Product details

The case examines the entrepreneurial and leadership skills of Steve Case, the CEO of AOL, the leading US-based on-line service provider. Case''s business ventures during his childhood and teen years and his entry into the on-line services business are explored in detail. His leadership skills and their contribution to AOL''s success have also been studied. The case also throws light on the criticism levelled against Case, especially on account of AOL''s acquisition of Time Warner. It also examines the future of Case in light of his resignation as chairman of AOL Time Warner. From the case, students are expected to understand: (1) Case''s entrepreneurial growth, drive, imagination, beliefs and convictions and the factors that contributed to his success; (2) Steve Case''s leadership skills and how it helped AOL attain leadership in the on-line services market; (3) the various strategies adopted by Case for attracting customers to AOL that helped AOL gain a competitive edge over its rivals; (4) the limitations or shortcomings of a leader and how they can become a stumbling block for success and survival; and (5) the need for a top executive to have effective communication skills and the ability to relate to his employees and share a personal relationship with them. The case is intended for MBA/PGDBM level students as part of the entrepreneurship curriculum. The teaching note does not contain an analysis of the case.