Subject & Research Guides: PRME: Case Studies

Economics Case Studies

"Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation: Blancing Politics, Business, and Culture" by Julian Harrison & Stefanie Beninger, 2016, Ivey /Beedie
In March 2013, the chief executive development officer of the Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) was preparing a report on the findings and recommendations of the organization’s seven-year history. The HEDC, the economic development arm of the Heiltsuk Nation, was not meeting its goals. The HEDC structure was based on the theory that economic development success in Aboriginal communities required a separation of business from political influence. Unfortunately, the HEDC had yielded little economic success to date. Further, it was not clear whether it had effectively brought about the desired separation of economics from politics. Similar concerns were expressed by the chief councilor of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, the political governance structure responsible for administering, governing, and setting policy for the Heiltsuk Nation. There was hope that the report would bring clarity to what had gone wrong in the development process under the HEDC. Was the governance structure appropriate for the task the HEDC was supposed to fulfill, or were the roles and responsibilities not clearly defined? What was causing the myriad of communication issues? What should be done?
SDG Topics: No Poverty / Decent Work & Economic Growth / Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure / Reduced Inequalities / Sustainable Cities & Communities.

"Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipleline Project (A)" by Benjamin C. Esty & Carrie Ferman, 2006, Harvard School of Business
On June 6, 2000, the World Bank's and IFC's board of directors was scheduled to vote on whether to approve funding for the $4 billion Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipeline project. Although the project presented a unique opportunity to alleviate poverty in Chad, one of the poorest countries in the world, Chad had a president who had been labeled "warlord" and a history of civil war and oppression. This case describes the project, the setting, and the World Bank's reasons for participating in the deal--mainly an opportunity to alleviate poverty, enforce environmental standards, and minimize the impact on indigenous people. It also describes the very public and very ardent opposition to the project's environmental, social, and revenue management policies. Faced with a high-risk, but potentially high-return opportunity to improve conditions in Chad, students, as the directors, must decide whether to approve funding for the deal.
SDG Topics: No Poverty / Affordable & Clean Energy / Decent Work & Economic Growth / Reduced Inequalities / Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions.
"MAS Holdings: Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility in the Apparel Industry" by Jonathan Story & Noshua Watson, 2014
MAS Holdings is a family-owned manufacturer of women's apparel, founded by three brothers who have built the firm into a US$570 million business. Clients include the biggest brands in lingerie and sportswear. The textile industry makes up 50% of Sri Lankan exports, especially from China. The case is about using corporate social responsibility as a strategic tool in global competition.
SDG Topics: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure / Responsible Consumption & Production.
"Rajghat Power House: The Economy or the Environment" by Veena Keshav Pailwar, 2016, Ivey School of Business
In response to a recommendation at a government-sponsored power forum, Delhi’s aging and inefficient Rajghat Power House (RPH) was scheduled to close its doors. The coal-based plant had reached the end of its 25-year useful life, and its outdated equipment spewed toxins into Delhi’s air and water on a daily basis. Environmentalist bodies and power-distributing units in Delhi had made similar recommendations for the RPH’s closure over the years, and while the government had gone so far as to approve some of those plans, nothing had ever come of them. With the arrival of the forum’s recommended date of October 2015 for the plant’s closure, Delhi’s government officials faced a difficult decision. Should they ignore the environmental degradation to achieve a high growth rate in the short run, or should they protect the environment to achieve a sustainable growth rate in the long run?
SDG Topics: Good Health & Wellbeing / Clean Water & Sanitation / Affordable & Clean Energy / Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure / Sustainable Cities & Communities / Climate Action.

