Case Overview

Clemens Perk is a coffee shop started in 2005 by four entrepreneurial studies program students of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. This case study describes the discovery, planning and start-up of this coffee shop housed in the campus library. The EduCase includes a full feasibility study, a complete business plan and a DVD with interviews with the students about their experiences along the way. Designed for introduction to management, marketing and entrepreneurship courses, this case study gives a real world example of what students can achieve and the challenges they face along the way.

The EduCase is presented in a multimedia (written narrative with DVD) format with course questions and a rich bibliography of material that facilitates use of the case in a variety of courses including:

Introduction to Management – highlights issues relating to:

  • Starting and running a business
  • Feasibility planning
  • Start-up challenges
  • Basic financial information

Entrepreneurship -- highlights issues relating to:

  • Characteristics of entrepreneurs
  • Feasibility plans
  • Business plans
  • Start-up challenges

Communications & Marketing - highlights issues relating to:

  • Sales forecasting, pricing and product mix, advertising and promotion, and distribution;
  • Target market strategies

Strategic Management & Operations - highlights issues relating to:

  • Sales forecasting, pricing and product mix, advertising and promotion,
  • Vendor relations
  • Growth planning
  • Staffing

Human Resources -- highlights issues relating to:

  • Hiring and supervision
  • Team management
  • Employee policies and ethics

Finance -- highlights issues relating to:

  • Analyzing income statements
  • Pricing
  • Revenue projections
  • Creating a financial dashboard