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Case study
Publication date: 3 December 2020

Albert Wöcke, Morris Mthombeni and Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurro

The case can be used in strategic management, international business or ethics courses. In strategic management courses, students will be able to identify political relationships…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The case can be used in strategic management, international business or ethics courses. In strategic management courses, students will be able to identify political relationships as sources of a firm’s competitive advantage. Students will also understand the role of ethics in the firm’s competitive advantage. In international business courses, the students will be able to analyze the role that corruption and bribery play in the analysis of a country’s institutions. Students will also understand how corruption in a host country influences a firms’ decision to internationalize. Finally, students will understand the challenges that firms face when serving customers in other countries. In ethics courses, students will understand the nature of state/business corruption, i.e. the abuse of public office for private gain and the concept of state capture, i.e. managers controlling the political system for their advantage. Students will be able to analyze the decision of whether to collaborate with unethical partners or customers.

Case overview/synopsis

Bell Pottinger Private (BPP) was a British public relations (PR) firm with a successful but questionable reputation of helping famous critical figures and despots improve their public image. In 2016, Lord Tim Bell and the other leaders of BPP were asked to create a PR campaign for the Gupta family. The Guptas were a group of businessmen headed by three brothers who migrated from India to South Africa in the early 1990s. By the 2010s, they had built a business empire allegedly thanks to a corrupt relationship with the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma and his family. The press and prosecutors were increasing their investigations on these relations. The case has two parts, which address two separate challenges and can be taught as standalone cases or in a sequence in two sessions.

Complexity academic level

MBA and Executive Education.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 5: International business.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 9 May 2016

Dheeraj Sharma

The case deals with comparison of two events namely Bhopal Gas Tragedy and BP Oil Spill Tragedy. Specifically, the case compares the negotiation process and its outcome. In other…

Abstract

The case deals with comparison of two events namely Bhopal Gas Tragedy and BP Oil Spill Tragedy. Specifically, the case compares the negotiation process and its outcome. In other words, the case compares how negotiation was carried out on behalf of victims of these tragedies and resulted in optimal outcomes in one situation and sub-optimal outcomes in another situation. It case also provides insights into cross-cultural issues in negotiation process as one of the events took place in emerging economy (India) and other one in a developed economy (USA). The case gives insight for individuals on how handle communication process during the course of negotiation.

Case study
Publication date: 16 April 2015

Shalini Rahul Tiwari and Rakesh Chopra

Social Entrepreneurship/management of non-profit organizations (and non-government organizations).

Abstract

Subject area

Social Entrepreneurship/management of non-profit organizations (and non-government organizations).

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate/MBA/Executive MBA.

Case overview

PUKAR is a niche non-government organization (NGO) working on a unique concept of “Right to Research”. It has several themes aimed at democratizing research and broadening access to knowledge among the disenfranchised or the weakly institutionalized groups. The resulting output is disseminated through media such as lectures, Web site, books and newsletters, thus initiating local, national and global debates about future of these groups. PUKAR conceptualizes all projects around this philosophy, which are supported by few specialized funding organizations. Funding organizations, on the other hand, are trying to support many causes aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens of various countries. Thus, PUKAR's growth is constrained by limited funds. Nevertheless, PUKAR has been able to create transformation in the lives of youth who carry out these projects. PUKAR, therefore, faces a continuous challenge of conceptualizing proposals that are meaningful and impactful for the society and to stay true to its core philosophy.

Expected learning outcomes

The expected learning outcomes include: to understand the nature of challenges (both strategic and operational) faced by a niche NGO; to analyze how the strategy of an NGO evolves with time; to analyze the impediments of growth for a niche NGO; and to analyze the strategic options for growth and sustenance of an NGO.

