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Upon completion of the case study, the students will be able to conceptualize the importance of brand differentiation; suggest the implications of brand differentiation in the context of the traditional Chikan art form; examine the aspect of a brand’s product portfolio management; and critically analyse the competitive advantages of the brand using the VRIO framework.

The Chikankari art form gained worldwide recognition. In fact, it also received a geographical indication (GI) tag which is important for international branding. The case is centred around an entrepreneur, Mr. Vinod Punjabi, who redefined the essence of the existing Chikan art form by value addition in terms of intricate designs, patterns and exclusivity. He founded the brand Ada in 2015 aimed at preserving the traditional art form while curating elegance and exclusivity in its product portfolio. The case outlined Punjabi’s journey. The protagonist carefully analysed the open and unorganized Chikankari market and adopted the strategy of brand differentiation to stand apart from the competitors. Punjabi’s daughter, the chief operations officer of Ada, described the aspects. The journey was arduous, but over the years, Ada emerged as a successful name in the Chikankari market. The brand’s intent of becoming synonymous with Chikankari was successful owing to its authentic and exclusive hand-crafted products in the competitive environment of machine-made replicas. Furthermore, the brand also consistently worked on the aesthetic appearance of its store to attract a wide range of customers. Punjabi ensured that the brand was an amalgamation of all the essential elements for its survival in the long run.

The case is aimed for students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration/diploma in management, marketing and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it will assist the management trainees in gaining valuable insights.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 8: Marketing.

This case is about SEWA – the Chikankari concept of Runa Banerjee, which started with the objectives of skill development, training and improving the livelihood conditions of Chikankari artisans by encouraging self-sustenance through employment opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures. In recent years, SEWA has been working for export and domestic orders and has been retailing through exhibitions and its only outlet in Hazratganj, Lucknow. The company over the years due to its social initiatives and good quality Chikankari work has become a known brand name but is also facing stiff competition from the organized market, various other retailers and substitute products. The case discusses the competitive and the market forces with respect to the brand.

The case has been designed for the students of business administration who have completed their basic module on marketing. The students need to have understood the concept of marketing mix, competition, segmentation, targeting and the basics of marketing strategy to ensure effective learning.

The case discusses the competitive and market analysis for Lucknow-based firm SEWA in focus. SEWA started as a firm indulged in social upliftment of Chikankari workers which was achieved through trainings in skill upgradation, design and technical development, entrepreneurship development and linkages for social security. The various types of competition, such as direct competition from local retailers, secondary competition from unorganized markets of Chauk and Nazirabad and indirect competition from substitute products, have been studied and analysed. The problem of similar brand names adopted by various Chikankari retailers selling similar products has been highlighted as a major threat in the case. SEWA has adopted the strategy of product innovation to attain competitive advantage. SEWA has developed various traditional and contemporary designs which have fared well in the market.

Familiarizing management students with the concept of competitive analysis with the case of SEWA, Lucknow., and acquainting students with the basic understanding of market forces and competition with a firm supporting a traditional art form in focus, are the expected learning outcomes.

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 8: Marketing.

The case focuses on the following theoretical basis: • conflict management and its resolution; • multiculturalism and workforce diversity through the lens of Hofstede model; and • the Policies, Legal, Universal, and Self model of ethical of building an ethical organization.

Field study with the leadership team as well as with the key talent (people).

Conflictorium, situated in Ahmedabad since 2013, is a museum which acknowledges and discusses conflict through various art forms. Since its inception, the museum has fostered values like diversity, transparency and care reflecting in how it deals with its people and finances. Now, as the museum plans to reach out to new audiences, it is confronted with a challenge to preserve its cherished values and still expand its activities.

This case study is intended for graduate and postgraduate management students.