Humans, monkeys, and diesel fumes; oh my!

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-170
Author(s):  
Katherine Karl ◽  
Nai Lamb ◽  
Olivia Young
Keyword(s):  
Business Ethics ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Animal Testing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Macaque Monkeys ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Exhaust Fumes ◽  
Upper Level

Research methodology Information about Volkswagen’s human and animal testing was obtained from the secondary sources cited. Case overview/synopsis In 2014, Volkswagen (VW), BMW and Daimler funded an institute to conduct research to support their position that diesel engines are cleaner and safer than other fuel alternatives. One of the research studies conducted by the institute examined the effects of diesel fumes on humans and monkeys. Researchers put ten macaque monkeys in sealed rooms and pumped in exhaust fumes from a Volkswagen Beetle for four hours. For comparison, another group of monkeys was exposed to fumes from an older Ford pickup. The monkeys were later anesthetized and examined to see what the fumes did to their bodies. Other tests involved willing human subjects who were exposed to similar conditions. Complexity academic level This case is applicable to upper-level management or business ethics class.

Building positive relationships in the first 100 days

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 441-462
Author(s):  
Shontarius D. Aikens
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Positive Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Member Exchange ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
And Gender

Research methodology The author used narrative research as a research methodology. Case overview/synopsis Winston Thompson is the new Residential Manager of Drayson Residential Complex at Sybel University. After meeting with staff in his area of responsibility and learning about the complexities of his new position, Winston needs to determine the best way to build positive relationships with each member of the leadership team in his complex. In this case, students are challenged to determine the best relationship building approach for each staff member using concepts from leader–member exchange theory while also taking into consideration issues of race, age and gender. Complexity academic level This case is written for undergraduates in either an upper level leadership or organizational behavior course. The case can be adapted for graduate courses and executive education depending upon the work experience of the individuals.

Challenges of Moksh Organization: an epitome of humanity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikhil K. Mehta ◽  
Shubham Chourasia ◽  
Aswini Devadas
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Business Communication ◽  
Prima Facie ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Social Stereotypes ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
The Social ◽  
Dead Bodies ◽  
Social Leadership

Theoretical basis This case uses concepts from Korten’s strategies of development-oriented four generations of non-government organizations (NGOs) and social psychology such as stereotypes, prejudices and actions to explain the social phenomenon. In furtherance, the case presents Aristotle’s approach to creating a message for masses that include use of ethos, pathos and logos. Stood’s (2017) narrative, engagement and technology (NET) model of social leadership was used to analyse the characteristics of social leaders. Research methodology Prima facie the case was developed from primary sources i.e. interviewing with Ashish Thakur. Literature from secondary sources was obtained to make teaching notes. List of references is presented towards the end that depicts the use of textbooks, research papers, websites and blogs. This case was tested in the classroom with MBA students learning business communication. Case overview/synopsis The case dealt with the challenges of an NGO that included conducting respectful last rites of unclaimed dead bodies. As the NGO grew, Ashish Thakur, the initiator of Moksh started facing resource management challenges, namely, volunteer induction, fundraising and managing non-human resources. These issues are deeply embedded in several social stereotypes about dead bodies. Learning covers strategies of four generations of NGO development, a NET model of social leadership, breaking social stereotypes related to dead bodies and last rites (necrophobia), designing social communication and opportunity to assess faulty rationalizations and do critical thinking around the socio-religious practices. Complexity academic level This case is intended to be used for the students of the social leadership or social entrepreneurship, social psychology, business communication or communication skills, organizational behaviour, advertising and social media.

Pricing and scholarship optimization at waypoint adventure

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-495
Author(s):  
Benjamin Marcus
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Optimization Techniques ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Participant Engagement ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Instructor's Manual ◽  
Revenue And Pricing Management

Theoretical basis This case can be used to develop students’ understanding of optimization and the development of a linear programing (LP) model and solution. The instructor’s manual provides one possible solution based on the LP tools available in excel. Research methodology This case is based on real events at waypoint adventure and is derived from the authors’ experience consulting with this organization as they sought to improve pricing and scholarship management. Case overview/synopsis A young non-profit organization serving the disabled community in Boston sought growth but lacked clarity and consistency in their program pricing and scholarship structures. The case analysis centers on revising program prices to achieve specific cost and revenue requirements and determining a scholarship policy that will maximize participation in their outdoor adventure programing for the upcoming year. This case allows the exploration of optimization with an atypical objective, as the organization seeks to maximize participant engagement rather than profit. Complexity academic level The target audience includes upper-level undergraduate and MBA or early graduate-level students studying the optimization techniques of operations management, revenue and pricing management or marketing. The case would also be useful for discussing the challenges faced by non-profits and the non-traditional objectives that can arise for these organizations.

