"Seasoning Business - What is the secret ingredient to business success?" That is this year's theme of CBS Case Competition. It is obvious that the theme is strongly associated with the fine art of cooking. Most people feel confident that they possess the skills needed in order to cook i.e. a perfect Spaghetti Bolognese. However - as we all know - it is only a few that actually are able to combine the right ingredients in the right amounts that will leave the guest with a sensational experience.
The same holds true in the business world. Companies - in different sectors across markets - all believe that they have a unique business model that will beat the competition and increase value. However, only a few truly exceptional companies have managed to combine competences such as marketing, R&D, sales, logistics etc. in the right way that has proven to be the secret ingredient to business success.
Schibsted ASA is this year's case company - a Norwegian Media house with activities in the areas of printed media, film, movies, magazines and online media. Schibsted ASA is the only traditional Media house that has succeeded in making online activities into a truly profitable business.
The case is specifically about the company's greatest growth segment Schibsted Classified Media (SCM).
Schibsted Classified Media is currently dominating the European market within online classifieds, and has been instrumental in propelling Schibsted ASA from having around 2000 to around 9000 employees active in 22 countries. Some of the 36 famous brands are Blocket.se, Infojobs.net and Willhaben.at.
The case will address how Schibsted ASA can expand this profitable business division - in markets where growth opportunities are still abundant, but so are challenges and threats.
So come and meet an international player that is not just talking about innovation, but actually delivers - a company that has changed how people interact socially and do business together.
University of Southern California (USA)
