The case is the final instalment in the SKF series describing the meeting between Steelcorp and SKF representatives and the ensuing price negotiation. The case describes how two opposing initial positions converged towards a contract that met most of both parties’ objectives.
Culture wars: creating ‘buzz’ without being branded a failure
Summary
While it’s tempting for business leaders to think they can safely navigate a divisive cultural and political landscape, it’s a fool’s errand.
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Should Unilever pivot from being purpose-led?
Summary
The case study delves into strategic transformation and leadership transitions at Unilever since 2009. Unilever has been an industry leader of business sustainability. Paul Polman was a pioneer who introduced the idea that, by addressing social and environmental problems, a company can unlock new growth opportunities. Polman launched a 10-year Sustainable Living Plan with three objectives: to enhance health and well-being, livelihoods and environmental sustainability. Alan Jope followed in Polman’s path and launched a novel plan for the new decade called The Unilever Compass, focused on sustainability. Unilever took a strategic turn during Jope’s tenure and asked the brands to use their products to solve social issues. He called this “purpose-led branding,” which confused investors. They believed social branding would take the company’s focus away from growth. Tensions were high at Unilever and resulted in a change in leadership. The company wants to focus on growth, which raises questions about the future of corporate sustainability at Unilever.
Reference
IMD-7-2578
Copyright
©2024
Copyright owner
IMD Copyright
Organization
Unilever
Industry
Consumer Goods
Available Languages
English
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Metalshub: A steely approach to launching a B2B metal trading platform
Summary
Few Business to Business (B2B) marketplaces have succeeded. Metalshub has successfully combined a software platform as a service, with a marketplace matching supply and demand for raw materials used in the Metals and Mining industries. Through innovative pricing and business models, the company has managed to scale its operations in a short timeframe.
Reference
IMD-7-2457
Copyright
©2024
Copyright owner
IMD Copyright
Organization
Metalshub
Industry
Materials, Metals and Mining
Available Languages
English
Contact
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Contabilizei: Freeing entrepreneurs from Brazil’s tax complexity
Summary
The case focuses on Contabilizei, a Brazilian startup providing online accounting services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The case study delves into the challenges faced by the company’s founder and CEO, Vitor Torres, as he navigated Brazil’s complex social and economic landscape. Issues such as Brazil’s byzantine tax system, disparate educational quality and accessibility, and the high cost of doing business in the country are explored. Despite these barriers, Contabilizei demonstrated impressive growth, transforming digital innovation into standardized services. However, the rise of competitors and persistent profitability concerns prompt Torres to thoroughly explore future strategies to maintain market leadership and improve financial performance. The case provides an in-depth analysis of Brazil’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, examining its business, educational, legal and infrastructural realities and their implications for startups as well as the difficult step for startups to become established companies.
Reference
IMD-7-2546
Copyright
©2024
Copyright owner
IMD Copyright
Organization
Contabilizei
Industry
Finance and Insurance, Financial Services
Available Languages
English
Contact
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Euro 2024 Sponsorship - Chinese Brands
Summary
Leading Chinese companies are preparing to take advantage of exposure and opportunities as top sponsors and suppliers to the UEFA EURO 2024 Men’s S...
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A marketing playbook for sustainable products
Summary
Marketing campaigns for sustainable offerings often fail, leaving businesses with products that do not sell. How can companies reach customers more...
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Nespresso: Strategy reset for growth: The youth market (Abridged)
Summary
Nespresso, the global leading brand in portioned coffee, is facing an existential threat. The company’s current market base, which consists primari...
Reference
IMD-7-2574
Copyright
©2024
Copyright owner
IMD Copyright
Organization
Nespresso
Industry
Consumer Goods, Coffee
Available Languages
English
Contact
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
How AI gives Taobao’s one billion customers the personal touch
Summary
Chris Tung is President of Strategic Development at Chinese e-commerce multinational Alibaba Group. He tells Amit Joshi how the company is integrat...
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How Fuchs built a future ready China strategy
Summary
The case describes the strategic evolution of FUCHS China under the leadership of Zhu Qingping as the company transformed into a vital contributor ...
Reference
IMD-7-2543
Copyright
©2024
Copyright owner
IMD Copyright
Organization
Fuchs Group
Industry
Manufacturing, Chemicals
Available Languages
English
Contact
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How Fuchs drives autonomy at scale to win in a fragmented world
Summary
In a world where agility and global foresight are crucial for business survival and growth, the FUCHS case presents a compelling narrative of trans...
Reference
IMD-7-2539
Copyright
©2024
Copyright owner
IMD Copyright
Organization
Fuchs Group
Industry
Manufacturing, Chemicals
Available Languages
English
Contact
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications