Beyond ink and paper: the future of Gayatri Publishers

Learning outcomes Case overview/synopsis December 2024. Biprajyoti stood amidst the towering offset printing machines, their rhythmic hum, a fading echo of past prosperity. The press, once a hub of relentless activity, was now struggling to stay relevant. He had inherited the business from his uncle, Bijan Dam, a visionary entrepreneur who built it over three decades. Dam’s commitment had secured a strong client base, making the press a leading name in commercial printing. But times had changed. With advancing technology and shifting consumer preferences, traditional printing was losing relevance. Compounding the challenge was the publishing wing of the business. Once a thriving revenue stream, it produced 30 accounting and finance-related titles authored by Dam, widely used across universities. The rise of digital education saw a decline in the publishing division. As Biprajyoti surveyed the factory floor, he felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. Should he modernize and adapt to the changing landscape? Or should he cut his losses and move away from an industry in decline? The burden of legacy, the future of his employees and the viability of the business all hung in the balance. The answer was not straightforward, but it was clear that Biprajyoti had to act – and act quickly. Complexity academic level This case can be used in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management courses. The dilemma can be explained as part of the courses for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Supplementary Material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.