HMSolution and the search for product-market fit
Journal
Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies
ISSN
2045-0621
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Fernando Leiva
Katherina Kuschel
Type
Resource Types::text::journal::journal article
Abstract
<jats:sec>
<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Learning outcomes</jats:title>
<jats:p>The learning outcomes are as follows: business model pivot, minimum viable product, strategic alliances, return on equity and burn-rate.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>
<jats:sec>
<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Case overview/synopsis</jats:title>
<jats:p>HMSolution’s (HM’s) mission is removing arsenic from drinking water. The case tells how HMS pivoted its business model between 2014 and 2015 and its challenge when faced with several growth opportunities. The first possible partner company proposed adopting HMS’s technology through either an alliance or outsourcing. The second company wanted to acquire HMS. However, Margaret – the founder and CEO – managed to find a third option in the form of an important sanitation sewage treatment company in Chile with international presence, with which she could reach a wider territory in her country of origin, as well as in other countries where that company had a presence. This case study presents Margaret’s dilemma of deciding the best course to follow and finding the best fit for her product and the needs of the market.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>
<jats:sec>
<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Complexity academic level</jats:title>
<jats:p>The instructor can adapt the requirements and depth of the topics addressed, ranging from an undergraduate audience to an executive training audience. Undergraduate courses, namely, entrepreneurship, business creation, administration and strategy. For students of business careers, administration, commercial engineering, industrial civil engineering and industrial engineering. Continuous training, namely, entrepreneurship, business creation, administration and strategy.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>
<jats:sec>
<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Supplementary materials</jats:title>
<jats:p>Teaching Notes are available for educators only.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>
<jats:sec>
<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Subject code</jats:title>
<jats:p>CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>
<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Learning outcomes</jats:title>
<jats:p>The learning outcomes are as follows: business model pivot, minimum viable product, strategic alliances, return on equity and burn-rate.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>
<jats:sec>
<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Case overview/synopsis</jats:title>
<jats:p>HMSolution’s (HM’s) mission is removing arsenic from drinking water. The case tells how HMS pivoted its business model between 2014 and 2015 and its challenge when faced with several growth opportunities. The first possible partner company proposed adopting HMS’s technology through either an alliance or outsourcing. The second company wanted to acquire HMS. However, Margaret – the founder and CEO – managed to find a third option in the form of an important sanitation sewage treatment company in Chile with international presence, with which she could reach a wider territory in her country of origin, as well as in other countries where that company had a presence. This case study presents Margaret’s dilemma of deciding the best course to follow and finding the best fit for her product and the needs of the market.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>
<jats:sec>
<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Complexity academic level</jats:title>
<jats:p>The instructor can adapt the requirements and depth of the topics addressed, ranging from an undergraduate audience to an executive training audience. Undergraduate courses, namely, entrepreneurship, business creation, administration and strategy. For students of business careers, administration, commercial engineering, industrial civil engineering and industrial engineering. Continuous training, namely, entrepreneurship, business creation, administration and strategy.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>
<jats:sec>
<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Supplementary materials</jats:title>
<jats:p>Teaching Notes are available for educators only.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>
<jats:sec>
<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Subject code</jats:title>
<jats:p>CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>
Subjects
entrepreneurship
;
joint ventures/strategic alliances
;
strategic management/planning