Building, leading, and sustaining a cultural enterprise: Martin Guitar in 2019

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-336
Author(s):  
Roland J. Kushner
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Public Information ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Fourth Decade ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Owned Company

Theoretical basis The case includes theoretical references to family business, organizational culture, resource-based value and leadership. Research methodology The case combines primary and secondary data. There is ample public information about Martin Guitar including histories of the company and its instruments. These were used for background. Primary data were provided by the company in the form of customized data and interviews.. The case writer has served Martin Guitar as a consultant and also plays Martin instruments. The case writer had numerous opportunities to interview Chris and his key lieutenants. Case overview/synopsis In 2019, C.F. Martin IV (Chris) was in his fourth decade leading one of the America’s oldest family-owned companies, C.F. Martin & Co., Inc. Martin Guitar is a globally known maker of fine guitars that are prized by collectors, working musicians and amateur musicians. Chris was raised in the family business and took on the CEO’s position at the age of 30. The case describes the company’s management practices and the culture that has emerged from them. In 2019, at age 64, Chris confronted issues faced by his predecessors over multiple generations: how to prepare the company for succession, and maintain its strong performance as a family-owned company in a dynamic industry environment. Complexity academic level The case is designed for a management course for upper-level undergraduates.

A case of the blues: depression screenings in a community pharmacy

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-50
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Mazzei ◽  
John A. Galdo
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Stakeholder Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
The State ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Community Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Academic Level

Theoretical basis This case builds on elements of project management (PM) – specifically project initiation – including the development of a project charter and stakeholder analysis. Research methodology The case was developed from secondary sources as well as first-hand knowledge of the project by one of the authors. This author was on faculty at a private university in the southeastern USA, teaching numerous courses in the pharmacy curriculum while also serving as the Community Practice Residency Director for community pharmacies around the state. While connecting with these organizations, additional revenue requirements and complementary services were frequent topics of attention, leading to a grant to assist pharmacies in building out such services. Through this grant, the author engaged in consultations with community pharmacies around the state, including the pharmacy highlighted via this case. Pseudonyms have been used for the business, and all individuals associated with it, to maintain anonymity. Secondary sources used for additional research include industry reports and related websites. Case overview/synopsis Richard has owned and operated a community pharmacy, Our Family Farmacy (OFF), for years. A changing industry climate has forced Richard to diversify the products and services he provides. In addition to the distribution of medicine and front-end sales of consumer goods, Richard is seeking to expand into a larger spectrum of healthcare services. After researching several different types of services, and after dealing with related personal family circumstances, Richard decided that OFF should begin their expansion by offering depression screening services. He turned initiation of the project over to his pharmacy intern, Caitlin. Complexity academic level This compact case is geared toward undergraduate- and graduate-level students taking courses in general management and, more specifically, PM. This case might also be used by students with a career focus in the healthcare sector, and could of particular interest for students in a pharmacy program. Classroom application should encompass discussions on the project initiation process group, particularly with the processes regarding the project charter deliverable and the identification and assessment of project stakeholders.

Reconciling COVID-19 pandemic budget deficits through furloughs and salary reductions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minnette A. Bumpus
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
The State ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Budget Deficits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
News Reports ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
The Right ◽  
The University

Theoretical basis The primary topics, in this case, align well with social processes relative to communication and decision-making, and with individual processes relative to fairness in the workplace. Research methodology The case was developed from secondary sources. The secondary sources included news reports, and university sources (i.e. e-mails, announcements, reports, town hall meetings). This descriptive case has been classroom tested in an undergraduate organizational behavior course. Case overview/synopsis On September 10, 2020, the president of Bowie State University, Dr Aminta H. Breaux, announced that the university needed to “take a number of steps, including a temporary salary reduction plan, to close the FY21 funding gap and position the university for continued budget challenges” (Exhibit 1) triggered by the economic impact of COVID-19 on the state of Maryland. Some of the faculty members’ reactions to this announcement included shock and disappointment. Reflecting on what led to the state appropriation reductions, why would faculty members be shocked by President Breaux’s announcement of temporary salary reductions? Did President Breaux make the right decision, and was it communicated appropriately? Complexity academic level This descriptive case is most appropriate for undergraduate level organizational behavior courses.

A makeover for Dudley’s Q+

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Glackin ◽  
Suzanne Altobello
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Minority Business ◽  
Brand Strategy ◽  
Direct Selling ◽  
Communication Preferences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Marketing ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Brand Perception

Theoretical basis The Dudley Beauty case illustrates a contemporary branding, management and marketing challenge facing many companies that are 50 plus years old. Movahhed (2016) highlights the six elements to consider during brand strategy: the target audience, the brand promise, brand perception (past, current and future), brand values, brand voice and brand positioning. The times have changed with changing macroenvironmental factors including political, economic, sociological, technological, legal and other environmental (PESTLE) changes that affect a business but which the business does not directly control. Research methodology The case is based upon an interview with Dudley Beauty CEO and President Ursula Dudley Oglesby and secondary sources. Case overview/synopsis The “A Makeover for Dudley’s Q+” case explores the challenges of a second-generation textured hair care and personal care company in the direct selling channel as it faces an aging market and changing business and economic environment. A Black-owned company, begun in 1967 by her parents, Dudley Beauty is led by the founders’ daughter, Harvard College and Harvard Law School-educated, Ursula Dudley Oglesby. At over 50 years old, the company has continually created new textured hair products and has high brand awareness among older Black consumers but has not adequately addressed changing hair trends and shifting communication preferences of younger consumers. The company is at a critical point needing to reach a younger, larger market to survive. The business situation supports marketing, management, strategy, and/or entrepreneurship undergraduate students in understanding how macroenvironmental forces and internal structures affect businesses. Complexity academic level This case is intended primarily for use by undergraduates in a variety of courses. It is suitable for courses in Principles of Marketing, Entrepreneurial Marketing, general Entrepreneurship and Marketing Strategy courses covering topics such as direct selling, the role of environmental factors in business, rebranding efforts using digital and social media marketing and women/minority business owners.

Outcast conflict

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 528-544
Author(s):  
Jason Allan Bogardus ◽  
John Dibble ◽  
John David Garvin
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Conflict Management ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Graduate Level ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
Leadership And Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Direct Reports ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Young Leader

Research methodology The case was created via an interview of the protagonist. Case overview / synopsis The case describes the dilemma a young leader, Captain Bryson, faces after a few months in his new organization. Amid a routine meeting, two of CPT Bryson’s direct reports get into a verbal (and nearly physical) altercation over a relatively benign issue. CPT Bryson must decide how to handle the conflict at that moment. Further, the organization is resource constrained, so the personnel will be working in the same organization for at least the next six months. Therefore, CPT Bryson must try to diagnose the types and sources of conflict so that he can decide on how to manage the conflict in both the short and long terms. Complexity academic level This case is designed for use in undergraduate and graduate level courses on leadership and management. The case is useful for teaching lessons (or electives) on conflict management, developmental communication (counseling), emotional intelligence and power and influence.

Can Chipotle compete by delivering “food with integrity”?

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 233-252
Author(s):  
Pauline Assenza ◽  
Michael S. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Food Contamination ◽  
Strategic Choices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
First Case ◽  
Strategy Process ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Contamination Events

Research methodology The case data were obtained from secondary sources including academic, newspaper and periodical sources. Case overview/synopsis The Founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill, CEO Steve Ells, was a restaurant innovator credited with creating the fast-casual experience. He believed that food, sourced and prepared responsibly, could help “cultivate a better world.” Unfortunately, he had to step down after a continuing series of food contamination events drove away both investors and customers. In 2018, new CEO Brian Niccol was brought in from Taco Bell to reposition the brand and regain confidence. Was it possible to continue with Chipotle’s mission of “food with integrity” or was another strategy necessary? Complexity academic level This case was prepared for an undergraduate strategy course. It can be used to illustrate all the key points in Chapter 1 of a traditional undergraduate strategy textbook. This case would be best placed in the first weeks of the course, as a first case to introduce to students the idea of strategy as a process that continuously assesses and revises strategic directions and decisions. It introduces a discussion of the role of mission, vision and values as part of the strategy process, and addresses the responsibility of leadership to do an ongoing evaluation of a firm’s strategic choices.

Digital transformation of TSG from a B2B to a B2C company

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Srinivas Rao Pingali ◽  
Grishma Shah
Keyword(s):  
Marketing Strategy ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Revenue Growth ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Business To Consumer ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Technical Solutions ◽  
Original Equipment Manufacturers

Learning outcomes The main objective of this marketing strategy case is to understand why and how a firm should evaluate and rework its own business to stay competitive and aligned with external market forces. Case overview/synopsis Technical Solutions Group (TSG), was the India-based technical support division of Quatrro Global Services and focused on providing support to customers of large Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and software developers around the globe. Because of the increased competition and structural changes at the customer end, the business was facing flattened revenue growth and a drop in margins. TSG had to make strategic decisions on how to continue the business, either within the current paradigm of being a business to business business or transforming into a business to consumer business leveraging digital technology. Complexity academic level This case can be used in an undergraduate (upper level) or graduate-level course on marketing strategy, digital strategy or strategic management. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

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