s Transformation over [...]

Tesco – Entry and Exit from Japan

Case Description In September 2011, Tesco, the British supermarket group and the world’s third-biggest retailer announced its exit from Japan after eight years in the country. In the event, Tesco became the latest in a long list of foreign retailers to exit from Japan. This case study highlights why many International supermarket chains like Tesco [...]

Nandan Nilekani – From Infosys to Politics

Nilekani is recognized as one of India‘s most successful software entrepreneurs. He was invited by the Indian Prime Minister to head the Government’s Unique Identification project (UID project), which aims to provide identity to a billion citizens. Could Nilekani, a man of technology who was prone to measure software projects in great detail, successfully lead a government program, a social project with India‘s inherent challenges?

ITC’s Wealth out of Waste (WOW) Initiative

This case study highlights ITC’s Wealth out of Waste (WOW) Initiative launched in 2007. The ‘WOW program’ – (Wealth out of Waste) was an initiative in 2007 by ITC’s paperboard and specialty papers division as a waste paper collection business to boost raw material supply for its paper board mills. Case Contents Introduction About ITC [...]

Whirlpool’s Problems in China

Case Description This case highlights Whirlpool’s problems in China during the 1990s and contrasts competitive advantage between global firms and local competition in the appliance industry. The case briefly discusses what went wrong in China for Whirlpool like not managing distribution channels, bribery problems, wrong product decisions, not understanding local competition and so on. Case [...]

Ford – Global Mindset and Risk Assessment

This case study analyzes the global mindset at Ford Motor Company, a leading multinational manufacturer of cars and trucks. The case also discusses a number of potential risks and challenges that Ford faces or may face in future and how it is responding to it. Ford’s global strategic management and strategies like ONE Ford, Aligned Business Framework (ABF), and matched-pairs are also briefly discussed.

Dell in India

Case Contents Introduction Manufacturing – The first Dell ‘Made in India’ desktop Dell’s Market Share in India The Indian consumer and Local competition in India DELL – Key Facts about the company Dell – Company Overview Dell – Business Segment Information Dell Products and Services Dell’s new retail strategy and Direct-only model Dell’s New Marketing [...]

Michael Dell – Leadership Case study

Case contents Introduction A Direct Approach Dell’s Leadership Style No excuses – quick and effective decisions First step in a marathon – No victory laps Watch each dime and turn it into at least a quarter Every product should be profitable from Day One Direct To Customer Service Two-in-a-box Management DELL Company Overview and Time-line [...]

Lenovo in India

Lenovo, the world’s fourth-largest PC maker, has long dominated the Chinese market, the world’s second-largest. Lenovo had its worst year in FY 2009 globally and India was no different. Will Lenovo be able to successfully replicate its China business model in India?Case Contents Introduction – Restructuring at Lenovo The Indian Challenge Rationalizing Operations in India [...]

Case Study on FedEx – HR Practices

Over the years, FedEx had established its reputation as being one of the most employee-friendly companies in the world and is also credited for introducing many innovative HR practices. The people-service-profit (PSP) philosophy which FedEx introduced since its inception in 1973 was one-of-its-kind at the time. The formal HR policy linked employees directly to profitability [...]

Wal-Mart in India

‘In most countries, supermarket chains create and manage well-oiled supply chains to offer consumers lower prices and dampen inflationary trends. Inflation in India is touching decade-highs. But then it’s a fallacy that in India it is always about low price’. Companies like Tata, Birla and Reliance have all attempted to enter food-and-grocery retailing in India [...]

The adidas-Reebok Merger

Case Study Abstract This case study highlights the merger between German sportswear-maker Adidas and Reebok to take on market leader Nike in 2005. Will Adidas’ $3.7 billion takeover of Reebok in 2005 be successful or is it hampering the German sportswear-maker’s performance? Table of Contents Introduction Taking on Nike – market leader in the U.S.Regulatory [...]

Topshop in U.S. – Will London street style work in the U.S.?

Case Study Abstract The focus of this case study is the entry strategy of UK’s successful fast-fashion retailer Topshop in the U.S. This case briefly discusses Topshop’s business strategy, its early years and its success in UK fashion market. Can Topshop replicate its success in the U.S. market? Table of Contents Introduction – British retail [...]

McDonald’s – Business Strategy in India

Case Study Abstract This case study discusses how McDonald’s India managed to buck the trend in a struggling economy, its early years and business strategy to get more out of its stores in India. The case also briefly discusses how McDonald’s adapted to local culture in India, its localization and entry strategy, its strong supply [...]

The Crossword Story – Innovative Strategies in Book Retailing

Case Study Abstract The focus of this case study are the innovative strategies adopted by leading Indian organized book retailing chain – Crossword Bookstores Limited. This case discusses the constant innovations brought about by the bookstore and how it has brought international standards of book retailing to Indian customers. Table of Contents Introduction About the [...]

H&M’s Low-Cost, High-Fashion Supply Chain

Case Study Abstract The focus of this case study is the supply chain of fast-fashion giant, H&M. H&M – the world’s third-largest retailer by sales – has grown into a profitable force in the global apparel market by offering clothing that is seen as both fashionable and reasonably priced. This case discusses the supply chain [...]

Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) in Japan – Hit or Mistake?

Case Study Contents Introduction Background Note Exhibit I: H&M’s Growth (1974 – 2007) Exhibit II: H&M’s International Expansion H&M’s Supply Chain Exhibit III: H&M’s Best Price Strategy H&M’s Financial Performance Summary (Revenue and Net Income) Exhibit IV: H&M’s Three Sales Channels – Stores, Internet and Catalogues Exhibit V: Table showing some major retailers with # [...]

