Case Studies Collection - IMD business school for management and leadership courses

Case Study

Entrepreneurship through acquisition: Sébastien Perroud and the IAR Group

GENEVA (SWITZERLAND), AUGUST 2021. There was a lot at stake for Sébastien. This was the culmination of his 18-month NCA supported search journey to find a company to acquire. Instead of a single target, he was now faced with the prospect of acquiring 4 separate companies at once, consolidating them into a group. One, SAS, was bigger than the oth…

Entrepreneurship Finance Strategy

By Benoit F. Leleux, Dominik Hanslin, Iuliia Mordacheva, Matthias Rey and Frank Schuster

Entrepreneurship through acquisition: Sébastien Perroud and the IAR Group

By Benoit F. Leleux Dominik Hanslin Iuliia Mordacheva Matthias Rey and Frank Schuster
Case reference: IMD-7-2515 ©2024

Summary

GENEVA (SWITZERLAND), AUGUST 2021. There was a lot at stake for Sébastien. This was the culmination of his 18-month NCA supported search journey to find a company to acquire. Instead of a single target, he was now faced with the prospect of acquiring 4 separate companies at once, consolidating them into a group. One, SAS, was bigger than the others but also faced significant financial issues. Hopefully he had identified three additional companies as acquisition targets, all profitable and with low levels of debt but individually a bit too small. Should he pursue all three as a single deal or add SAS for a four-company deal? In a last-ditch effort to figure out the best deal configuration, he ran some simulations about the potential returns of the group with and without the SAS turnaround. With those projections in hand, it was time to finalize the management buy-in proposal to present to the investment committee the following week.

Reference IMD-7-2515

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization IAR Group

Industry Finance and Insurance, Private Equity

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Entrepreneurship

Finance

Strategy

Browse all topics

Case Study

Rede Mulher Empreendedora: Navigating mission integrity and financial sustainability

The case focuses on Rede Mulher Empreendedora (RME), Brazil’s largest support platform for female entrepreneurship, and its founder, Ana Fontes. Founded in 2010, RME had grown into a significant network by 2023, impacting the livelihoods of over 12 million women in Brazil, a country with substantial gender disparities. The platform offers initia…

Entrepreneurship Sustainability Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Vanina Farber, María Helena Jaén, Jose Mello, Lilian de Miranda, Patricia Araripe, Peter Munk Laursen and Rabia Chishti

Rede Mulher Empreendedora: Navigating mission integrity and financial sustainability

By Vanina Farber María Helena Jaén Jose Mello Lilian de Miranda Patricia Araripe Peter Munk Laursen and Rabia Chishti
Case reference: IMD-7-2613 ©2024

Summary

The case focuses on Rede Mulher Empreendedora (RME), Brazil’s largest support platform for female entrepreneurship, and its founder, Ana Fontes. Founded in 2010, RME had grown into a significant network by 2023, impacting the livelihoods of over 12 million women in Brazil, a country with substantial gender disparities. The platform offers initiatives to empower women economically and provides knowledge and tailored content to help them manage their businesses and navigate Brazil’s entrepreneurial landscape. By 2023, RME was at a critical juncture. Although RME had clear objectives to empower women, there was uncertainty about how each initiative contributed to its mission. Financially, RME experienced a dramatic shift: In 2022, it raised US$6 million, but in 2023, fundraising efforts dropped to US$2.6 million – a 57% decrease. This decline exposed RME’s heavy reliance on corporate philanthropy, from organizations like Google.org, Visa and the Mapfre Foundation, which constituted 80% of its income. The remaining 20% of revenue came from projects funded by RME’s partners, which proved inadequate to sustain the organization’s ambitious goals. Besides, in 2023, the fundraising campaign fell far short of expectations. Reduced funds meant that new projects were postponed, and existing initiatives faced the threat of being scaled back. Fontes must ensure financial sustainability, identify new revenue streams and reduce dependence on philanthropy while staying true to RME´s mission. Her goal is to achieve self-sustainability while continuing to fulfill the mission. This involves analyzing whether RME should pivot to a for-profit enterprise, remain a non-profit or adopt a hybrid approach to balance its social impact with financial viability. Students must put themselves in Ana’s shoes and evaluate the potential benefits and trade-offs of these models to determine the best path forward.

