International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies (12 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Factors Impacting Consumers Fairness Perception in a Dynamic Pricing Context: A Systematic Literature Review  
  by Christian Diaz, Antonella Avella, Jose Vera JR, Michael Neubert 
  Abstract: Since Dynamic Pricing (DP) is expected to become the future of pricing strategies, it is important to uncover the different factors associated to its perceptions among consumers. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to answer the research question about what are the factors that influence consumer perception of pricing fairness in a DP context. The synthesis section covered 45 articles which discovered three research streams identified as consumer-based, company-based, and environmental-based. This systematic literature review proposes 7 calls for further research, for instance, a call for a quantitative assessment of the collective impact of the different factors in the perception of fairness in a DP context. The findings of this research contribute to scholars by synthesising the current body of knowledge and suggests new areas of study. It also offers managers practical models that aim to integrate perception factors to serve as the basis for successful DP strategies.
  Keywords: dynamic pricing; personalized dynamic pricing; consumer fairness; pricing fairness; systematic literature review; pricing strategy.
  
  
• Can sale promotion drive the purchasing intention and buying behaviour of customer: a case study of Unilever Pakistan limited  
  by Ammar Bashir Khan, Muhammad Rafiq 
  Abstract: Unilever Pakistan, a company that deal with consumer goods and cover about more than 400 highly popular brands, emphasised to expand and continue its sales in the crucial times. COVID-19 gave much tough time to the companies throughout the globe and similarly affected the sales and operations of Unilever Pakistan. The target of the Unilever Pakistan to the upper-class individuals deprives the middle-and lower-class individuals to become a consumer of Unilever Pakistan. Several challenges are standing gigantically in front of Unilever Pakistan which could result in decline of revenues, sales and hence the diminished market reputation. Company should overcome majestic everyday challenges on prior basis else the company reputation would be affected. The operation, productivity and sales of the products reduces due to these challenges. The performance of the staff, collaborations of teams and boosting their skills are the keys to gain success in crucial times.
  Keywords: sales promotion; marketing; buying behavior; purchasing intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2022.10052709
   
  
• Late College Career Bridges: Encouraging Women to Enter Bioinformatics Through A Cross-Discipline Program (A Series of Case Studies).  
  by Sara Cline 
  Abstract: This paper presents the series of events that led three students to switch their degree plans from a Biology Bachelors of Science to our Bioinformatics Bachelors of Science Option in their Junior year at Athens State University. They completed a series of open response questions and their experiences are presented as case studies. Their stories provide insight into potential pathways for encouraging students to enter the field of Computer Science late in their undergraduate careers. The factors they self-report as influencing them include career matching and a growing awareness of job opportunities and salary. Implications of their motivations for switching fields are discussed, including the impact their experiences may have in informing future educational research and undergraduate program design. rn
  Keywords: under represented; bioinformatics education; cross discipline programs; case studies; biology degree design; women; computer science education; diversity and inclusion; undergraduate education; degree bridges; United States of America; USA.
  
  
• Innovation in Fintech Start-ups in Hong Kong. A Teaching Case Study  
  by Travis Huggins, Nicholas Harkiolakis 
  Abstract: A business case is presented, detailing the establishment and background of Aqumon, a successful Financial Technology (Fintech) start-up in September 2015, Hong Kong, following the boom of the US robo-advisory market. The two co-founders, Kelvin Lei, and Don Huang left a job in a banking corporate, and a university research post, respectively. As new players in the market competing against large multinational banks and fund managers and with limited funds and resources, the case demonstrates how the two founders overcame the challenges and barriers faced by their start-up. It also showcases how entrepreneurial attitudes lead to successful ventures in a highly competitive environment. The case also provides insights into the motivations and characteristics of entrepreneurs as well as the strategies and practices they follow in their ventures.
  Keywords: Robo-advisory; start-up; Fintech; innovation; Hong Kong; opportunity recognition; venture capital; financing; business models.
  
