Summary of the main concepts of (simple) decision trees--structuring a problem, assigning endpoint values, using probabilities, averaging out and folding back. Also treats risk profile.
Requires an analysis of both the process flows and the production control system used in a cranberry receiving plant. A rewritten version of an earlier case.
Deals with the use of critical path method for the construction of remote control building, which is part of a water purification system. Discusses the necessity of determining the shortest possible time in which a job could be done without spending more money. Case uses "activity on node" diagram. Based on Space Constructors Inc.
Regular use of the relaxation response counteracts the harmful effects of stress. Stress creates high blood pressure, or hypertension, through the documented "fight-or-flight" response of the hypothalamus. The relaxation response is an innate, integrated set of physiologic changes opposite to the fight-or-flight response. There are many techniques that elicit the relaxation response. Various investigations indicate that regular use of one of these can also reduce alcohol intake, drug abuse, and cigarette smoking. The business community has the opportunity to help itself and its employees by introducing these stress-reducing techniques into the workplace.
A case study examines the history of McDonald's compensation schemes for managers. The initial plans, managers complained, based compensation on sales volume, were too complicated, and used bonus payments based on supervisors' subjective evaluations which inaccurately recognized performance. McDonald's then developed four alternative plans. Four experts comment on the plans and outline various objectives: to be result-oriented, to produce extra effort, direct effort, provide compensation, encourage risk, place an emphasis on higher sales, avoid rapid upward mobility, and provide a comprehensible system which the managers find fair.
A basic note to be used at the beginning of the introductory marketing course to familiarize students with the arithmetic techniques, concepts, and terms that are typically employed in the analysis of a first year marketing case.
A cognitive style model provides some explanation of the processes affecting managers' assessment of their environment. Systematic thinkers tend to look for methods, make plans, define the quality of solutions in terms of method, discard alternatives quickly, conduct ordered searches for additional information and complete all steps of the analysis they have begun. Intuitive thinkers keep the overall problem continuously in mind, redefine the problem frequently, rely on hunches, consider a number of alternatives simultaneously and explore and abandon hunches quickly.
U.S. business considers the "productivity crisis" a competition problem. One solution to the problem is the use of the "focused" factory system to increase productivity. This type of plant concentrates on performing a couple of manufacturing tasks extremely well. Overhead costs are lower and quality higher than in the typical factory. Current high factory costs are a result of "professionalism" in the plant and product proliferation. A manufacturing focus can be achieved through explicitly outlining corporate strategy, translating this strategy into manufacturing functions, examining the product system carefully, and reorganizing the system to produce a "congruent" focus.
Presents the problem facing a newly appointed high school principal. Raises issues about interpersonal and group behavior including lack of open conflict resolution and the need to intervene in an interpersonal conflict. Also raises the issue of intergroup conflict between headmasters and department chairmen, as well as value questions concerning the need for discipline and innovation. Discusses several structural questions concerning the existing "house system" organization.
Growth in demands on the bank's "back office" required a totally new approach to management. New stress on systems orientation, objectives, measurement, process design and control has resulted in lower costs, fewer people, and higher quality. Also resulted in fear, suspicion, and alienation in middle management. How to get the benefits of change without the unanticipated consequences?
Growth in the banking field has produced new demands on the "back office." Traditional management practices in check processing and paper handling operations have resulted in ten years of cost increases and quality loss. New manager of the operating group faces an action question--can he turn the back office into a production-oriented factory?
The profit impact of market strategies (PIMS) project is a study of 57 North American corporations representing 620 diverse businesses. The three factors in the PIMS profit model that substantially influence the return on investment (ROI) in a corporation are market share, investment intensity, and company factors. The market share of a corporation relates to its profitability; corporations with a large market share and a superior quality product average the highest return on investment. Investment intensity (the ratio of total investment to sales), also relates directly to profitability. A high ratio of investment to sales results in a low ROI. Company factors, such as size and diversity, also influence ROI.
Provides details of the mining agreement between Bougainville Copper and the government of Papua New Guinea; some historical, cultural, social, political, and economic information on Papua New Guinea; and historical and financial information on Bougainville Copper. Designed for use in negotiation planning and bargaining studies from either the government's or the company's point of view.
Maxco and Gambit are bidding for an oil lease. Gambit will soon know the value of the lease with some precision. Maxco is bidding with no such precise information. The objective is to get the student to think hard about how Gambit will bid before deciding on Maxco's strategy.
Involves the unionization of the employees of a commercial bank by one of the big national unions. Illustrates the reasons why bank employees and other white collar employees may feel the need for union representation.
MRC, Inc. faces a decision regarding entry into the production of polyester fiber in competition with much larger firms. An updated version of an earlier case by J.H. McArthur.