Organization Culture at Wal-Mart

Case Study Contents Introduction Wal-Mart – Company Background Sam Walton and Wal-Mart’s culture Exhibit: Unique values that support Wal-Mart’s three basic beliefs The 10-Foot Rule – Wal-Mart’s secret to customer service The Sundown Rule Open-Door Policy Servant Leadership Rank-and-file profit sharing Grass Roots Process – Associate Opinion Survey The Wal-Mart Cheer Wal-Mart’s efforts to make [...]

Meg Whitman and eBay – Leadership Case Study

Case Study Contents Introduction – eBay CEO Meg Whitman plans to retire Meg Whitman – Early years and Career Growth Meg Whitman and Leading eBay Hiring the right people Quickly understanding the new business model Leading eBay’s IPO – a hands-on approach Changing eBay’s policy Building one of the most powerful e-commerce systems in the [...]

Cafe Coffee Day – Brand Strategy in India

Case Study Contents Introduction CCD – an established brand image in India CCD’s wide network – the anytime, anywhere cafe Exhibit 1: Total number of stores/cafes of Café Coffee Day and its competitors 1996 – 2008, CCD’s first store launch to building a strong competitive advantage Innovative formats to woo new customers Reinforcing brand image [...]

eBay in Japan

Case Study Contents Introduction eBay – Company Background Pierre Omidyar – The founder of eBay Early Days – From AuctionWeb to eBay Meg Whitman and the growth of eBay eBay – Quick Facts eBay’s International Expansion Exhibit I – eBay’s Net Revenue by Territory eBay and its entry in Japan Exhibit II – Yahoo Japan [...]

Warren Buffett – The Investment Leader

Case Study Abstract This leadership case study on Warren Buffett, Chairman of the Berkshire Hathaway, outlines the leadership (entrepreneurial) skills of the world’s most successful investor. The case covers Buffett’s childhood years, the initial years of his career and how he went on to become one of the richest men in the world with his [...]

Will restructuring help Starbucks Turnaround?

Case Study Contents Introduction Exhibit I: Stock performance graph of Starbucks for past five years The Starbucks Story Starbucks – Early Days and Background Note Building of the Starbucks Brand Entry into International Markets Starbucks – Quick facts Starbucks – Timeline The Restructuring Moves Reorganization No warm breakfast sandwiches but new beverages Transforming the in-store [...]

Restructuring at Unilever – Path to Growth Strategy

Case Study Contents Introduction to Unilever's Restructuring Initiatives History of Unilever The 1880s – Lever & Co and Sunlight Soap – A revolutionary product Lever Brothers – Growth with acquisitions and new product introductions 1930 – Unilever is born Unilever – Rapid Growth with diversification Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC Unilever's Path to Growth Strategy [...]

CSR Initiatives at Tesco

Case Study Contents Introduction CSR Approach and Initiatives Tesco’s ‘Computers for Schools’ initiative CSR KPIs with Tesco’s Steering Wheel framework ‘Every Little Helps’ Approach and CSR Recognitions Tesco and the Environment Carbon calorie counter and carbon footprint labeling measure Reducing carbon emissions from transporting goods Exhibit: List of CSR Initiatives by Tesco Regeneration partnerships Benefits [...]

Case Study on Ryanair, the biggest low-cost European Airline

Case Abstract Ryanair was the first budget airline in Europe, modelled after the successful U.S. low cost carrier, Southwest Airlines. Ryanair is one of the oldest and most successful low-cost airlines of Europe. This case study on Ryanair highlights its low fares business model, its business strategies and operations. The case further incorporates the history [...]

Wal-Mart’s Supply Chain Management Practices

Case Study Abstract The focus of this case study is the supply chain of the world’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart in recent years has struggled with its supply chain. The big question is: Will Wal-Mart be able to revive the competitive advantage it had in the past with its efficient supply chain? This case discusses [...]

Tesco takes on US Wal-Mart

Case Abstract: This case study focuses on Tesco’s expansion plan and its entry strategy in the U.S. which places it directly against competitor and retail giant Wal-Mart. Tesco in US Retail Market UK’s largest retailer Tesco and one of the top supermarket operators in the world, plans to open a thousand-strong chain of discount stores [...]

Nokia’s Business Strategy in India

Case Study Abstract The focus of this case study is the business strategy adopted by Nokia in the Indian Mobile devices market. This case study summarizes Nokia’s business strategies in India. Nokia has proven itself as one of the most recognized brands in India in the past decade or so. This case also discusses in [...]

Wal-Mart in Japan

Case Abstract: The focus of this case study is the hurdles faced by retailing giant Wal-Mart in the Japanese market. WalMart’s best practices in retailing like Every Day Low Prices (EDLP) and Rollback to the Japanese market through its joint venture with Seiyu…In December 2005, Wal-Mart acquired a controlling 50.9 percent stake in Seiyu. However, [...]

Dell’s Supply Chain Management Strategy

Case Study Contents Introduction Dell – Company Overview Dell Products and Services Dell – Key Facts – Key Employees, Top Competitors, Revenues, Manufacturing Facilities Dell Timeline Dell – Business Segment Information Dell’s Evolving Supply Chain Strategy Typical Working of Dell’s Supply Chain Five key strategies in Dell’s successful Direct Model A supply chain with old [...]