"The Challenge of the Century: Inclusive Growth and Development" by R. Samansm J. Blanke, G. Corrigan & M. D. Hanouz, 2017, Rotman Management Magazine
While income inequality between countries has declined significantly over the past 20 years, it has grown markedly within countries. A combination of technological change, global integration, domestic deregulation and immigration has been driving major changes in labour markets in most advanced countries-resulting in pressure on median wages and widespread insecurity. The authors-from the World Economic Forum-describe their 'framework for inclusive growth' and the Inclusive Development Index, which measures countries on three categories of KPIs, including Adjusted Net Savings; Median Household Income; Poverty Rate; and Healthy Life Expectancy.
SDG Topics: No Poverty / Good Health & Wellbeing / Decent Work & Economic Growth / Reduced Inequalities.
"Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipleline Project (A)" by Benjamin C. Esty & Carrie Ferman, 2006, Harvard School of Business
On June 6, 2000, the World Bank's and IFC's board of directors was scheduled to vote on whether to approve funding for the $4 billion Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipeline project. Although the project presented a unique opportunity to alleviate poverty in Chad, one of the poorest countries in the world, Chad had a president who had been labeled "warlord" and a history of civil war and oppression. This case describes the project, the setting, and the World Bank's reasons for participating in the deal--mainly an opportunity to alleviate poverty, enforce environmental standards, and minimize the impact on indigenous people. It also describes the very public and very ardent opposition to the project's environmental, social, and revenue management policies. Faced with a high-risk, but potentially high-return opportunity to improve conditions in Chad, students, as the directors, must decide whether to approve funding for the deal.
SDG Topics: No Poverty / Affordable & Clean Energy / Decent Work & Economic Growth / Reduced Inequalities / Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions.
"Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation: Blancing Politics, Business, and Culture" by Julian Harrison & Stefanie Beninger, 2016, Ivey /Beedie
In March 2013, the chief executive development officer of the Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) was preparing a report on the findings and recommendations of the organization’s seven-year history. The HEDC, the economic development arm of the Heiltsuk Nation, was not meeting its goals. The HEDC structure was based on the theory that economic development success in Aboriginal communities required a separation of business from political influence. Unfortunately, the HEDC had yielded little economic success to date. Further, it was not clear whether it had effectively brought about the desired separation of economics from politics. Similar concerns were expressed by the chief councilor of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, the political governance structure responsible for administering, governing, and setting policy for the Heiltsuk Nation. There was hope that the report would bring clarity to what had gone wrong in the development process under the HEDC. Was the governance structure appropriate for the task the HEDC was supposed to fulfill, or were the roles and responsibilities not clearly defined? What was causing the myriad of communication issues? What should be done?
SDG Topics: No Poverty / Decent Work & Economic Growth / Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure / Reduced Inequalities / Sustainable Cities & Communities.

"Rajghat Power House: The Economy or the Environment" by Veena Keshav Pailwar, 2016, Ivey School of Business
In response to a recommendation at a government-sponsored power forum, Delhi’s aging and inefficient Rajghat Power House (RPH) was scheduled to close its doors. The coal-based plant had reached the end of its 25-year useful life, and its outdated equipment spewed toxins into Delhi’s air and water on a daily basis. Environmentalist bodies and power-distributing units in Delhi had made similar recommendations for the RPH’s closure over the years, and while the government had gone so far as to approve some of those plans, nothing had ever come of them. With the arrival of the forum’s recommended date of October 2015 for the plant’s closure, Delhi’s government officials faced a difficult decision. Should they ignore the environmental degradation to achieve a high growth rate in the short run, or should they protect the environment to achieve a sustainable growth rate in the long run?
SDG Topics: Good Health & Wellbeing / Clean Water & Sanitation / Affordable & Clean Energy / Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure / Sustainable Cities & Communities / Climate Action.

"H. N. Andersen - A Global Entrepreneur: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Increasingly Globalized World in the Late 19th Century" by Martin Jes Iversen & Ellen Victoria Berg, 2015, Copenhagen Business School
The case describes the development of a historical entrepreneur who in 1897 founded East Asiatic Company (EAC). EAC was to become the largest and most important Danish corporation in the first half of the 20th century. The case aims to bridge economic history and entrepreneurship and can be used to introduce the role of entrepreneurship in economic history. The case also explores a relationship which has been important in the theories of entrepreneurship since Joseph Schumpeter’s early works: the relationship between the banker and entrepreneur.
SDG Topics: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure / Partnerships for the Goals.

"Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipleline Project (A)" by Benjamin C. Esty & Carrie Ferman, 2006, Harvard School of Business
On June 6, 2000, the World Bank's and IFC's board of directors was scheduled to vote on whether to approve funding for the $4 billion Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipeline project. Although the project presented a unique opportunity to alleviate poverty in Chad, one of the poorest countries in the world, Chad had a president who had been labeled "warlord" and a history of civil war and oppression. This case describes the project, the setting, and the World Bank's reasons for participating in the deal--mainly an opportunity to alleviate poverty, enforce environmental standards, and minimize the impact on indigenous people. It also describes the very public and very ardent opposition to the project's environmental, social, and revenue management policies. Faced with a high-risk, but potentially high-return opportunity to improve conditions in Chad, students, as the directors, must decide whether to approve funding for the deal.
SDG Topics: No Poverty / Affordable & Clean Energy / Decent Work & Economic Growth / Reduced Inequalities / Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions.
"Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation: Blancing Politics, Business, and Culture" by Julian Harrison & Stefanie Beninger, 2016, Ivey /Beedie
In March 2013, the chief executive development officer of the Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) was preparing a report on the findings and recommendations of the organization’s seven-year history. The HEDC, the economic development arm of the Heiltsuk Nation, was not meeting its goals. The HEDC structure was based on the theory that economic development success in Aboriginal communities required a separation of business from political influence. Unfortunately, the HEDC had yielded little economic success to date. Further, it was not clear whether it had effectively brought about the desired separation of economics from politics. Similar concerns were expressed by the chief councilor of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, the political governance structure responsible for administering, governing, and setting policy for the Heiltsuk Nation. There was hope that the report would bring clarity to what had gone wrong in the development process under the HEDC. Was the governance structure appropriate for the task the HEDC was supposed to fulfill, or were the roles and responsibilities not clearly defined? What was causing the myriad of communication issues? What should be done?
SDG Topics: No Poverty / Decent Work & Economic Growth / Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure / Reduced Inequalities / Sustainable Cities & Communities.

