Analyzing industry changes and business evolution: the path forward for Midwest Equipment Company
Publication date: 11 February 2019
Issue publication date: 22 March 2019
Abstract
Theoretical basis
The case illustrates how environmental forces affect an industry’s profitability. PESTEL and five forces analyses can be used to examine the retail agricultural equipment industry.
Research methodology
Single case study.
Case overview/synopsis
Jonathan Sullivan has a decision to make. His company is struggling due to difficult industry conditions. He is questioning if the company can continue to survive. MEC is an agricultural equipment dealer. The industry has experienced boom-and-bust periods since the company was founded. But the current downturn seems different. The past five years have been difficult as manufacturers have changed their dealership practices. Jonathan has struggled with some of the new practices the manufacturers have implemented. These new practices could negatively impact the company’s ability to survive. Jonathan wonders, “What is the best path forward for the business?”
Complexity academic level
The case is designed to be used in an undergraduate strategic management course.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors have disguised the names of the individuals in the case. But company names and financial data have not been changed.
Disclaimer. This case is written solely for educational purposes and is not intended to represent successful or unsuccessful managerial decision making. The author/s may have disguised names, financial and other recognizable information to protect confidentiality.
Citation
Straub, L.G. and Perry, J. (2019), "Analyzing industry changes and business evolution: the path forward for Midwest Equipment Company", , Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 5-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/TCJ-01-2018-0001
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited