The John Molson Case Publications initiative was founded to support the development of business case studies under the John Molson School of Business banner.
The initiative is in partnership with Ivey Publishing.
We are pleased to announce the results of the 2024 John Molson Business Ownership Case Writing Competition, sponsored by the Bob and Raye Briscoe Centre in Business Ownership Studies.
To write, publish and distribute business cases written by the John Molson community to schools around the world.
To support John Molson academic programs through an ever-growing body of work reflecting contemporary and diverse businesses of relevance to faculty and students.
Jordan LeBel is director of the John Molson Case Publications initiative, academic director of the John Molson Executive Centre and is a professor in the Department of Marketing.
His interests focus on hedonic and consumption, innovation and communication strategies and governance.
W36719
Joel Bothello, Andrew Charman, Leif Petersen
Case (PDF) • 9 pages • 2024-07-22
Intended Audience: Undergraduate/MBA
Summary: This case focuses on a small family business, Mattera Motors, an auto repair shop operating in the challenging operating environment of a South African township. The founder, Marcello Mattera, started as a "necessity entrepreneur" (i.e., an individual pushed into launching their own business due to no other employment options).
The business has nonetheless reached a level of stability over the past two decades and is successful by the standards of a township enterprise. However, the company faces dilemmas in the coming years relating to succession and growth. Specifically, should Mattera’s children inherit the business from him? Could the business survive if Mattera shared it between his two children? Or should the family expand the business to seize new opportunities?
W36235
Chloe Beale, Eric Dolansky
Case (PDF) • 9 pages • 2024-02-29 (Rev: 2024-03-22)
Intended Audience: Intro/Undergraduate
Summary: Natalie Jung, amid the COVID-19 lockdowns, transformed her newfound passion for handcrafted jewelry into Radiant Sun Shop (RSS), a thriving Etsy business with 3,100 transactions as of February 2023. Initially launched during her virtual undergraduate studies, RSS flourished with her dedicated time. As Jung approached the end of her master’s degree and subsequent graduation in April 2023, uncertainty loomed regarding the future trajectory of her business. Contemplating the role of RSS in her post-graduation life, Jung grappled with pivotal entrepreneurial questions, unsure of where to commence her introspection. Balancing academic milestones and entrepreneurial aspirations, Jung embarked on a critical self-examination to navigate the evolving dynamics of Radiant Sun Shop in her life ahead.
W36211
William Holmes
Case (PDF) • 9 pages • 2024-02-12 (Rev: 2024-03-22)
Intended Audience: Undergraduate/MBA
Summary: Motorcycle Offsetters, an aspiring startup, provided motorcycle enthusiasts with a platform to offset carbon emissions from their touring activities, contributing to the fight against climate change. Despite rapid growth, the venture faced financial instability. The founder, Andreas Gneist, aimed to devise a marketing and communication strategy to engage decision-makers in organizations offering offsetting services to a substantial motorcycle enthusiast base. Overcoming skepticism among environmental activists and countering the stigma associated with climate change efforts among deniers were pivotal challenges. Addressing these hurdles was crucial for the venture's success and financial sustainability.
W34720
Neha Mittal
Case (PDF) • 8 pages • 2024-01-31
Intended Audience: Undergraduate/MBA
Summary: For over two decades, Paul Delp, the President of Lansdale Warehouse, had faced a daunting challenge; the Stony Creek rail line, which provided rail service to his warehousing business in Lansdale, Pennsylvania (PA), USA, had suffered from deteriorating track conditions and poor service.
These issues resulted in delayed and disrupted shipments, lost customers, increased costs and a decline in customer satisfaction, causing Delp to fear for the viability of his business. Despite several efforts, Delp had struggled to gain the attention of the two Class I railroad companies that jointly owned the rail line to his facility. With over 60 years of business under his belt, Delp faced one of his most significant challenges yet—finding a solution to keep his business afloat.
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