Darden University of Virginia (USA)
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ZS Associates: Sales Force Sizing
Spekman, Robert E.; Kumar, Sameer; Kalla, AryaCase DARDEN-M-0745-EMarketingThis case describes a consulting firm that is assisting a pharmaceutical company as it faces a strategic question regarding how to determine the size of its sales force. An Excel file containing two of the case exhibits is included and is available by contacting sales@dardenbusinesspublishing.com. A related Technical Note entitled "A Note on Sizing the Sales Force" (UVA-M-0746) is available that describes several approaches one could employ to si...Starting at €8.20
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Red Bull (Abridged)
Farris, Paul W.; Shames, Ervin R.; Johnson, Richard R.; Mitchell, JordanCase DARDEN-M-0849-EMarketingThis case (an abridged version of UVA-M-0663) describes the history of the Red Bull brand and how the company stimulated and harnessed word of mouth to build a new product category (functional energy drinks) and brand franchise. The case concludes by asking the reader to consider where Red Bull will take its brand, product line, and marketing next, in light of many competitive challenges in the United States. The case was written to foster discus...Starting at €8.20
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Managing Virtual Teams (A)
West, June A.; Kalla, Arya; Kumar, SameerCase DARDEN-BC-0210-EKnowledge and CommunicationKarl Henderson was a senior manager at Metrionic Systems, a Santa Clara, California-based provider of networking solutions. During his time there, he had worked on and managed various cross-functional teams. When he was given the opportunity to manage a team that was spread across five continents, Henderson was confident that with a little groundwork, he could manage perfectly and deliver on time as he had always done. Due to a recent increase in...Starting at €8.20
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Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
Sihler, William W.; Green, RickCase DARDEN-F-1678-EFinanceThe senior managers of the Hartford have been challenged by an activist investor (John Paulson) to alter the company's strategy as a way to enhance shareholder value - the company's market price not being revealed from its 2008 fall. Management must decide how to respond.Starting at €8.20
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Virginia Investment Capital Group (B)
Sihler, William W.; Crawford, Richard D.Case DARDEN-F-1694-EFinanceThe owner of Virginia Investment Capital Group, which needs to survive, is considering turning this "dinner" club investment group into a vehicle for raising funds for small businesses like the "crowdfunding" and similar routes opened by the JOBS Act of 2012.Starting at €5.74
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Virginia Investment Capital Group, Inc.
Sihler, William W.; Crawford, Richard D.Case DARDEN-F-1627-EFinanceThe partners in an angel-investment management group is facing the question of how to get to a scale sufficient to support that company. One option is to stay as is. Another is to shut down. A third is to set up a "sidecar" fund. The final option is to set up SBIC.Starting at €8.20
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A Note on Sizing the Sales Force
Spekman, Robert E.; Kumar, Sameer; Kalla, AryaTechnical Note DARDEN-M-0746-EMarketingThis note describes several approaches one could employ to size a sales force. It addresses the advantages of each approach as well as the weaknesses. The case entitled "Z Associates: Sizing the Sales Force" (UVA-M-0745) provides a real-world example of one company's attempt to select the correct approach, and includes a supplemental Excel file for students.Starting at €8.20
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Silk Soy Milk (A)
Farris, Paul W.; Shames, Ervin R.; Wasden, MichaelCase DARDEN-M-0771-EMarketingThe Silk soy milk brand evolves from a single homemade product to a regional and then national brand, facing challenges along the way such as investment influx, acquisition, and competition from new entrants into the very market it created. Silk's marketing angles at various growth stages are discussed, and students consider whether the company should expand its presence or develop new categories, as well as how its efforts could best realize gro...Starting at €8.20
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Red Bull (A)
Farris, Paul W.; Shames, Ervin R.; Johnson, Richard R.; Mitchell, JordanCase DARDEN-M-0663-EMarketingThis case describes the history of the Red Bull brand and how the company stimulated and harnessed word-of-mouth to build a new product category (functional energy drinks) and brand franchise. The case concludes by asking the reader to consider how Red Bull should react to competitive challenges in the United States. The case was written to foster discussion of nontraditional brand-building strategies and the growing globalization of brands and p...Starting at €8.20
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Specialty Distilled Chemicals Corporation
Sihler, William W.Case DARDEN-QA-0051-EDecision AnalysisProducer of high-value, small quantity chemicals is troubled by inaccurate weighing and filling which result in customer complaints of shortages. Considering that competition is based on customer service, the president is anxious to pinpoint the extent and case of the problem. Machinery and labor problems might be responsible, assuming that there are shortages in completed inventory. A sample has been taken of five items, and the question is whet...Starting at €8.20