Reference IMD-7-2613

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Rede Mulher Empreendedora

Industry Services

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Entrepreneurship

Sustainability

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Browse all topics

Case Study

Employees in Foxconn’s business empire

Foxconn, a Fortune Global 500 giant and the world’s largest electronics manufacturer, made headlines in 2023 by announcing a shift to a five-day, eight-hour workweek in its Chinese factories – a significant departure from its long history of extended work hours and grueling conditions. While this decision was celebrated by labor advocates as a c…

Leadership Organizational Behavior Talent Management

By Zhike Lei and Yunfei Feng

Employees in Foxconn’s business empire

By Zhike Lei and Yunfei Feng
Case reference: IMD-7-2584 ©2024

Summary

Foxconn, a Fortune Global 500 giant and the world’s largest electronics manufacturer, made headlines in 2023 by announcing a shift to a five-day, eight-hour workweek in its Chinese factories – a significant departure from its long history of extended work hours and grueling conditions. While this decision was celebrated by labor advocates as a critical step toward improving work-life balance, it sparked a complex debate among Foxconn employees. Many workers had come to rely on overtime pay just to make ends meet, as their basic wages barely covered essentials like rent and food. Foxconn had long faced criticism for pushing its workers to the brink, most notably in 2010, when 17 employees in China attempted suicide by jumping from company buildings, resulting in 14 tragic deaths. Despite this devastating toll, Foxconn’s business growth remained unshaken. The company’s rise from a startup to the world’s largest electronics manufacturer is deeply intertwined with China’s massive influx of domestic migrant labor, where millions move to urban areas in search of better opportunities. This case delves into the reality of labor on Foxconn’s frontlines, exploring working conditions, compensation and living accommodations, as well as the far-reaching aftermath of the tragedies that shook both Foxconn and its clients, such as Apple. Beyond China, Foxconn’s global operations have faced similar scrutiny, and as the company expands into regions like India, it confronts new challenges. Cultural and regulatory differences further complicate its labor issues. This case highlights the critical tension between safeguarding worker dignity and well-being while meeting the relentless demands for productivity – whether in developed or emerging economies. As Foxconn continues to evolve and reshape its labor practices, the question remains: How can companies maintain profitability while ensuring the dignity, safety and well-being of their workforce?

Reference IMD-7-2584

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Foxconn

Industry Manufacturing

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Leadership

Organizational Behavior

Talent Management

Browse all topics

Case Study

Not so black and white: Grupo Inca’s black alpaca dilemma (A)

Grupo Inca, a conglomerate that owned Peru’s leading textile business with a long history of working with alpaca fleece, was at a crossroads regarding the conservation and commercialization of black alpaca fiber. Historically, black alpacas were as common as their lighter-colored counterparts, but market preferences drove them to near extinction…

Social Innovation Business Ethics Sustainability

By Vanina Farber, Carolina Duran Silva, Baris Silahcioglu, Hugo ten Zijthoff and Shih-Han Huang

Not so black and white: Grupo Inca’s black alpaca dilemma (A)

By Vanina Farber Carolina Duran Silva Baris Silahcioglu Hugo ten Zijthoff and Shih-Han Huang
Case reference: IMD-7-2609 ©2024

Summary

Grupo Inca, a conglomerate that owned Peru’s leading textile business with a long history of working with alpaca fleece, was at a crossroads regarding the conservation and commercialization of black alpaca fiber. Historically, black alpacas were as common as their lighter-colored counterparts, but market preferences drove them to near extinction. The Inoue brothers, fashion designers committed to social impact, expressed an interest in creating a luxury collection using rare black alpaca fiber. This presents Grupo Inca with both an opportunity and a dilemma: Should it invest in developing this niche market despite uncertainties of both supply and demand, or collaborate with local government and NGOs to ensure sustainable practices, or maintain its current direction and do nothing? This compact case explores the intricacies of actions vs. impact, ethical responsibility and long-term strategic thinking. It provides a rich context for discussing the impact of business decisions on biodiversity and sustainability, the role of corporate values in guiding strategy and the potential for innovation in sustainability. Students will explore Grupo Inca’s role in the decline of black alpacas, assess the ethical implications of the company’s actions and develop strategic recommendations through scenario planning. The accompanying teaching note also covers methods to leverage AI tools to generate ideas and explore solutions that enhance students’ learning.