"MAS Holdings: Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility in the Apparel Industry" by Jonathan Story & Noshua Watson, 2014
MAS Holdings is a family-owned manufacturer of women's apparel, founded by three brothers who have built the firm into a US$570 million business. Clients include the biggest brands in lingerie and sportswear. The textile industry makes up 50% of Sri Lankan exports, especially from China. The case is about using corporate social responsibility as a strategic tool in global competition.
SDG Topics: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure / Responsible Consumption & Production.
"Agricultural Biotechnology Meets International Trade (A)" by Charan Devereaux & Robert Z. Lawrence, 2006, Harvard Kennedy School
This case traces the development of genetically-modified (GM) foods in the United States and in Europe. The US had from the start a commanding lead in GM food developmentand a correspondingly large stake in global acceptance of GM seeds and foods. The case describes evolving and contrasting US and European consumer attitudes toward GM foods, a general acceptance in the US, versus a worried rejection in Europe. The case discusses how US government and corporate leaders were convinced at first that Europe was indulging in protectionist activity, but came over time to understand that the European reaction was mostly consumer-driven and derived from citizens' suspicion of government's ability to understand and regulate scientific discoveries sufficiently to protect public health. Still, US food corporations were alarmed when in 2002 Zambia refused to accept desperately-needed US food aid on the grounds that US-made GM products might preclude Zambia selling its own produce to Europe.
SDG Topics: Zero Hunger / Good Health & Wellbeing / Partnerships for the Goals.
"Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipleline Project (A)" by Benjamin C. Esty & Carrie Ferman, 2006, Harvard School of Business
On June 6, 2000, the World Bank's and IFC's board of directors was scheduled to vote on whether to approve funding for the $4 billion Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipeline project. Although the project presented a unique opportunity to alleviate poverty in Chad, one of the poorest countries in the world, Chad had a president who had been labeled "warlord" and a history of civil war and oppression. This case describes the project, the setting, and the World Bank's reasons for participating in the deal--mainly an opportunity to alleviate poverty, enforce environmental standards, and minimize the impact on indigenous people. It also describes the very public and very ardent opposition to the project's environmental, social, and revenue management policies. Faced with a high-risk, but potentially high-return opportunity to improve conditions in Chad, students, as the directors, must decide whether to approve funding for the deal.
SDG Topics: No Poverty / Affordable & Clean Energy / Decent Work & Economic Growth / Reduced Inequalities / Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions.
"H. N. Andersen - A Global Entrepreneur: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Increasingly Globalized World in the Late 19th Century" by Martin Jes Iversen & Ellen Victoria Berg, 2015, Copenhagen Business School
The case describes the development of a historical entrepreneur who in 1897 founded East Asiatic Company (EAC). EAC was to become the largest and most important Danish corporation in the first half of the 20th century. The case aims to bridge economic history and entrepreneurship and can be used to introduce the role of entrepreneurship in economic history. The case also explores a relationship which has been important in the theories of entrepreneurship since Joseph Schumpeter’s early works: the relationship between the banker and entrepreneur.
SDG Topics: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure / Partnerships for the Goals.

"Rajghat Power House: The Economy or the Environment" by Veena Keshav Pailwar, 2016, Ivey School of Business
In response to a recommendation at a government-sponsored power forum, Delhi’s aging and inefficient Rajghat Power House (RPH) was scheduled to close its doors. The coal-based plant had reached the end of its 25-year useful life, and its outdated equipment spewed toxins into Delhi’s air and water on a daily basis. Environmentalist bodies and power-distributing units in Delhi had made similar recommendations for the RPH’s closure over the years, and while the government had gone so far as to approve some of those plans, nothing had ever come of them. With the arrival of the forum’s recommended date of October 2015 for the plant’s closure, Delhi’s government officials faced a difficult decision. Should they ignore the environmental degradation to achieve a high growth rate in the short run, or should they protect the environment to achieve a sustainable growth rate in the long run?
SDG Topics: Good Health & Wellbeing / Clean Water & Sanitation / Affordable & Clean Energy / Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure / Sustainable Cities & Communities / Climate Action.