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.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 1 May 2009

Benjamin Ngugi, Glenn S Dardick and Gina Vega

In January, 2007, TJX reported that it had suffered from a computer intrusion. The company was sure neither of the identity of the perpetrators nor of how many customers were…

Abstract

In January, 2007, TJX reported that it had suffered from a computer intrusion. The company was sure neither of the identity of the perpetrators nor of how many customers were affected. A deeper analysis revealed that the intrusion had started earlier and affected more customers than previously thought. Ensuing investigation concluded that TJX was collecting unnecessary information, keeping it for too long and employing obsolete and insufficient safeguards. TJX denied any wrongdoing but implemented most of the recommended remedies to strengthen their security.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Case study
Publication date: 2 February 2022

Jawaid Ahmed Qureshi, Aamir Firoz Shamsi and Farrah Arif

The learning outcomes are as follows: to analyze the multidimensional and complex crises, and market stature of a company that was a market and industry leader in a developing…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: to analyze the multidimensional and complex crises, and market stature of a company that was a market and industry leader in a developing country; to evaluate and interpret the outcomes of decisions pertaining declining profits, outstanding receivables, branding, marketing and radical reforms to overcome the challenges of sustainable growth, customers and employees’ loyalty, market stature and leadership crises; and to design strategic solutions for sustaining its leadership position and combating severe challenges.

Case overview/synopsis

The purpose of this paper is to ponder upon various crises that Pakistan State Oil (PSO) was facing, so that learners can critically analyze, assess and design strategic solutions for it. PSO was the state-run market leader in the petroleum industry. The company had been struggling to combat multiple types of turmoil at a time. Its huge fund of receivables was blocked in circular debt that caused the company budget constraints and deficits. Due to a government policy shift, the demand for its furnace oil substantially reduced and profits plummeted. The countless internal and external crises posed severe menace to its competitive position vis-a-vis its rivals. This qualitative case study garners data from eight interviews from senior managers in the petroleum industry and adds content analysis technique to acquire pertinent data from renowned media sources and subsequent analysis. The drastic crises left PSO with dearth of funds and declining profitability. Consequently, due to limited marketing budget, creativity of its marketing team for devising effective marketing programs to raise market share was compromised. PSO underwent the issues of brand sustainability, sustainable growth, customers and employees’ loyalty, and market stature to financial and leadership crises. However, despite limitations, it still enjoyed a market leadership position among its rivals in the industry by occupying more than half of the chunk of market in the petroleum industry. This is a unique case study of a state-owned giant company facing multidimensional menaces. It offers tremendous learning opportunities for students who can devise creative strategic solutions and link theories and models with practice.

Complexity academic level

Graduate (MBA), MS, PhD (management and administrative sciences); Suitable for teaching in chapters: Anywhere but ideally near the middle or end of the above courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CCS 11: Strategy.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 20 January 2017

Robert F. Bruner

In February 1991, the managers of this multinational specialty publishing company proposed to take the company private in a leveraged buyout (LBO). In addition to the ordinarily…

Abstract

In February 1991, the managers of this multinational specialty publishing company proposed to take the company private in a leveraged buyout (LBO). In addition to the ordinarily interesting features of the typical LBO, this transaction was the first to be denominated in ECUs and one of the few in which the managers provided all the equity financing. The tasks for the student are to value the company and evaluate the attractiveness of the transaction from the standpoints of seller, senior lender, mezzanine lender, and equity investor/manager. The case can be used to (1) exercise students' skills in valuing a highly leveraged company, (2) illustrate how deal structuring can mitigate potential agency problems, and (3) explore the problems and possible solutions associated with financing a global firm.

Details

Darden Business Publishing Cases, vol. no.
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2474-7890
Published by: University of Virginia Darden School Foundation

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 1 January 2011

Mussa J. Assad

The subject areas for this case are auditing, fraud and investigations. It is also relevant for teaching aspects of corporate governance.

Abstract

Subject area

The subject areas for this case are auditing, fraud and investigations. It is also relevant for teaching aspects of corporate governance.

Student level/applicability

This case consolidates techniques and methodologies of special investigations and demonstrates weaknesses in governance and internal controls. It is appropriate for final year undergraduate students and graduate students who have attended classes on basics of accounting and financial reporting.

