ECASA is an EU-funded project putting the case study method at the centre of business education by co-creating European-wide, cutting-edge case studies. Based on the Higher Education Modernisation Agenda of the European Commission, ECASA intends to develop a strategic alliance between European HEIs themselves, as well as between HEIs and businesses. ECASA is strongly committed to develop the business case method as a regional-based but international-oriented – integrated approach in research, teaching, and business practice.
Project funding:
The European Union programme Erasmus+
Project results:
8 case study studies for bachelor’s, master’s and executive in management have been prepared. An international case study competition has been organized and will have continuity.
Case studies for bachelors:
1. Case study on Bachelor level
Reference No. ECASA_2020_1 EN
Authors
Prof. Dr. Jan-Philipp Büchler (FH Dortmund)
Prof. Dr. Axel Faix (FH Dortmund)
Prof. Dr. Gregor Brüggelambert (FH Dortmund)
Anna Weiland, B.A. (FH Dortmund)
Abstract
GEA Farm Technologies is a mid-sized world market leader of mechanical equipment and service solutions for milk production and livestock farming. The so-called hidden champion developed a set of capabilities and core competencies to innovate the industry’s established business model through a two-fold strategy balancing internal and external growth. The case study invites students to explore the benefits and limits of this business model innovation and requires them to investigate further strategic options for growth.
2. Entering the Next Level of Value Generation:
Servitization and Digitization for Industry 4.0 by ifm electronic
Case study on Bachelor level
Ref. No. ECASA_2020_2 EN
Authors
Robert Ciszweski, M.A. (ifm electronic GmbH)
Prof. Dr. Jan-Philipp Büchler (FH Dortmund)
Abstract
Ifm electronic is a mid-sized wold market leader in sensor electronics for industry and automotive applications. The hidden champion shows an impressive growth trajectory in the last 20 years from around 200 mio. € to 1 bn. € in 2019. In this case study, the ambitious leaders of this company start to elaborate the strategy for achieving the next billion. Students are required to identify the drivers of growth in the past decades and evaluate the steadiness of this recipe for success in the context of major shifts and technological advances in key customer industries such as industry 4.0 and new business models driven by digitization and servitization. Thus, students will explore the benefits and limits of business model innovation and investigate further strategic options for growth.
3. Birkman.NL:
Crafting The Future
Case study on Bachelor level
Reference No. ECASA_2020_3 EN
Author
Helen de Haan (Rotterdam Business School, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences)
Abstract
Birkman.nl is a small branch of a large US-Based consultancy company Birkman.nl. In an increasingly overcrowded and fragmented assessment market. Despite this challenge, Birkman.nl has maintained a stable competitive position. However, the competition coming from the consulting and software industries has created new entrants and substitutes for Birkman in the European market. Meanwhile, the lack of marketing strategy and budget does not help to address the large heterogeneity in different European countries. The CEO of Birkman.nl Mr. van der Loo is actively searching for new customers in the Dutch and surrounding markets, and, if possible, is looking to enter the Eastern European market.
4. IQ-Pass:
Accelerate and upscale to the next level
Case study on Bachelor level
Reference No. ECASA_2020_4 EN
Author
Helen de Haan (Rotterdam Business School, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences)
Abstract
European business environment has many specific market conditions due to the differences in terms of legislation, culture & language, business practices, etc. Many European companies are in the transition of combining digital transformation (apps, software and platform development) and their traditional industrial bases. Another trend in European business development is consolidation, i.e. merger and acquisitions. Small but very innovative companies can be easily taken over by larger companies. When such a small but innovative company becomes a business unit in of a large organisation after acquisition or take-over, maintaining innovation-based growth can be problematic. By understanding this dynamic and the unique characteristics of European small and medium enterprises (SMEs), students will learn and practise knowledge from key subject areas in identifying market opportunities, developing market entry strategies and a feasible marketing plan for each targeted area.
5. JSC Bavarus:
Scaling projects for a small company operating in dynamic environment
Case study on Bachelor level
Reference No. ECASA_2020_5 EN
Authors
Ruta Ciutiene (Kaunas University of Technology)
Evelina Meiliene (Kaunas University of Technology).