Reference IMD-7-2609

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Grupo Inca

Industry Manufacturing, Textile

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Social Innovation

Business Ethics

Sustainability

Browse all topics

Case Study

Pasona: Well-being through regional revitalization

Pasona Group, a Japan-based human resources company, is committed to driving social change through business and supporting individuals to find “ikigai” (fulfillment) through work. The company has promoted flexible work and equitable workplaces and created employment opportunities for minorities. Pasona now wanted to tackle the overconcentration …

Social Innovation Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Sustainability

By Alyson Meister and Naoko Jinjo

Pasona: Well-being through regional revitalization

By Alyson Meister and Naoko Jinjo
Case reference: IMD-7-2573 ©2024

Summary

Pasona Group, a Japan-based human resources company, is committed to driving social change through business and supporting individuals to find “ikigai” (fulfillment) through work. The company has promoted flexible work and equitable workplaces and created employment opportunities for minorities. Pasona now wanted to tackle the overconcentration of population and businesses in Tokyo and the related decline of rural areas; both issues raised questions of well-being and sustainability. In response, Pasona moved its headquarters from Tokyo to Awaji Island, setting up sales and back-office operations for its core business and launching the “Regional Revitalization” initiative. Employees who moved from Tokyo to Awaji said that their lives became more sustainable, and their well-being improved. On the other hand, some Tokyo-based employees chose not to relocate, worried that boundaries between work and personal life would be blurred. Pasona was also criticized for its tourism-oriented and corporate-driven approach to local development, while the local government of Awaji appreciated the increase in the population and tax revenue that Pasona had brought. As Pasona sought to expand its “regional revitalization” model throughout Japan and attract more local governments to partner with the company, it needed to rethink its strategy to develop its original model in Awaji into a more powerful showcase that would lead to a more decentralized and sustainable society while ensuring the well-being of its own employees.

Reference IMD-7-2573

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Pasona Group

Industry Business Management Services, Human Resources

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Social Innovation

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Sustainability

Browse all topics

Case Study

Decathlon’s circular revolution: Scaling sustainable business models

The case focuses on Decathlon’s journey from 2023 onwards as it seeks to scale its circular business models and transform from a successful pilot phase to large-scale industrialization. Anna Turrell, Decathlon’s chief sustainability officer, is tasked with achieving ambitious growth targets – to increase circular sales by 6 to 10 times. The case…

Sustainability Innovation Value Creation

By Julia Katharina Binder and Manuel Braun

Decathlon’s circular revolution: Scaling sustainable business models

By Julia Katharina Binder and Manuel Braun
Case reference: IMD-7-2599 ©2024

Summary

The case focuses on Decathlon’s journey from 2023 onwards as it seeks to scale its circular business models and transform from a successful pilot phase to large-scale industrialization. Anna Turrell, Decathlon’s chief sustainability officer, is tasked with achieving ambitious growth targets – to increase circular sales by 6 to 10 times. The case details how Decathlon approached its circularity strategy by expanding second-hand, repair, rental and recycling initiatives across its global operations. It highlights the strategic challenges Anna and her team faced in deciding where to focus their scaling efforts across regions, sports segments and business models. Key enablers of the scaling strategy, including digital transformation, reverse logistics, consumer engagement and strategic partnerships, are explored as critical factors for success. As Decathlon moved toward becoming a global leader in circularity, Anna had to overcome operational complexities and encourage consumer behavioral change while balancing financial goals with sustainability objectives. Despite the clear business potential, the challenge remained of how to scale circularity efficiently across diverse markets and sports while creating a seamless customer experience.

Reference IMD-7-2599

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Decathlon

Industry Consumer Goods, Sports Equipment

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Sustainability

Innovation

Value Creation

Browse all topics

Case Study

Mastercard 2023: Rewired for infinite optionality

In the 2010s, card processing – Mastercard’s flagship service – started showing signs of commodification as new, nimble players (typically, fintech startups thriving on digital) entered the payment processing space, and customer preferences evolved beyond plastic cards and traditional contact payments. To re-energize its central position and its…

Disruption Digital Strategy

By Howard H. Yu, Mark J. Greeven and Martin Králik

Mastercard 2023: Rewired for infinite optionality

By Howard H. Yu Mark J. Greeven and Martin Králik
Case reference: IMD-7-2455 ©2024

