Cases Empirical Chemicals (A) and (B) consider the capital-investment decisions to be made by executives of this large chemicals firm in January 1992. The A case presents a go/no-go project evaluation regarding improvements to a polypropylene production plant. The B case reviews the same project, but from one level higher, where the executive faces an either/or investment decision between two mutually exclusive projects. The objective of the two cases is to expose students to a wide range of capital-budgeting issues.
Cases Empirical Chemicals (A) and (B) consider the capital-investment decisions to be made by executives of this large chemicals firm in January 1992. The A case presents a go/no-go project evaluation regarding improvements to a polypropylene production plant. The B case reviews the same project, but from one level higher, where the executive faces an either/or investment decision between two mutually exclusive projects. The objective of the two cases is to expose students to a wide range of capital-budgeting issues.
Provides guidance for the preparation of teaching notes. Sets forth the rationale for teaching notes, what they should contain and why, and how they can be prepared. Based on the experiences of Harvard Business School faculty.
This case presents four exercises designed to introduce students to applications of option pricing and decision-tree analysis to real corporate investment problems. Two of the four problems involve decision trees and two involve option pricing. Students should be familiar with basic option pricing theory (Black-Scholes and/or the Binomial Model) before being assigned these exercises.
Introduces the concepts of responsibility centers and performance measurement. Expense centers, financial responsibilities such as profit centers, and investment centers are introduced, defined, and illustrated with simple examples.
This case considers the unusual terms under which Rhone-Poulenc, the large French chemicals producer, acquired the U.S.-based Rorer Group, Inc., in August 1990. Set a year later, in August 1991, the case reviews the terms of the merger and the experience of the new entity in its first year, and invites the student to evaluate the "contingent value right" (CVR) issued by Rhone-Poulenc in the merger.
A small manufacturer needs additional financing for expansion and production improvements. A bond issue would provide needed funds, and a zero-coupon bond would delay payments until funds provided by operations were available. Present value tables are included.
In the mid-1980s, the Holland Sweetener Co. (HSC) was facing the decision whether to enter the European and Canadian aspartame markets, following the ending of NutraSweet's patents there. A major question facing HSC was whether NutraSweet would respond to entry in an accommodating, or an aggresive, manner. Thus, NutraSweet might initiate a price war in Europe or Canada as a warning to anyone considering entry into the U.S. market, once its patent expired there in 1992. On the other hand, such a response might simply be viewed as "water under the bridge" by the time the U.S. market opened up. In that case, NutraSweet might do better opting for a live-and-let-live approach in Europe and Canada. Given the uncertainty surrounding NutraSweet's reaction, HSC had to make its entry decision in a fog. This case explores some aspects of the game between a company that is established in a number of markets and companies that seek to enter those markets.
A six-step technique for solving business problems is presented: stating the problem, developing a framework for analysis, identifying key issues, performing analysis, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations. Intended to be used with a case or cases that highlight the use of these tools.
Discusses FCB and Publicis, partners in a global advertising agency alliance, working together with their clients to provide excellent service. May be used with FCB and Publicis (A): Forming the Alliance and (C): The German-Led Network.
In 1991, Bill George, CEO of Medtronic, the world's largest manufacturer of pacemakers, was evaluating his strategic options in light of the changing economic environment. In the United States, Europe, and Japan, governments were considering regulatory changes to reduce health care expenditures, including reduction in pacemaker prices. The case outlines Medtronics development of the cardiac pacemaker and its diversified businesses. It then examines Medtronic's pacemaker operations and the changing health care environment in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Describes the legal and institutional framework by which troubled companies are dealt with in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and France. Deals with both out-of-court and in-court restructuring. Provides perspective on how approaches for dealing with troubled companies in certain foreign countries vary from U.S. practice. Particularly useful as a companion to cases on foreign companies that undergo restructuring.
The managing partner of an international public accounting firm must determine where his plan to restructure the office failed. The reorganization was motivated by a need to make the office more market driven. He thought he had managed the change process well; however, recent events raised considerable doubt about its success.
The University of Western Ontario's fitness unit coordinator was wondering how to improve the aerobics program. With financial and time constraints, a very seasonal demand pattern, and an entirely part-time staff with relatively short tenure, she wondered how to improve the quality of service, the suitability of classes, the number of classes, and the productivity of program administration. Students have to analyze market survey data and develop a plan of action.