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The last breath of glassblowing?

Jana Badran (Department of Management, Lebanese University Faculty of Economic Science and Business Administration, Beirut, Lebanon)
Amale Kharrouby (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon)
Abdel-Maoula Chaar (Department of Research, Ecole Superieure des Affaires, Beirut, Lebanon)

Publication date: 4 November 2019

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: identify how tools and frameworks of strategic management can be applied to understand the evolution of the timeline of a firm; analyse the core competencies and weaknesses of a firm and understand their relevance in strengthening the competitive advantage of a firm; and design appropriate business models that are grounded in an integrated strategic analysis.

Case overview/synopsis

The case series traces the attempts of Nisrine Khalifeh to save her family’s ailing Lebanese artisan micro-enterprise that produces handmade glass blown jars, jugs and cups. Despite their unique traditional know-how in glassblowing, The Khalifeh struggle to survive since the early 2000s until today in a context of a growing concurrence by more competitive glass products. After each triggering event faced by the Khalifeh firm, Nisrine’s exploits opportunities offered to her in an archaic business model approach that provides short business solutions. Nisrine seems not to realize that her business approach is just keeping her family business from dying today instead of tomorrow while keeping it on the verge of going under. Facing an additional dilemma, she is challenged to realize how competitive and sustainable the Khalifeh business model is, and which actions she should take to withstand the competitive threats. More sustainable business options exist to this traditional micro-enterprise which carries a strong growth rate potential if sustainable business models are developed and deployed using key tools and frameworks of strategic management analysis.

Complexity academic level

Undergraduate Business Students,

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Disclaimer. This case is written solely for educational purposes and is not intended to represent successful or unsuccessful managerial decision-making. The authors may have disguised names; financial and other recognizable information to protect confidentiality.

Citation

Badran, J., Kharrouby, A. and Chaar, A.-M. (2019), "The last breath of glassblowing?", , Vol. 9 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-05-2019-0108

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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