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Prize winner
Case
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Reference no. 302-057-1
Published by: INSEAD
Originally published in: 2002
Version: 06/2023
Revision date: 9-Jun-2023

Abstract

This is part of a case series. The first Case (A) discusses the evolution of the circus industry up until the emergence of Cirque du Soleil. This case provides a detailed discussion on the structure of the circus industry to make possible a rich analysis of how its industry attractiveness has changed over time and the challenges the industry now confronts. The case reveals that the industry had become a red ocean with limited profit and growth potential. To achieve this, students are asked to address the following questions: 1) How would they assess the attractiveness of the circus industry in the early 1980s? What would you conclude from your industry analysis? 2) What were the factors the traditional circuses competed on? What made these factors more or less relevant over time? The second case (B), shows how one company, Cirque du Soleil reconstructed the industry to create a blue ocean. It is an excellent and important complement to the first case. A video called 'The Evolution of the Circus Industry' is available for free faculty download (link in ‘Extra information’ section).

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for postgraduate and executive education courses.

Video trailer

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2001.

Geographical setting

Region:
World/global
Countries:
United States; Canada

Featured company

Cirque du Soleil
Industry:
Entertainment; Circus

About

Abstract

This is part of a case series. The first Case (A) discusses the evolution of the circus industry up until the emergence of Cirque du Soleil. This case provides a detailed discussion on the structure of the circus industry to make possible a rich analysis of how its industry attractiveness has changed over time and the challenges the industry now confronts. The case reveals that the industry had become a red ocean with limited profit and growth potential. To achieve this, students are asked to address the following questions: 1) How would they assess the attractiveness of the circus industry in the early 1980s? What would you conclude from your industry analysis? 2) What were the factors the traditional circuses competed on? What made these factors more or less relevant over time? The second case (B), shows how one company, Cirque du Soleil reconstructed the industry to create a blue ocean. It is an excellent and important complement to the first case. A video called 'The Evolution of the Circus Industry' is available for free faculty download (link in ‘Extra information’ section).

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for postgraduate and executive education courses.

Video trailer


Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2001.

Geographical setting

Region:
World/global
Countries:
United States; Canada

Featured company

Cirque du Soleil
Industry:
Entertainment; Circus

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