  
• Evaluating the Failure of British Home Stores (BHS): A Case study Using Taffler Z?score Model and SWOT Analysis  
  by Ibrahim Khalifa Elmghaamez, Mahalaxmi Adhikari Parajuli 
  Abstract: This case study explores the significant reasons for the failure of British Home Stores (BHS). We employed a case study analysis based on Tafflers bankruptcy model and SWOT analysis to predict the failure of BHS Group. Our results reveal that the management and leadership of the BHS group are accountable for the eventual failure of the BHS company. The crucial insight for this case study was to discuss What incorrect business decisions were taken and led to drop precipitously in 3 to 4 years. We argue that retail companies must seek proactive financial services if they face financial distress. In addition, this study recommends reducing borrowings and adjusting staff levels by adopting click and collect services or expanding online shopping spaces. More importantly, irresponsible management, weak governance practices, less up-to-date technological enhancement, and failure to predict companies` financial health are all crucial elements of the retail companies failure.
  Keywords: British Home Stores; BHS products; retail companies; Taffler Model; SWOT analysis.
  
  
• Application of Artificial Intelligence in International Decision-Making Processes in the Healthcare Industry  
  by Christian Diaz, Michael Neubert 
  Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study is to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in international decision-making processes in the healthcare industry. The results of the research suggest the following: 1) efficiency improvement, quality enhancement, decision support, Big Data analysis, cost reduction, behavior monitoring, and prediction were identified as factors that foster AI use in healthcares sector decision-making processes; 2) delegability in AI for decision-making processes in the sector responds to two central drivers: difficulty and trust; 3) a preference towards a configuration where humans take the final decision instead of a AI was observed. The limitations are mainly connected to the selected methodology, participants and use cases, so further research is required to support generalizability. The results presented may be helpful in practice to increase the current understanding of the main drivers involved in the AI application for decision-making processes in the healthcare industry.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; decision-making; healthcare; decision augmentation; automation; delegability; decision support.
  
  
• Restructuring without bloodshed: case study of an Indian diagnostic company  
  by Shweta Jha, Debjani Roy 
  Abstract: Restructuring is generally perceived negatively as it results into job losses imbued with communication failure. However, an Indian diagnostic company undertook a change programme with minimal job losses while pursuing its goal of attaining growth in double digits. Unlike previous years, the company had recorded a single digit growth during 2016-2017 whereas its competitors were doing pretty well. In an HR-led change programme, the company worked towards changing the philosophy of structuring the labs, restructuring of labs, reducing the number of layers in organisational hierarchy, developing a culture of transparency and building competencies of the employees in order to regain the growth as per the industry standards. Best part is that fewer employees lost their jobs in the process. In due course, the company regained its competitive edge and double-digit growth as well. This case study is an inspiring narrative about what the internal change agents can actually attain. The case is based on real events. Names of the company and characters in the case have been altered to protect their identities.
  Keywords: restructuring; diagnostic company; hub and spoke model; assessment centres; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2022.10054628
   
  
• Student experiences with learner-generated online discussion forum: active learning as both participants and content creators  
  by Deborah B. Smith, Billie Anderson 
  Abstract: This study explored the perceptions and experiences of content creator students enrolled in an undergraduate course in lifespan development. A total of 284 students participated in this study over five semesters. A mixed-methods study design was adopted for data collection, and a thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted to identify the key themes. The participants identified several themes about why they liked creating content were identified, such as seeing other students’ perspectives and autonomy over the learning process, along with several negative aspects of this active learning approach, including having to summarise everyone’s responses and unclear directions. These findings can guide other instructors to incorporate active learning online assignments into their existing courses.
  Keywords: active learning; student engagement; online discussion; higher education; online learning; learner generated; student content creator; student perceptions; mixed-method design; thematic analysis; reliability measures; chi-square test of association.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2022.10054789
   
  
• Transparency and segment information in annual reports - the Nutreco case  
  by Lineke Sneller 
  Abstract: The subject of this teaching case is the level of transparency achieved by voluntary disclosures in annual reports. The case is based on Nutreco, a global company in animal nutrition and fish feed. The companys ambition is to contribute to meeting rising food needs in a sustainable manner. For 2012, the company published an annual report with extensive voluntary disclosures that has won a prestigious award for transparent annual reporting. The intended audience for this case are students with the ambition to become board members. In the case, students will advise the board on a strategic investment decision using information that Nutreco voluntarily discloses in its annual report. The teaching case makes future board members aware of choices they have for disclosure or nondisclosure. This will help them in future roles in which they will have to decide on disclosure policies and trade-offs between transparency, cost, and competitive considerations.
  Keywords: segment information; teaching case; disclosure; risk management; transparency; annual reporting; animal nutrition; investment decision; Nutreco.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2022.10055069
   
  
• Liquor prohibition: a chief ministers conundrum  
  by Rajeev Ranjan, Nripendra P. Rana, Kalyan Agrawal 
  Abstract: Ever since the liquor ban was imposed in the state of Bihar, the impact of this strategic decision is visible in the form of changes in various micro and macroeconomic indicators. Though there have been several incidences of arrests on account of the illicit sale, trafficking, storage, and consumption of liquor and also several incidences of deaths due to the consumption of illicit liquor; the benefits outweigh them. Apart from the general health and well-being of the people, the financial health of the affected families has seen an upsurge; the entire consumption pattern has changed. The incidences of road accidents, loss of lives, domestic violence, crime against women, general law and order, and the incidences of crime have nose-dived. The entire state of Bihar has not only become safer, more peaceful, and more prosperous but has zoomed ahead in terms of several development indicators vis-a-vis other states of the country.
  Keywords: prohibition; disposable income; consumption pattern.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2022.10055070
   
  
• Tangoing economics in a virtual classroom: recommendations for large classes instructors  
  by Anna Shostya 
  Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about dramatic changes to the classroom and has forced teachers on all levels and of all subjects to critically re-evaluate pedagogical strategies. Such transformative changes have created new opportunities and posed new challenges to college instructors, especially those who teach large lecture hall classes. This article provides practical guidance and useful instructional recommendations on how to create a highly collaborative experience for first-time learners of economics in a virtual classroom. Using the experience of teaching principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics to large lecture hall classes of mostly first-year college students, the author provides valuable insights on how to connect to a larger number of students, motivate them to do economics, and stimulate their critical thinking and quantitative reasoning.
  Keywords: large lecture hall classes; remote instruction; pedagogical techniques; critical thinking; interactive environment; economics education; first-year college students.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2022.10055101
   
  
• Innovative executive education programs for in-house employee reskilling/upskilling: the case of the Bayer Active Leadership Program in partnership with EADA Business School  
  by Jordi Diaz 
  Abstract: The problem is that most of the 16,000 business schools operating across the globe today lack the knowledge and preparation needed to forge business school-industry partnerships. A literature gap exists on how business schools can provide reskilling and upskilling executive education that partners with industry to meet the changing workforce’s employability skill gaps. The purpose of this embedded, single-subject case study is two-fold: 1) describe through an exploratory case study the knowledge and preparation needed for a robust business school-industry partnership for a tailored executive education program; 2) to offer practice and policy recommendations on strengthening the business school- industry partnership bond in reskilling/upskilling in-house workforces. This study applies an archival data collection method (Yin, 2017) to describe and investigate the Bayer Active Leadership Program’s development in partnership with EADA Business School presented through the lens of an innovative executive education ecosystem model grounded in concepts defined within disruptive innovation theory.
  Keywords: academic-industry partnerships; Bayer Active Leadership Program; business school innovation; disruptive innovation in education; EADA Business School; innovative executive education ecosystems; lifelong learning; future of the workforce; reskilling and upskilling; transformational learning ecosystem.