Abstract

Learning Outcomes

This case study explores the challenges and opportunities of international business expansion. It aims to help students understand the strategic decisions involved in expanding a business across borders. Students will analyze the risks and benefits of entering a new market and evaluate strategies for building capacity and ensuring service quality in foreign operations. They will also examine the impact of talent retention and career progression in business growth. Additionally, the case highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences when expanding internationally.

Case Synopsis

This case describes how Mr. Bharat Thakrar Group CEO of Scangroup Plc (founded as Scanad in Kenya) expanded the company operations to neighbouring Uganda. The expansion was prompted by a request by one of his clients’ multinational companies in Kenya who needed Scangroup services in Uganda. The case not only highlights the challenges faced when a company ventures into international markets but also the corresponding opportunities that can even strengthen the home company. The case captures the thoughts that Mr Bharat the entrepreneur went through as he considered the best way to grow and expand his business from a small agency start up to a large international agency. The decision that Bharat was faced with was how to resource and build capacity of his startup operation in the new market to ensure that he would meet his client service expectations in the new market. From Mr Bharat’s experience in Kenya turn over and retention of people in the industry was always a challenge. With the expansion to Uganda Mr Bharat considered this to be an opportunity to provide career progression opportunities for existing and new staff. The case demonstrates the importance for companies to take time to understand cultural nuances when growing across borders.

Complexity/ Academic level

This case can be taught in undergraduate and postgraduate levels, executive education programs, and corporate training workshops focusing on international business expansion, entrepreneurship, and strategic management.

Supplementary Materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Keywords

Strategic management, entrepreneurship, international business expansion.

Citation

Mungai, E. (2024). WPP Scangroup Plc. Kenya Growth Expansion to Uganda. In Strathmore Africa Case Center. Strathmore Africa Case Centre. https://doi.org/10.70268/sacc-05-24-20 

Publisher: Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Copyright © 2024, Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Category : Case

Author : Edward Mungai

Publisher : Strathmore University

Document ID : SACC-05-24-20