Engaging Business Case Study: Expansion, Mergers, and Acquisitions

Sal’s Snips: A Case Study Exploring Mergers, Competition, and Expansion

In front of Sal Saldano sits a huge decision-- whether or not to expand his business to the lucrative downtown of Genericburg. And if so, how? In this case study students will follow the story of an invented small business owner-- Sal Saldano-- as he hires students to consult him on his expansion efforts. Your students will be charged with pouring over the information provided, and then constructing a consultant's presentation for Sal on how he should proceed. In the meantime, students will learn about minimizing risks, best/worst/most-likely outcomes, expansion, and competition. In short, this activity is designed to get them out of the textbook and into real business scenarios!

Included Materials:

1. Instructor's Guide: A helpful guide for you, the teacher, as you look to make this project a successful one!

2. Guiding PowerPoint: A detailed slides presentation to keep your students anchored to the content and the task at hand. The presentation is polished, and designed to introduce key ideas that the case study will also address.

3. Student Case Packet: This packet includes an original narrative about Sal Saldano, detailed financial data for Sal’s Snips and its competitor, Cut-N-Go, and a clearly defined task. Students will work in consulting groups to analyze the information and develop a strategic recommendation for Sal.

Activity Structure:

1. Introduction: Use the guiding PowerPoint to introduce the case study and key business concepts.

2. Case Scenario: Present the original narrative about Sal Saldano and his decision-making dilemma.

3. Group Work: Divide students into consulting groups and provide them with the student case packet. Give them time to analyze the data, discuss options, and formulate their recommendations.

4. Presentations: Each group will present their strategic recommendation, including financial projections, market analysis, and action steps.

5. Class Discussion: Facilitate a discussion to compare different recommendations and explore the various aspects of the case.

This case study not only engages students with a realistic business scenario but also develops their analytical and presentation skills, preparing them for real-world business challenges.