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Marketing; direct sales and networking in marketing.

Undergraduate marketing students.

What are the main problems faced by direct sellers in Mexico within a selling context based on social networking? This case has the objective to approach the difficulties direct sellers face in their operations in order to address potential bottlenecks inhibiting the flow of sales. In the present case, direct sellers expressed openly their personal views about the issues they generally had to deal with in order to survive in a highly competitive market, namely the market of cosmetic and beauty products. The decision of whether to implement changes to improve the flow of sells through the network created by direct sellers would eventually affect direct sellers performance given that they are the final appendix of the selling chain. This case helps to develop a direct seller typology for direct selling success. Accordingly, it highlights the importance of every element participating in a business. Summarizing, it strategically links direct sellers performance with the overall business performance.

The case contributes to the analysis of personality attributes of sellers and the elements affecting market penetration of cosmetic and beauty products. It is also interesting to observe how some foreign brands have become iconic in the local direct selling businesses. This case also contributes to developing tactical competition to strategic planning of marketing of direct selling in emerging markets. Particular learning objectives are as follows: analyse marketing planning from a perspective of decentralization and growth and explore creative possibilities for sustainable growth of this kind of business; stimulate strategic thinking concerning system operation and free bottle necks of selling channels by analysing the effect of system subordination of operations and training to upper levels of vendors; analyse the brand expansion process and loyalty development of customers in a competitive market of products that are sold in network.

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

Financial management, marketing management and entrepreneurship.

The case is suitable for undergraduate students.

The case is based on the ingenuity of the chief protagonist of the case study, Anandam. Anandam had conceived a novel idea of using coconut shells and other biomass material as the fuel for running a woodstove. The case study has its settings in Kerala (India). A tentative business plan is being proposed through the case study, where the market analysis has been done, underscoring the product positioning, market segmentation, pricing and other relevant parameters. Further, the case also lays emphasis on the support provided by a local non-governmental organization, as an initial hand-holding measure.

The case study has been written for the purpose of students' appreciating the nuances of new technology/product launch in the market, given the existing competitors. This would help in understanding the 4 Ps better, and, raising a good platform for discussion in the classroom. A financial analysis aspect is also given, which would help students to draw an inter-disciplinary perspective vis-à-vis the case. The case may be extrapolated to other start-up ventures by entrepreneurs.

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

Marketing management.

Undergraduate/Postgraduate.

The present case is a disguised one and is meant to enable students to critically analyse the operations and functioning of a fitness centre located in a city. Despite a runaway success, “Fit in” was facing problems of time-management and members’ management. Thus, catering to the members was becoming unwieldy, especially with respect to providing the personalized experience to the members, which was their forte. Thus, Mukesh and Naina faced the challenge of motivating their existing members and getting fresh referrals. Should they cut some of their services? Should they make some changes in manpower management? Or, should they change the operating strategy for their business?

Expected learning outcomes are as follows: how to ensure customer loyalty in service organization settings and how to enhance motivation among the service customers.

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

CSS: 3: Entrepreneurship.