Abstract
JSC BAVARUS is small company operating in Lithuania. The company has been engaged in wholesale of textile products such as yarns, fabrics, needles and sewing threads for ten years already. The company exports textiles from foreign countries and sells to local furniture and textile companies. The rapidly changing business environment and the requirements of Industry 4.0 pose new challenges not only for manufacturing companies, but also for all business sectors. JSC BAVARUS face with challenges such as competition, processes digitalization, customers’ new expectations and others. Projects drive change in organizations and open and opens up growth opportunities. Therefore, students are introduced to core concepts such as projects, role of the projects aiming the development and growth of the company, the importance of stakeholders and risk identification and risk analysis and planning how to deal with risks. The case focuses on changes that respond changes in the organization’s environment.
6. UAB SDG:
Recruitment based on values
Case study on Bachelor level
Reference No. ECASA_2020_6 EN
Authors
Lina Girdauskiene (Kaunas University of Technology)
Asta Savaneviciene (Kaunas University of Technology)
Rasa Laliene (Kaunas University of Technology)
Zivile Stankeviciute (Kaunas University of Technology)
Abstract
JSC SDG is a group of companies providing safe work consultancy services. The company was established in 2002 and has grown to the group of the companies. During the growth period organization faced various human resource management problems. One of the most significant issues are leadership. Recruiting suitable employees is a challenging aspect, as it affects the well-being of the employees and the goals of the organization.
7. Glendalough Distillery:
The Internationalisation Challenge
Case study for Bachelor level
Reference No. ECASA_2020_7 EN
Authors
Aileen Kennedy (Technological University Dublin College of Business)
Tara Rooney (Technological University Dublin College of Business)
Abstract
This case study focuses on the emergence and growth of an Irish-owned start-up challenger brand Glendalough, entering the highly competitive global whiskey market. From their origins in 2011, this small enterprise has gained global attention for their innovative products, their strong focus on branding and their rapid success. The case centres on their acquisition by Mark Anthony Brands, a major North American drinks producer and distributor, who took a stake in the business early on.
The next phase for Glendalough will focus on how to maximise this relationship with Mark Anthony Brands. While this will give them increased access and power in the North American market how exactly should Glendalough tackle this opportunity?
8. Portwest’s Future Strategy:
Fashionising Workwear – Threading The Needle
Case study for Bachelor level
Reference No. ECASA_2020_8 EN
Authors
Fiachra Coll (Technological University Dublin College of Business)
Damian O’Reilly (Technological University Dublin College of Business)
Abstract
Portwest- should they further pursue the leisurewear / workwear market or should they focus on expanding the current range?
Portwest is a global manufacturer and innovator of workwear, safetywear and Personal protective equipment (PPE) and one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world. Recently, the company launched an “Inspired Workwear” collection targeting the leisurewear/workwear market. It is a departure from their traditional markets where their acquisition strategy has seen Portwest rapidly gain market share. Management are concerned that this new departure may take resources from the core business of Workwear and dilute key resources.
8. Portwest’s Future Strategy:
Fashionising Workwear – Threading The Needle
Case study for Bachelor level
Reference No. ECASA_2020_8 EN
Authors
Fiachra Coll (Technological University Dublin College of Business)
Damian O’Reilly (Technological University Dublin College of Business)
Abstract
Portwest- should they further pursue the leisurewear / workwear market or should they focus on expanding the current range?
Portwest is a global manufacturer and innovator of workwear, safetywear and Personal protective equipment (PPE) and one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world. Recently, the company launched an “Inspired Workwear” collection targeting the leisurewear/workwear market. It is a departure from their traditional markets where their acquisition strategy has seen Portwest rapidly gain market share. Management are concerned that this new departure may take resources from the core business of Workwear and dilute key resources.
Period of project implementation: 2019-09-01 - 2022-08-31
Project coordinator: Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Project partners: Kaunas University of Technology, Technological University Dublin, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
