Case Studies in Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability

<< Previous

Fourth, a number of cases illustrate how organizations changed their focus or strategy over time. For example, at a certain time in its company history Gram Vikas focused on a biogas program but moved on to another problem once a solution was widespread and subsidized by the government. In other case studies the change of strategy became necessary because the organization's original strategy failed (e.g., Case 5: Fabio Rosa; Case 9: Procter & Gamble; Case 11: WaterHealth International). Failure is a potential component of any innovative endeavor. Often entrepreneurship education tends to report successes while failures are underreported. Therefore, I appreciate the inclusion of reports of failure or drawbacks within the selection of case studies (e.g., Procter & Gamble's commercial failure in Pakistan or WaterHealth International's filing for bankruptcy in 2002 before a buy-out and restructuring of the company).

Finally, the variety of the case studies will make it possible for students to identify patterns across cases such as using partnerships, educating the target group regarding product use or relevance (e.g., Procter & Gamble's PuR Water Purifier, Trevor Field and the PlayPumps of Africa), or setting up distribution structures that empower local entrepreneurs (e.g., Trevor Field and the PlayPumps of Africa).

In summary, I would strongly support the book assessment by the Stanford Social Innovation Review Academic Editor Johanna Mair: this volume is "...a solid foundation for any impact-oriented course on Social Entrepreneurship". It is especially valuable for teachers, case-writers, and students: Teachers will find a rich variety of cases located in developing and industrialized countries. Case writers will find excellent information on how to write cases and teaching notes. And, not least of all, students will find inspiring and rich cases for developing their own skill sets. The start of a social enterprise is a complex endeavor which requires not only knowledge but also skills, i.e. the ability to act and produce results. This volume can help to develop these skills by providing real-life examples, yet in the safety of the class-room.