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Abstract

This case discusses the entrepreneurial skills and visionary leadership of Frederick W Smith (Smith), the founder of FedEx Corporation (FedEx). The case examines his contribution in creating the express industry. It details how Smith transformed FedEx from a loss making company to a $22.5 billion logistics industry major by focusing on information technology, human resources and globalisation. Finally, the case examines the nature of the criticism of Smith''s entrepreneurial and leadership style. The case would enable students to: (1) understand the role of an entrepreneur and a leader in creating a start-up and transforming it into a global player and a leader in its industry; (2) study the role of a leader in the struggle, survival and success of a company in the initial and subsequent stages in the logistics industry; (3) analyse the leadership qualities of Smith and identify those characteristics that contributed to the success of FedEx and made it the leading company in the logistics industry; (4) understand the significance and impact of a leader on an organisation''s culture and human resources; and (5) analyse the shortcomings of an entrepreneur and its consequences to a company. This case is aimed at MBA/PGDBA students, and is intended to be part of the entrepreneurship curriculum. The teaching note does not contain an analysis of the case.
Location:
Industry:
Size:
Large
Other setting(s):
1944-2003

About

Abstract

This case discusses the entrepreneurial skills and visionary leadership of Frederick W Smith (Smith), the founder of FedEx Corporation (FedEx). The case examines his contribution in creating the express industry. It details how Smith transformed FedEx from a loss making company to a $22.5 billion logistics industry major by focusing on information technology, human resources and globalisation. Finally, the case examines the nature of the criticism of Smith''s entrepreneurial and leadership style. The case would enable students to: (1) understand the role of an entrepreneur and a leader in creating a start-up and transforming it into a global player and a leader in its industry; (2) study the role of a leader in the struggle, survival and success of a company in the initial and subsequent stages in the logistics industry; (3) analyse the leadership qualities of Smith and identify those characteristics that contributed to the success of FedEx and made it the leading company in the logistics industry; (4) understand the significance and impact of a leader on an organisation''s culture and human resources; and (5) analyse the shortcomings of an entrepreneur and its consequences to a company. This case is aimed at MBA/PGDBA students, and is intended to be part of the entrepreneurship curriculum. The teaching note does not contain an analysis of the case.

Settings

Location:
Industry:
Size:
Large
Other setting(s):
1944-2003

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