Case overview

The case is about institutional governance and the effects of ineptness at different levels of an organization that resulted in TAS. 133 billion being “improperly” paid out to 22 firms in the financial year 2005/2006.The case is structured to focus at the dilemma of the Director of Finance as an individual who featured in the latter stages of an extensive fraud where old unclaimable debts were revived and were being claimed and paid to fictitious assignees involving a number of Central Bank officials. However, the case seeks to interrogate issues related to financial records and controls in which the position of Director of Finance had more relevance.

Expected learning outcomes

Working on this case should result in enabling students to acquire expertise necessary for forensic accounting. It should also enable students to learn to gain an understanding of the practice of investigative and forensic accounting as well as an understanding of the interrelationships of the parties involved in forensic investigations.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 8 June 2023

Dipasha Sharma, Sagar Singhi and Dhaval Kosambia

The learning outcomes are as follows: to be able to evaluate early warning signs/red flags through financial statement analysis; to be able to analyse company’s credit or debt…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: to be able to evaluate early warning signs/red flags through financial statement analysis; to be able to analyse company’s credit or debt servicing using a thorough process of fundamental analysis; to be able to analyse and decode the financial health of an organization through different financial tools applicable according to the industry such as default probability and financial ratios; and to be able to synthesize credit rating framework and role of credit rating agencies in the bond market.

Case overview/synopsis

In late January 2019, the allegation by an online investigative portal about the misuse of the Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd. (DHFL) money by its promoter for buying asset abroad was the start of the fall of the non-banking finance company giant. This was followed by a series of downgrade by credit rating agencies on its debt and eventual default on its interest payment on 4 June 2019 which upset multiple portfolio investors and the regulators. Investors became sceptical about the regulator’s policy and inefficiencies of credit rating agencies in predicting the default along with asset management houses which were expected to guard investors’ interest. One investor, Shikhar Pachori, decided to scrutinize all hidden information on DHFL to investigate if DHFL crisis arises because of unknown factors which was not in control of management or if it a clear negligence on the part of all involved parties. The case tries to emphasize the aspect of Asset-Liability Management and process of credit analysis while looking for red flags which aids in identifying any stress in company’s financial or any potential default by company.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used in the advance level of post-graduate finance course or MBA program for elective/specialization courses such as Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Institutions and Market and Fixed Income.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 23 November 2016

Asheq Rahman, Hector Perera and Frances Chua

International business, Accounting and Finance.

Abstract

Subject area

International business, Accounting and Finance.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels (advanced financial accounting, international accounting, other accounting and business courses with an international setting.

Case overview

The case uses the Asia Pulp & Paper Company’s (APP) entry into the international debt market to highlight the consequences of different business practices between the East (in this case, Indonesia) and the West. On the one hand, it shows that APP was set up as the “front” to access international debt capital; on the other, it reveals the naïvety of Western lenders who parted with their funds without conducting a thorough background research on the financial viability of the company they invested in. The APP debacle is a poignant reminder for market participants and business/accounting students that the divergence of the business settings across countries can make business contractual arrangements tenuous and corporate financial information irrelevant to its users. It also exposes the unique ways of how some Asian countries conduct their business affairs.

Expected learning outcomes

The following are the expected learning outcomes: comprehend the impact of differences in culture and ethnic origin on business practices; evaluate the impact of cultural nuances on the legality of contracts in the international business setting; understand the impact of currency fluctuation on the financial position of multinational firms; and be more cautious in conducting business and entering into contracts with foreign firms.

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

CCS 1: Accounting and Finance.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 2 February 2016

Sunil Kumar Maheshwari and Ramesh Bhat

There have been plans to merge UCO Bank with larger banks owing to its poor performance for many years. There were leaders in the history who had not been committed. The…

Abstract

There have been plans to merge UCO Bank with larger banks owing to its poor performance for many years. There were leaders in the history who had not been committed. The inadequate governance of the bank has been responsible for some of the major lapses. Mr. Arun Kaul took strategic initiatives and systematically strengthened the functioning of the board. It enabled the bank to turnaround and report profits in challenging economic conditions. The Bank is not yet completely safe and probably need strengthening of its competencies to emerging challenges.

Details

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, vol. no.
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2633-3260
Published by: Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

Keywords

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