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Case study
Publication date: 12 July 2023

Jamie O'Brien and Anna R. Antos

The technical report released by the National Transportation Safety Board, along with the primary flight cockpit voice recorder data and archival interview data, were used as the…

Abstract

Research methodology

The technical report released by the National Transportation Safety Board, along with the primary flight cockpit voice recorder data and archival interview data, were used as the basis for this case. Other available public data such as news reports were used to round out the synopsis of the case study.

Case overview/synopsis

United Express Flight 5925 was a scheduled commuter passenger flight operated by Great Lakes Airlines with a Beechcraft 1900 twin turboprop. It was a regularly scheduled flight from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Quincy, Illinois, with an intermediate stop in Burlington, Iowa. Drawing from various first-hand accounts (cockpit voice recorder) and secondary evidence (news reports, archival interview data, and online sources) of the tragedy, the case provides a detailed account of the key events that took place leading up to the accident at Quincy regional airport. The case describes how the radio interactions, a jammed door and degradation of situational awareness all contributed to the accident. Through many of the quotes in the text and eyewitness accounts, readers gain an understanding of the impressions and perceptions of the pilots, including how they felt about many of the critical decisions in the last minutes of the flight and the situation at the airport.

Complexity academic level

When the authors teach this case, the students are required to read it as pre-reading before class. Various readings and materials (see supplemental readings below and Exhibit 3) are made available to students before class, and the instructor can choose to use some of these materials to further explore areas of interest. This case is best explored over a 90-min session but could be expanded to take up one 3-h session. This case can be covered in an undergraduate senior capstone organizational behaviour seminar, any general organizational behaviour class (including introductory in nature), an undergraduate communication theory class or an MBA class that focuses on applied organizational behaviour concepts. It works particularly well in the MBA class, as students with work experience can make the links between the behaviours explored in the case and their everyday workplaces.

Case study
Publication date: 21 March 2017

Misbah Choudhry and Hina Uqaili

Gender Roles, Human Resource Management.

Abstract

Subject area

Gender Roles, Human Resource Management.

Study level/applicability

HRM-related courses at undergraduate and MBA level. Can be used in executive training.

Case overview

Nida Akhtar, a 29-year-old factory unit supervisor and a labor union leader of one of the biggest private textile manufacturing companies of Pakistan, faces a crucial decision regarding her personal and professional life. She is getting married in a few months and may need to move to another city. She has been working at Shanza Textile Limited (STL) for the past nine years. In spite of several social pressures and sometimes unfavorable circumstances, she has continued working because of her determination and endurance. She has earned appreciation and respect from her organization as well as from her family and friends. She has an option of moving to STL’s female hostel if she wants to continue working. However, she will have to gain her husband’s consent to do this. Alternatively, she can look for another job in the new city, but in this way, she will not be able to enjoy the same rank and position which she currently enjoys. She is exploring possibilities, and she knows that this decision will not only affect her own future life but will also have a significant impact on her married life and on her future generation.

Expected learning outcomes

Introducing students to an important aspect of labor economics: determinants and demographics of female labor force participation rates, in the context of an emerging market like Pakistan. Enabling students and other participants to engage in a meaningful unbiased discussion regarding gender roles in workplaces of emerging markets. To make students familiar with related characteristics, issues and challenges faced by working women in developing and emerging economies. To devise and present policy suggestions for making work environment more conducive for the female workers.

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 6: Human Resource Management.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 24 August 2023

Mubeena Soomro, Ubedullah Memon, Masroor Ali and Naveed Akhtar Qureshi

1. Analyze the concept of disruptive change and its impact on organizational learning and development; 2. Develop the ability to identify and implement effective behavioral…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

1. Analyze the concept of disruptive change and its impact on organizational learning and development; 2. Develop the ability to identify and implement effective behavioral training interventions; 3. Understand the learning and development process; 4. Evaluate the challenges associated with online learning and explore strategies to overcome them; and 5. Recognize the significance of online learning in the current era and acquire knowledge and skills using online tools and applications for different job roles.

Case overview/synopsis

This case focuses on the new challenges that Shazia Zaheer, who is Head of the Learning and Development Department, is experiencing as a consequences of COVID-19 in her department. As her learning and development department has been focused primarily on traditional learning modes since the inception of Pakistan Telecommunication Limited (PTCL), she is facing additional challenges in adopting online learning because PTCL has undergone significant structural change. Since 1947, PTCL has been a state-owned enterprise. In 2005, the Pakistan Government privatized PTCL. This privatization resulted in numerous structural changes in management, hierarchy, chain of command, pay structure, product lines, technology and other factors. Employees were reduced from 90,000 to 23,000 as part of a volunteer separation plan, and a new scheme was introduced to streamline the process and improve efficiency. However, the employees at PTCL reacted to this transformation with union strikes and behavioral changes. Hence, this became a daunting challenge for Shazia Zaheer to change employees’ mindsets and instill corporate culture values. Nonetheless, she successfully won the half battle by changing the mindset of employees, and then she faced another challenge, COVID-19. This new normal brought new challenges for Shazia to implement online learning as her department relies solely on traditional modes of learning (classroom-based learning).

Complexity academic level

This case will be a good teaching aid if included in any courses on “Training and Development,” “Human Resource Management,” “Change Management” and “Online Learning” It would be better at the undergraduate (specialization courses) or graduate level.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human Resource Management.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 20 January 2023

Junaid Akhtar and Iqra Abdullah

The aim of the case is to understand the performance management system of academic staff members in higher education institution. Furthermore, students would be able to compare…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The aim of the case is to understand the performance management system of academic staff members in higher education institution. Furthermore, students would be able to compare two performance appraisal policies and analyze which one could better serve the purpose considering the context of educational institution. The case would help students understand the performance dynamics of the academic staff and how the performance management system in place affect employees.

Case overview/synopsis

The case study presents a troubling situation faced by Asim Khan, a newly appointed director of the Midland University, regarding retention of the faculty. Upon joining Midland, Khan noticed a trend that faculty who was serving the university from many years are leaving the organization one after the other. He decided to revise the faculty policies that he believed was the root cause of faculty turnover in Midland. He formulated a committee to review the existing policies and revamp if required. The committee identified some flaws in the faculty appraisal policy in place at that time and formulated a new one with the consultation of top management. However, when the new appraisal policy was presented to the faculty, few faculty members raised their eyes over a few aspects of the proposed policy. As the new academic year was approaching, Khan had to make an important decision after critically analyzing the pros and cons of both policies that which of the two should be followed for the upcoming year’s appraisals.

Complexity academic level

The case can potentially be used in the post-graduate courses in MBA programs offering a major in human resource management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human resource management.

Details

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

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 9 July 2019

Syed Shaan Abbas and Muhammad Akhtar

The paper has the following learning outcomes: to understand the historical and geographical aspect of Pakistan vis-à-vis other countries of South East Asia and the world; to be…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The paper has the following learning outcomes: to understand the historical and geographical aspect of Pakistan vis-à-vis other countries of South East Asia and the world; to be able to understand the different marketing strategies of the tourism company; to gather the knowledge of many unknown facts which remain out of sight and hardly surface; to boost economy if its facts and figures are given due weight age and followed with true letter and spirit; and to give a big boost to an industry which remains mostly dormant for many decades. The ratio analysis of service sector is explained. How finances can be arranged in shortest time and generates profitability for the company is also discussed.

Case overview/synopsis

The study provides an overview on the following topics: lack of interest by the Government in promotion; training of tour operators and guide; and managing the expected income from this industry. This study makes the masses aware that how much potential exist in the field of tourism in Pakistan. How the tour operators find huge potential in all segments of tourism and how the big force of trained manpower can be formed and creates employment. Service sector mostly run on equity finances because of lack of collateral, how efficiently they manage the finance for the business year. It gives details of extensive marketing strategy, the huge profit margin in foreign currency and cost volume profit systems of tourism companies.

Complexity academic level

BBA, MBA and MS.

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 1: Accounting and Finance.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 18 August 2021

Shashank Kathpal and Asif Akhtar

The competitive environment of the Indian aviation industry is studied using Porter's five forces model. The SWOT analysis is used to examine the competitive position of Jet…

Abstract

Theoretical basis

The competitive environment of the Indian aviation industry is studied using Porter's five forces model. The SWOT analysis is used to examine the competitive position of Jet Airways. The role of Merger & Acquisition in the current Jet Airways crisis is also examined. Relevant texts studied are as follows: Kazmi, A. and Kazmi A. (1992). Strategic Management. McGraw-Hill Education; and Porter, M. (2008). The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy. Harvard business review. 86. 78–93, 137.

Research methodology

This data for this case was extracted from secondary sources. These sources comprise newspaper articles, reports from the industry, reports of the company and the company's website. For gaining clarity over concepts, strategic management book by Azhar Kazmi and Adela Kazmi was referred. This case also uses websites such as moneycontrol.com to analyze financial health of the company. In the end, this case also uses some existing reports from the sources like World Bank and plane spotters to analyze the status of Jet Airways and also Indian aviation industry. This case has been tested in the classroom with MBA students in a class of Business Policy and Strategic management.

