Case #

Case Title

Description

Topics Addressed

1H1

Roberto 21

This case is centered on a Pittsburgh based company licensed to produce and sell t-shirts and other memorabilia commemorating baseball great Roberto Clemente.

Merchandising

Pricing

Strategic Planning

1H2

Torque Denim

This case explores the world of customized fashion focusing on a company that tailors designer jeans to precise customer measurements.

Customer Service

Market Segmentation

Consumer Behavior

1H3

Jasper Group

This case looks at customer service and satisfaction from a service company perspective. The Jasper Group is a consulting company in the customer acquisition phase.

Customer Service

Company Value

Personnel Requirements

1H4

Fashion Africana

This study looks at the challenges of importing, marketing and selling African-designed garments to an American clientele using Fashion Shows as one source of exposure.

International Business

Channel Management

Global Responsibility

eCommerce

2H1

Latin Vida

This case examines the current state of diverse musical options and addresses consumer choice. The band “Latin Vida” appeals to diverse tastes and seeks to capitalize on demand for Latin themed music.

Ethnic Marketing

Pricing

Consumer Preferences

2H2

Kristi’s Party Store

This study focuses on a family owned party supply store business competing against a large chain in the Las Vegas market.

Market Competition

Customer Service

Retail Management

2H5

Jewelers Row VC

This case introduces and defines key funding terms such as loans, venture capital and rate of return. Jewelers Row is a micro business creating custom made jewelry through in home host based buying parties.

Initial Financing

Capital Options

2H6

Cora Mae

This case discusses expansion in a sole proprietor craft based business. Cora Mae performs alterations and creates original garments including prom and wedding dresses.

Customer Service

Customer Lifetime Value

Micro Budgeting

The Jasper Group

Exploring Business Value

Background

Looking out of a confernce room window, Mike Jasper – founder and mangaging partner of The Jasper Group (see photo on right) waits to make a sales presentation to a potential client, a janitorial services company with 100 employees.  This prospective client heard about the Jasper Group’s high standard of service from one of Mike’s existing clients.  As he waits, Mike beginst to think not only about what he will say to get the new client, but also how he will effectivley service this client while also adding an additional division to his business. The Jasper Group brings growth, evaluation, and business sustaining strategies to new and small businesses and potential investors, using analytical tools to formulate long-term strategies and the decision making process, while offering their clients unique advice and deliverables. As their consulting practice has grown, Mike is now looking to enhance The Jasper Group’s revenues and service portfolio by creating a private equity fund that acquires majority-owned manufacturing concerns and transforms them into minority owned and managed concerns.   Mike’s team is forming what is called a Search Fund initially. This is a fund of several hundred thousand dollars invested by local minority businessmen in Pittsburgh. This fund would be used to cover the expense of looking for businesses to buy. If a business is found the investors in the Search Fund have an option to become investors in an equity fund that would purchase and own the new business.