Summary

In the 2010s, card processing – Mastercard’s flagship service – started showing signs of commodification as new, nimble players (typically, fintech startups thriving on digital) entered the payment processing space, and customer preferences evolved beyond plastic cards and traditional contact payments. To re-energize its central position and its ability to capture value, Mastercard – as the incumbent – had to make bold decisions. The case details Mastercard’s approach to conceptualizing and building a global platform ecosystem that upholds the principles and design elements of modularity (i.e. interoperability and scalability) and optionality. Today, Mastercard’s services, based on application programming interfaces (APIs), integrate with a variety of platforms and offer flexibility to businesses that require customized payment solutions. All along, the company has accommodated a high level of internal disruption. The case also explores the nature of Mastercard’s systematic collaboration with fintechs – players that often started out as competitors in specific parts of Mastercard’s value chain. It describes the company’s engagement with fintechs as fostering collaboration and co-creation and facilitating access; in other words, opening doors and sharing tools with partners. The case presents observations and quotes by CEO Michael Miebach, whose career trajectory at Mastercard – spanning Africa & Middle East experience, fintech partnerships, product management and the CEO role – sheds additional light on the philosophy and values that have driven the company’s transformation to a technology powerhouse and self-described original fintech.

Reference IMD-7-2455

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Mastercard

Industry Finance and Insurance, Financial Services

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Disruption

Digital

Strategy

Browse all topics

Case Study

La Marzocco: Espresso perfection

In July 2024 Guido Preti, La Marzocco’s sustainability manager, was preparing his three-year plan to combine La Marzocco’s ESG program with that of its new owners, the De’Longhi Group. Since its inception in 1927, the company had relentlessly sought to produce the perfect espresso machine through exceptional craftmanship, user centric designs an…

Sustainability Entrepreneurship Growth

By Benoit F. Leleux and Jan Van der Kaaij

La Marzocco: Espresso perfection

By Benoit F. Leleux and Jan Van der Kaaij
Case reference: IMD-7-2603 ©2024

Summary

In July 2024 Guido Preti, La Marzocco’s sustainability manager, was preparing his three-year plan to combine La Marzocco’s ESG program with that of its new owners, the De’Longhi Group. Since its inception in 1927, the company had relentlessly sought to produce the perfect espresso machine through exceptional craftmanship, user centric designs and technology innovation. The company had grown from an artisanal builder of high-end professional coffee machines to a global player selling over 40,000 espresso machines a year to both professionals and consumers around the globe. In December 2023, De’Longhi Group announced the establishment of a global hub for professional coffee machines that brought together La Marzocco and Eversys. One particularly tricky question was how to align La Marzocco’s famed ESG reporting and sustainability program with that of De’Longhi Group while maintaining its best-place-to-work culture.

Reference IMD-7-2603

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization La Marzocco

Industry Manufacturing, Machinery

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Sustainability

Entrepreneurship

Growth

Browse all topics

Case Study

Ragn-Sells: From company in crisis to circular sustainability champion

This case highlights Ragn-Sells’ remarkable journey from facing financial difficulties to establishing itself as a global authority on the circular economy and sustainability. In 2015, Pär Larshans joined the Swedish waste management company during a period of financial uncertainty, prompting a re-evaluation of its business strategy. Through a c…

Sustainability Family Business

By Florian Hoos and Valerie Keller-Birrer

Ragn-Sells: From company in crisis to circular sustainability champion

By Florian Hoos and Valerie Keller-Birrer
Case reference: IMD-7-2567 ©2024

Summary

This case highlights Ragn-Sells’ remarkable journey from facing financial difficulties to establishing itself as a global authority on the circular economy and sustainability. In 2015, Pär Larshans joined the Swedish waste management company during a period of financial uncertainty, prompting a re-evaluation of its business strategy. Through a comprehensive trend scouting process, Ragn-Sells identified key opportunities within mega trends, notably focusing on planetary boundaries and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which became central to its future direction. Over nearly a decade, Ragn-Sells underwent a profound transformation and cultural shift. It pioneered innovative approaches such as recycling phosphorus and other nutrients from waste instead of mining them, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy. Early recognition of its efforts followed, with Ragn-Sells being honored as an “Innovation of Leadership” ambassador for the SDGs in 2018 and invited to present its achievements at the UN in New York. Leveraging this recognition, Larshans embarked on a mission of knowledge sharing, utilizing public speaking engagements and early adoption of LinkedIn to promote Ragn-Sells’ innovative solutions and foster collaboration. Looking ahead, Larshans contemplated Ragn-Sells’ next steps, exploring emerging mega trends beyond the SDGs and formulating strategic plans for continued success.