Case overview/synopsis

The Jet Airways, which once had the largest market share in the Indian aviation industry, has reached bankruptcy. Mr. Naresh Goyal, known for his aggressive expansion strategies, has already filed for bankruptcy. This case presents how buying aircrafts' obsession with poor choices on Mergers/Acquisitions could result in bankruptcy. The same could be substantiated from the fact that Goyal had many (197) of his fleet's latest aircraft. Goyal was also criticized for buying Sahara Airlines, which was performing poorly in the market. Spending a large portion of the budget in capital expenditure in an industry where operational cost is very high, only the cost of turbine fuel amounts to 50% of total operational expense. The high expenditure on capital budget and increasing operational cost weaken the financial position of Jet Airways. Despite earning decent revenue and having the highest market share in 2010, Jet Airways made losses in three consecutive years, i.e. from 2009 to 2011. After 2011, when the Indian aviation industry witnessed a high level of competition and growth in low-cost carriers (LCC), Jet Airways' survival was up for a toss. Despite the desperate measures of cost-cutting and attracting potential investors, Jet Airways reached the verge of bankruptcy. The current case emphasized the need to balance safe and riskier options, even for the market leaders like Jet Airways could fail due to poor strategic choices. This case presents some harsh realities on funds allocation. In 2010, where Jet Airways secure the highest market share and decent total revenue, it realized net losses. The case study also explains the need to adapt to the dynamics of the industry. After 2011, when LCC started dominating the Indian aviation industry, Jet Airways did not change its operation strategy and facing severe consequences. The case was about the poor strategic decisions taken by the founder of Jet Airways, Mr. Naresh Goyal, which adversely affected the health of the airline. The case also explores the possible strategic choices that Goyal could have taken to ensure Jet Airways' survival. Through this case, an attempt had been made to highlight the importance of various concepts that we need to understand while making a strategic decision for any organization. In the end, this case emphasized the role of strategy in managing an organization successfully.

Complexity academic level

The case study's target group should be Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of the Management discipline who study Strategic Management as a specialization or as the subject. This case can also be used in the Management Development Program for senior executives taking any vocational course or workshop on Business Strategy. The case focuses on one of the fastest emerging markets, i.e. India, and could be proven valuable for many multinationals companies. The case presents the changing competitive dynamics of the Indian aviation industry. The central theme on which the case revolves is the importance of sound strategic choices in a dynamic market or industry. After analyzing the case, the students would understand the complex nature of strategic decision-making and any poor strategic decisions ripple effect. This case could teach essential strategic management concepts like "SWOT analysis" and "PESTEL analysis." This case should be used to teach strategic management concepts only and not act as a judgment tool for any organization.

Case study
Publication date: 16 April 2015

Muhammad Akhtar, Najeeb Zada, Irfan Ahmad and Nazim Zaman

Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management and Marketing.

Abstract

Subject area

Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management and Marketing.

Study level/applicability

BBA, MBA, MS, PHD.

Case overview

Leasing or borrowing and buy decisions are very crucial in the industrial era. Every company does not possess sufficient resources to meet their investing needs. The leasing options have provided a decent way to congregate fixed assets requirements in manufacturing industry. This case mainly focuses on the dynamics of business survival.

Expected learning outcomes

To be able to evaluate the different financial and marketing options available with the company. Understand the relevance of the theory of diversification as applied to financial and production aspects; be able to evaluate the leasing, borrowing and buying options that are available in financing of fixed assets; understand the disclosure requirements in the financial statements according to International Accounting Standards (17); be able to evaluate marketing strategies including pricing options, product diversification, reaction to competition and innovation; and consider human resource policy decisions at times of change including cost-cutting measures.

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: 28 September 2022

Zehra Waheed

The key teaching objectives of the case are the following:▪ to develop an awareness of a megaproject’s external environment (through PESTLE) in terms of challenges from each…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The key teaching objectives of the case are the following:▪ to develop an awareness of a megaproject’s external environment (through PESTLE) in terms of challenges from each source;▪ to introduce theory that allows students to identify, characterise and describe factors that can lead to inter-organisational conflict during construction projects;▪ to develop the ability to apply the typology of causal factors (identified in Objective 2) to a given context, answering why each factor may have contributed to the given contractual dispute;▪ to develop an understanding of the procurement and contract management process wherein contracts are not only the logical outcome of the procurement process but also the primary vehicles for clarifying responsibilities (for task completion) and risk transfer; and▪ to understand specific dynamics of construction projects that make disputes inevitable and ways to overcome these.

