Introduction
About This Site
About The Textbook
About The Authors
McGraw-Hill Book Website
 
Book Contents
Table of Contents
I
 Opportunity and Strategy
II
 Creating New Ventures
III
 Functional Development
IV
 Growth and Financing
  Business Plans (App. A)
  Case Studies (App. B)
Online Sources (App. C)
 
Sample Syllabus
Course Overview
Calendar of Sessions
I
 Entrepreneurial Perspective
II
 Idea or Opportunity
III
 Gathering Resources
IV
 Managing Ventures
V
 Entrepreneurship and You
 
Additional Resources
Courses Using This Textbook
 


Synopsis

Biodiesel Inc. is a mini-case study that involves three UC Davis students exploring an opportunity in biodiesel, an renewable organic product that can replace or complement original diesel fuel. The students come up with a business model starting with local producer's cooperatives.

When should this case be discussed?

Biodiesel is an good first case to use for introducing the case study method after covering Section I in the textbook.

Relevant chapters and questions

Ch 2: Opportunity and the Business Summary
Ch 3: Building a Competitive Advantage
Ch 4: Creating a Strategy
Ch 5: Technology, Innovation, Timing (5.2)
1. What are the key factors in determining if this is a viable business opportunity? Is this just an idea or a real business opportunity?

2. What contextual (economic, regulatory, industry) factors should Biodiesel Inc. be aware of? What markets and market drivers should they focus on?

3. What are the flaws in the current business strategy? Flesh out their current business strategy. What partners and alliances do they need in order to be successful in production, distribution, marketing, and overall?




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