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Misakyan technical solutions: between two mindsets and the emergence of the new generation

George Marachly (American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)
Virginia Bodolica (School of Business Administration, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)
Martin Spraggon (School of Business and Quality Management, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies

ISSN: 2045-0621

Publication date: 2 January 2020

  • Case
  • Teaching notes

Abstract

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes of this study are as follows: conduct a comprehensive organizational diagnosis to uncover the peculiarities of managing a family business; evaluate the spirit of innovation of the new generation to drive rejuvenation initiatives in the family firm; reflect on the concept of stealth innovation and its manifestation in the context of transgenerational entrepreneurship; and assess the effectiveness of managerial decision-making and provide recommendations for securing the sustainability of a family firm.

Case overview/synopsis

This case starts with the entrepreneurial beginnings of Jack Misakyan, who transformed the small blacksmith venture of his father into a large and profitable family enterprise with operations across different countries and industrial sectors. Since the establishment of Misakyan Technical Solutions (MTS), Jack relied on the help of his brothers, Ara and Hovik, who have joined the ranks of owners and managers to drive the expansion efforts of the family firm. Over the years, the brothers were successful in pursuing a strategy of continuous growth and diversification by taking advantage of opportunities in several industries and regions of the world. They opened branches in Kuwait, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Armenia, and operated in industries of heavy-truck maintenance, pharmaceuticals, marine shipping, construction materials, quarry and restauration. Yet, four decades after its launch, the company was entering in a phase of stagnation and was in need for entrepreneurial rejuvenation. The members of the third generation, who have recently joined the family firm, believed that it was their obligation to restructure the operations and revive the entrepreneurial spirit in their fathers’ organization. Moreover, after several months of market analysis and investigation, two of the cousins came up with a new business idea that was pursued entirely in a stealth mode. By describing the strategic events and family dynamics that shaped the evolution of MTS over time, the case offers an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of managerial decision-making and provide recommendations for ensuring the longevity of the family enterprise.

Complexity academic level

Upper undergraduate classes.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.

Keywords

  • Family firms
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Strategic management/planning

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

Marachly, G., Bodolica, V. and Spraggon, M. (2020), "Misakyan technical solutions: between two mindsets and the emergence of the new generation", Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, Vol. 10 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-07-2019-0177

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Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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