Reference IMD-7-2567

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Ragn-Sells Group

Industry Utilities, Recycling

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Sustainability

Family Business

Browse all topics

Case Study

Prudence in a maze of metaphors

“Prudence in a maze of metaphors” follows a fictional day in the life of a woman to explore a variety of challenges individuals commonly face in their professional environments. Prudence’s story uses metaphors such as Sticky Floor, Glass Ceiling, Double Bind and Motherhood Penalty to illustrate her experiences. Although these metaphors are assoc…

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Leadership Organizational Behavior Organizational Culture

By Vanina Farber and Heather Cairns-Lee

Case Study

The power and practice of mindful leadership

The note outlines the transformative benefits of mindful leadership, including enhanced decision making, the cultivation of a powerful leadership presence, the development of emotional intelligence and improved stress management. It explains how mindfulness practices can lead to more objective decision making, foster creativity and improve the q…

Leadership Resilience Workplace Well-being

By Michael D. Watkins

Case Study

Introduction to organizational system analysis

This note summarizes the STAR+ Organizational System Model as a powerful tool for leaders to diagnose, design, and transform organizations in rapidly changing environments. It outlines six key elements of an organizational system: Strategic Direction, Structure and Decision-Making, Processes and Systems, People and Capabilities, Measures and Rew…

Organizational Design Business Transformation Organizational Culture

By Michael D. Watkins

Case Study

Bossard’s AI strategy for proven productivity (Cartoon case)

Bossard, a Swiss company founded in 1731, has successfully transitioned from a product-centric approach to one that offers services and solutions. It has achieved significant revenue growth despite economic challenges. Its brand promise, “proven productivity,” guides its actions, including its early adoption of AI. From 2010 to 2022, the firm’s …

Artificial Intelligence Business Transformation Strategy

By Stefan Michel

Case Study

The AI paradox: Will generative AI enhance or destroy the business model of 99designs.com? (Cartoon case)

99designs.com is a global platform connecting freelance designers with potential clients. The case study examines the potential impact of generative AI on 99designs’ business model. The platform uses a crowdsourcing approach that invites designers to compete for projects with only the winning designer getting paid. This model offers clients a va…

Strategy Business to Business Digital Disruption

By Stefan Michel

Case Study

Inspiring sustainability in sports: Carbon emission management at the International Olympic Committee

The case highlights the significant role played by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainability in sports. As the leader of the Olympic movement, the IOC bore the responsibility of setting a positive example to inspire the broader sports community. With ambitious climate targets a…

Sustainability Accounting Strategy

By Florian Hoos, Giovanni-Battista Derchi and Valerie Keller-Birrer

Inspiring sustainability in sports: Carbon emission management at the International Olympic Committee

By Florian Hoos Giovanni-Battista Derchi and Valerie Keller-Birrer
Case reference: IMD-7-2512 ©2024

Summary

The case highlights the significant role played by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainability in sports. As the leader of the Olympic movement, the IOC bore the responsibility of setting a positive example to inspire the broader sports community. With ambitious climate targets aiming to cut its carbon footprint in half by 2030, the IOC implemented a range of measures to reduce the environmental impact of its organization. These included the introduction of carbon budgeting, the adoption of innovative carbon footprint management tools as well as specific measures targeting areas such as mobility, building management and procurement. The Olympic House, inaugurated in 2019, was built according to some of the highest sustainability standards and stood as a testament of the IOC’s commitment to sustainability. Strategies to reduce emissions associated with international business travel, a major contributor to the organization’s overall carbon footprint, were particularly successful. The impact of these measures had to be carefully evaluated, considering their potential effects on organizational culture, efficiency, communication, employee satisfaction and talent attraction. Furthermore, the IOC leadership reflected on the effectiveness of its actions in inspiring other organizations within the Olympic movement to embrace sustainability practices. Looking ahead, the IOC remained committed to intensifying its efforts to achieve its carbon reduction goals by 2030. This included exploring improvements in impact measurement and introducing incentive schemes aimed at further encouraging carbon reduction.

Reference IMD-7-2512

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization International Olympic Committee

Industry Travel and Leisure, Sports

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Sustainability

Accounting

Strategy

Browse all topics