Case overview/synopsis

Priced at US$1.63bn (in 2015), the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) project in Lahore was one of Pakistan’s earliest (and costliest!) transport infrastructure megaprojects ever undertaken. Devised to ease congestion in Lahore, promote ecofriendly, efficient, modern and affordable transport systems and lead to improved mobility across Lahore, the OLMT was a socially, politically and economically important project.The case is seen through the eyes of the protagonist, Uzair Shah, a seasoned public servant and an experienced Transport Engineer. At the time of the decision, Shah was General Manager – Operations at the newly established Punjab Metrobus Authority (PMA – the project sponsor) and was also the project lead of OLMT’s Project Management Unit (PMU). Through Shah’s eyes, students approach the project at a juncture when the most serious contractual dispute in the project’s history has erupted. The parties at the interface were Lahore Development Authority (LDA), PMU’s technical interface with contractors and consultants and Maqbool-Colson Joint Venture (MCJV), one of the two civil work contractors hired for OLMT’s civil works.While quality issues had been emerging with MCJV for a few months, LDA had maintained unilateral communications and remained considerably adversarial in their dealings with MCJV. Eventually, in October 2016, this relationship had soured to such an extent that it appeared irreconcilable. It was only then that LDA had recommended Shah to take the contractor to court for non-performance.The decision that Uzair faced was whether to take LDA’s advice and take the contractor to court (terminate the contract, claim performance guarantee and appoint a new contractor) or negotiate and continue with the current contract. The decision had huge financial, legal, reputational, political and schedule-related implications. The decision needed to be taken by the protagonist in the context of all these factors.

Complexity academic level

The case was initially developed for use within a Procurement and Contracts Management course for a (business) executive audience. The case is intended for the business school audience or students enrolled in courses related to the construction management discipline.Courses where the case can be used include Construction Project Management, Public Sector Projects, Contracts and Procurement and Strategic Projects and Practice (or similar). The case can also be used within an MBA setting.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS: 9: Operations and Logistics.

Case study
Publication date: 12 May 2023

Viral Nagori

The learning outcomes are as follows: to strike a balance between business growth and keeping the core Gandhian philosophies intact; to evaluate the relevance of Gandhian…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: to strike a balance between business growth and keeping the core Gandhian philosophies intact; to evaluate the relevance of Gandhian philosophy in the age of the digital era, especially for the grassroots enterprises; and to identify the leadership characteristics demonstrated by Pabiben from the lens of servant-leadership theory.

Case overview/synopsis

The case describes the journey of a grassroots-based rural women entrepreneur, Pabibben, who had created an artisan's enterprise and rural business model based on Gandhian philosophies. The case focuses on whether Gandhian philosophies are still relevant in today's time for business growth. The case appeals to the academic fraternity, budding entrepreneurs, social sector start-ups and practitioners who believe in the inclusive and holistic growth of an individual, community, society and the nation.

The case is about the dilemma of how to grow a business ethically and balance economic and social gain. Pabiben used Gandhian philosophies as a set of values to make decisions and set policies for her business. Pabiben wanted to grow her business and expand her e-commerce portal “Pabiben.com” for other artisans to display, promote and sell their products to the global communities. She had to decide on the following:

1. Should she sell other artisans' products under “Pabiben.com”?

2. Should she allow other artisans to create their own identity on the portal and help the artisans' community grow?

3. Are Gandhian philosophies still relevant in today’s time for business growth?

Complexity academic level

The case can be used for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to teach entrepreneurship courses, especially social entrepreneurship and rural entrepreneurship. The case can also be used on the subject of corporate social responsibility, business ethics and women leadership. The case explains the concept of values/philosophies-based entrepreneurship and innovations.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship

Case study
Publication date: 6 April 2023

Olivier Pierre Roche, Thomas J. Calo, Frank Shipper and Adria Scharf

This case is based on primary and secondary sources of information. These sources include interviews with senior executives as well as documents provided by Mondragon and Eroski…

Abstract

Research methodology

This case is based on primary and secondary sources of information. These sources include interviews with senior executives as well as documents provided by Mondragon and Eroski. The interviews were conducted on-site. In addition, the authors researched the literature on both organizations.

Case overview/synopsis

Eroski is the largest of Mondragon Corporation’s coops. Since its founding, Eroski has faced numerous challenges. It has responded to each challenge with out-of-the-box thinking. In response to the pandemic, Eroski become an e-commerce supermarket as well as selectively continuing bricks and mortar stores. As the pandemic is winding down, Eroski is considering how to respond to the “new normal,” which is largely undefined. The question posited at the end of the case is, “Will Eroski be able to hold to its social principles, maintain its unusual governance model and other unusual practices, and survive this latest challenge?”

Complexity academic level

Eroski of Mondragon is a complex and unusual organization. To appreciate the challenges and how they were overcome by its unique business model, a student must have a minimum background in management, corporate finance and marketing. Thus, this case would fit well into a senior or graduate class on strategic human resource management. It is also recommended for the strategy capstone course usually offered during the last year of a business bachelor’s degree (senior level) to ensure that students are introduced to what Paul Adler refers to as an alternative business model. It can also be targeted for an advanced management course or a strategy course at the MBA and executive levels.

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