Northeastern Illinois University Lenta of St Petersburg Russia Market Case Study Paper As our economy continues to become an increasingly global economy, e

Northeastern Illinois University Lenta of St Petersburg Russia Market Case Study Paper As our economy continues to become an increasingly global economy, entrepreneurs cannot rely on old thinking and old ways of doing things to create value. Instead, in today’s economy, and in the marketplace of tomorrow, successful entrepreneurs are going to need to expand their thinking to identify ways of innovating and entrepreneuring that break new ground and that explore completely new avenues of opportunity.

Some of these new avenues of opportunity will come from sustainable entrepreneuring. (Onscreen is a picture of Anita Roddick, Founder of the Body Shop.) As well as ecoentrepreneuring.

As a recent report from the Ewing Kauffman Foundation points out, there is little doubt that, “Entrepreneurship plays an essential role in generating innovation and stimulating U.S. economic growth.” I think it would be fair to say that we can expand on that to say, “global growth” as well. But while this may be true, what type of entrepreneurship you undertake and where you’ll undertake it are important questions that managers need to consider.

Entrepreneurs in different countries also a face a variety of different challenges. The prime mover behind growth is clearly the entrepreneur. With their energy, commitment, contacts, savvy, etc. they have the potential to steer a company down a growth path. However, as entrepreneurs do so they encounter a number of factors that become increasingly important in order to remain successful. And, the challenges they face can be completely different in different countries. Read, “Convergence in Entrepreneurial Leadership Style Evidence from Russia,” and then read and analyze the case, “Lenta of St. Petersburg, Russia.” Think about what is required in order for Lenta (or any company in an emerging market) to grow, i.e., expand. Once you have considered what factors are critical, analyze the arguments for or against growth. As part of your analysis, be sure to identify the key issues that need to be considered in order for a company to make a well- reasoned decision regarding where and how to expand.

Then write a two page response to the following questions.

Should Lenta grow?

If so, where? The choices boil down to the following options listed below. Consider the implications for each option.

o Slow down/stop growth. Consolidate Lenta’s position in the St. Petersburg market

o Grow, but only in St. Petersburg

o Grow, by entering the nearest cities surrounding St. Petersburg

o Grow, and especially target the largest and richest city in Russia, Moscow

o Grow, and especially target large but underdeveloped cities in southern Russia and/or western Siberia