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Product cover image for Big Viking Games: Pillaging for Growth

Big Viking Games: Pillaging for Growth

Julie Gosse; Scott Loveland

Product #:9B20M125_P
Supplier:Ivey
Discipline:Entrepreneurship, General Management
Setting:Canada, United States, 2016
Details:Case (PDF) • 11 pages • 2020-07-07 (Rev: 2023-06-22)

Subjects:

Corporate strategyWork-life balanceStrategyManaging yourselfEntrepreneurship

Industries:

Media, entertainment, and professional sports

Geography:

North AmericaCanadaUnited States
Your Price:$10.54

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In March 2016, the chief product officer (CPO) at Big Viking Games (BVG) wanted to develop a company strategy to ensure the company’s continued growth and success. BVG had been successful since its inception five years ago, growing gaming revenue by 41 per cent annually and having a profit margin of 10 per cent in 2015. All the while, the company had competed against industry titans for the best talent in the tech sector. Despite the company’s success, the CPO and co-founder’s business relationship had started causing unnecessary stress, leading to a deteriorating work-life balance and concerning health problems. The CPO was considering several options: should he maintain the status quo; develop a new video game; increase marketing for the company’s existing game, purchase the co-founder’s shares to gain full control; or sell his shares?

Learning Objectives

This case is suitable for a general management module in an introductory undergraduate-level business course. Its comprehensive nature provides students with an opportunity to implement and practise analytical skills. After working through the case and assignment questions, students will be able to do the following:
  • Explain strategic decision-making in an entrepreneurial business environment.
  • Complete a business valuation using valuation tools, net benefit analysis, payback, and net present value analysis.
  • Examine internal and external factors (using SWOT and PEST analyses) and connect these to potential business alternatives.
  • Analyze several alternatives both qualitatively and quantitatively.
  • Describe the dilemma of running a business while attending to other life goals and circumstances.
  • Make and justify a comprehensive, evidence-based business decision.
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    Case Study: Big Viking Games: Pillaging for Growth | Ivey Publishing