International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies (6 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• International entry-mode choices of a family business  
  by Robert Moussetis, George Nakos, Brian P. Hanlon 
  Abstract: This is a case study outlining the entry mode choices faced by a large industrial company that contemplates international expansion. The case study discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each entry mode. It describes the Gallo Glass company, a very successful industrial family-owned business located in Modesto, California. Facing a saturated domestic market, the company is contemplating expansion to Europe. It is trying to decide which entry mode is going to be the most appropriate for the firm based on its history and expertise of its managers. Students will learn about entry modes and international expansion. It is designed for graduate courses or upper-level undergraduate classes.
  Keywords: entry modes; internationalisation; international expansion.
  
  
• Winkyverse: motivation in educational metaverse  
  by Catherine Lejealle, Eric Dolansky 
  Abstract: In May 2023, Aurore Belle, product marketing director of Mainbot, faced a critical issue: in order to launch Winkyverse, an educational metaverse, she needed to understand users’ motivation related to each type of knowledge in order to provide adequate guidelines to partners responsible for creating content. Using Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this case examines the different motivations applicable to each type of knowledge and how inherent characteristics of metaverses create efficient and easy learning through contextual factors such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness. For types of knowledge not related to personal values, intrinsic motivation has been shown to be relevant, and for knowledge in areas which typically had a relation to personal values and self-identity, identified regulation worked more efficiently. For the latter, the driving force of the action was congruence with self-identity rather than pleasure.
  Keywords: self-determination theory; metaverse; educational metaverse; intrinsic motivation; extrinsic motivation; autonomy; competence; relatedness; knowledge; identity.
  
  
• Navigating internationalisation: step-by-step expansion vs. born-global strategy in the SquadEasy case  
  by Catherine Lejealle 
  Abstract: Founded in 2014 by French entrepreneur Brice Chapignac, SquadEasy is a platform aimed at strengthening team cohesion and boosting employee engagement through activities centred on physical wellness and eco-friendly challenges. From the outset, Chapignac had envisioned expanding the company on an international scale. This case study analyses the strategic choice between adopting the Uppsala model of incremental internationalisation and embracing a born-global approach. It evaluates both internal and external factors that support a born-global strategy. Additionally, the study examines the selection of market entry modes and the role of digital technologies, particularly social media, in facilitating international growth. Finally, it assesses the economic, social and environmental risks of the born-global strategy.
  Keywords: internationalisation; born-global; Uppsala model; international new venture; entry mode.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2025.10069927
   
  
• Leadership in crisis: emotional intelligence and effectiveness at Luxe Salon and TechWerse Enterprises  
  by Jane Ali, Hawwa Shiuna Musthafa 
  Abstract: Leadership plays an important role in shaping organisational success, whether in small businesses or large enterprises. Effective leaders improve collaboration, productivity, and loyalty, but leadership development is rarely instantaneous or without challenges. This study examines two case studies that highlight the complexities of leadership. The first follows a well-known hairdresser who acquires a salon and must navigate the transition from stylist to business owner while managing existing employees and implementing new business strategies. The second case explores the leadership struggles of Sarah Matthews, the newly appointed CEO of TechWerse Enterprises, whose lack of emotional intelligence (EI) leads to declining employee morale and disengagement. The study further discusses an intervention program involving 360-degree feedback, executive coaching, and empathy training to enhance Sarahs leadership capabilities. These two cases emphasise the importance of EI in leadership development and the need for targeted strategies to improve leader effectiveness and organisational performance. The two cases study provide a teaching guide to show the differences in context and the similarity of leadership struggles. The concepts of EI, leader development and follower morale are the basis of this comparison.
  Keywords: leadership development; emotional intelligence; leadership traits; organisational vision; cultural competence; credibility; trust; organisational change; resistance; employee engagement; workplace dynamics; executive coaching; self-awareness; transformational leadership; business transition; team motivation.
  
  
• Navigating geopolitical tensions in business: lessons from the collapse of an international acquisition  
  by Gary Brown, Yunmei Kuang 
  Abstract: This case offers a detailed account of the firsthand experience of one of the authors, who observed the sudden collapse of a promising acquisition deal between a Chinese smart TV company and a US smart earbud company. Filled with potential for mutual benefits, the deal ultimately fell apart after months of exhaustive due diligence. Through this narrative, the case sheds light on how the broader geopolitical landscape can shape strategic decision-making and contemporary international business practices. Highlighting the imperatives of agility, political astuteness, and cultural awareness in todays interconnected and volatile global environment, the case serves as a compelling resource for students in advanced business courses, for business leaders, and for policymakers alike. In doing so, it responds to the call of Belhoste and Dimitrova (2023) to integrate geopolitical awareness into business learning and education. Company names in the case have been anonymised to ensure confidentiality.
  Keywords: international business; business management; entry mode selection; environment analysis; geopolitics; strategic decision-making.
  
  
• Scaling in the beauty industry: the high-stakes quest for investor capital  
  by Oliver Thomas, Manuel Hess 
  Abstract: Hair & Skin, a rapidly growing Swiss startup specialising in minimally invasive hair and skin treatments, finds itself at a strategic crossroads. In just three years, under the leadership of CEO Philip Lehmann and a founding team of seasoned entrepreneurs, the company became a market leader. However, after saturating the domestic market with 21 clinics and facing escalating operational costs alongside a negative EBITDA, the company must now decide whether to seek external investment for international expansion and operational professionalisation. This case study explores the tension between rapid revenue growth and sustainable profitability, highlighting key dilemmas such as managing cash burn, adapting the business model for diverse regional markets, and convincing investors to back an ambitious internationalisation strategy. In doing so, the case provides a rich basis for analysing strategic financing, operational management, and investor relations in high-growth industries.
  Keywords: startup growth; venture capital; scaling strategy; fundraising challenges; international expansion; cash burn management; revenue growth; sustainable profitability; investor relations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2025.10072218