CASE STUDY HERO BUILDERS 1
Case Study Hero Builders
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School of Business, Liberty University
Author Note
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I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to
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CASE STUDY HERO BUILDERS 2
Types of Studies Presented
Study designs help to see the interests that people have by making reports and samples,
observations, and such to determine what is best to do (Ranganathan, 2019). Depending on
which study is done there are some advantages but also some challenges and limitations. Another
aspect that plays a role in determining is the industry for which this case study is taking place to
determine what study can be used. In this case study Vicale throughout the study uses multiple
research methodologies to reach goals. The first one was exploratory research, Vicale wanted to
do some research beforehand about action figures and the retail environments in stores to see the
market of it before starting something. The second research method is descriptive, these methods
study the population or group of people with similarities (Ranganathan, 2019). The application in
the HeroBuilders.com case is that Vicale did observation with a trend, the trend is this case was
the action figures having more space in the store as well as higher consumer demand for the
personalized figures.
Vicale also applies dome casual research this was more directed after the launching of the
hero action figures to see the reactions. The company had media and influencing others do get
the product which is when this type of research was conducted. Lastly applied research was
applied by Vicale when he addressed all the legal terms when the public figures could be legally
used for commercial purposes and that required research to be done even if it is brief.
Evaluation of the Company’s Research
Evaluating research methods require certain criteria, the reason for that being is because
better decisions can be made. This information when done correctly it can help achieve
organizational goals, but also it can provide insights on consumers and environmental that can be
helpful to determine the best decision to make with the least risk (Schindler, 2014). In the case of
CASE STUDY HERO BUILDERS 3
HeroBuilders.com they used all the standards the first one being clearly defined purpose. One of
the purposes of Vicale was to make action figures based on public figures, but before that he had
to analyze the market and match his passion with the market.
The second one is research design in the case of Vicale he decided to use the internet as
his preferred method for searching and doing an industry analysis. Something that could have
been improved is the deeper insight and more structure for this type of research, but overall
Vicale did what was needed. His high ethical standards were applied when he decided to make
the right decision by seeking legal advice first carefully. During his legal consulting his sample
selection was also looking at the target demographics and make sure those wants can be met
(Zahra, 2005).
On the data collection category, the company used mostly observations which include
limitations and decision making. This process was lacking more explicit search as well as more
methods other than observation. The internet search was done, yet it could’ve have been better
specially when trying to expand and move into the e-commerce business. The findings reported
insights and conclusion justified, Vicale did a good job identifying the market and the
opportunity he had in it. The only challenge is that his popular idea got the media’s attention in
which the company wasn’t prepared for, a marketing plan would have been helpful in this
process. A well design marketing plan can even reach more targeted costumers with basic
marketing steps to start (Hogarty, 2022).
Issues Analysis for Research Plan
Vicale did the things that he needed to do with the idea he had, there are some other challenges
that could have been tackled along the way. Some of those are doing a more elaborated target
analysis to better market his product. Analyzing their competitors looking at aspects like pricing,
CASE STUDY HERO BUILDERS 4
distribution and seeking bigger opportunities with the product. Along with that planning a
strategy for supply and demand can keep the business organized ensuring a good experience for
each costumer. When choosing a business structure that business needs legal protection that goes
beyond a few questions, constant legal support can keep the business protected from being
caught off guard or avoiding legal issues that could arise as well as protection from existing
issues (Fallon, 2024). In the case of HeroBuilders.com they need constant representation in case
of potential backlash or controversy for protection.
Vicale e-commerce expansion requires stronger digitalized platforms, it takes a good
digital marketing strategy to increase revenue and grow income more effectively and safely
(Johnson, 2024) Vicale can start with simpler marketing strategy for his e-commerce business
then grow it as the business grows to ensure a good use of his budget. Lastly Vicale didn’t seem
to think or talk about his long-term sales, which is why it would be helpful to run an analysis for
his long-term sales and a long-term plan for his business’s sustainability.
In conclusion, HeroBuilders.com has successfully figured out a plan for a very creative
product that is innovative with the e-commerce incorporation. Vicale has had taken the first steps
for what can be a successful long-term business. However, there are some gaps in his plan that
can be improved which are currently potential challenges for his company. By integrating some
of the strategies proposed, his company can be sustained long term with an increase in sales and
revenue, be legally protected, and have ethical considerations and decision making.
References
CASE STUDY HERO BUILDERS 5
Schindler, P. S. (2014). Business research methods (14th ed.). McGraw-Hill
Fallon, N. (2024, September 23). What Are Legal Support Services? Business.com.
https://www.business.com/articles/legal-support-services/
Hogarty, S. (2022, March 2). What is a marketing plan and why is it important? Ideas.
https://www.wework.com/ideas/professional-development/business-solutions/what-is-a-
marketing-plan-and-why-is-it-important
Johnson, J. (2023, April 3). How to Develop an E-Commerce Marketing Strategy. Business.com.
https://www.business.com/articles/ecommerce-marketing-strategy/
Ranganathan, P. (2019). Understanding Research Study Designs. Indian Journal of Critical Care
Medicine, 23(S4). https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23314
Zahra, S. A. (2004). A theory of international new ventures: a decade of research. Journal of
International Business Studies, 36(1), 20–28.
https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400118
