個案總覽

In today's world of little or no economic growth and rapid technological change, many companies are faced with declining product demand beyond their control. A study of the strategies of over 95 companies that confronted declining markets suggests that companies can often be very successful if they analyze all the characteristics that shape competition in the end game and act in accordance with their own needs. Strategic alternatives for declining business include leadership; niche; harvest; and quick divestment.

The quality of customer service is often as important as the quality of the product. A company can evaluate its customer service by performing a customer service audit. To effectively implement a customer service program the company should educate customers; educate employees; be efficient first, nice second; standardize service response systems; develop a pricing policy; involve subcontractors, if necessary; and evaluate the customer service operation.

Describes the development of the first CT Scanner by EMI, a company new to the medical industry, and EMI's entry into the U.S. market. The company's early success is threatened by the entry of a dozen competitors (some very large and experienced), by government regulation, and by internal organizational problems.

Describes the development of the first CT Scanner by EMI, a company new to the medical industry, and EMI's entry into the U.S. market. The company's early success is threatened by the entry of a dozen competitors (some very large and experienced), by government regulation, and by internal organizational problems.

Spreadsheet supplement for case 383-184.

Spreadsheet supplement for case 383-195.

Students are asked to determine the fair market value of Carlton Polish Co. and decide if Mr. Carlton should buy out his partner's half for $25 million. Carlton's alternative is to sell his half for $25 million. Students must also evaluate a financing plan.

Describes a decision confronting the president of a small company about selling some or all of the shares in his company to another firm. Technical Data Corp. provides analytical services to professional bond market traders over a system of computer terminals operated by Telerate. The company began operation in 1980 and has been very successful. The key issues in the case are: how the value of the company should be estimated and what a reasonable negotiating strategy for the potential sale of the company is.

Contains materials extracted from a business plan developed by the company in 1980. The purpose of the business plan was to raise $100,000 to finance the commencement of operations. The firm intended to provide analytical services to bond market traders. The product would be distributed to traders over a system of computer terminals operated by Telerate. Intended to act as a vehicle for discussing business plans per se, and how one decides to invest in new ventures more generally.

A five-stage framework will help owners to determine their company's stage of development and how to ensure a profitable future. It is also useful to consultants and accountants in diagnosing problems and matching solutions to smaller organizations. The five stages are existence, survival, success (with the substages of disengagement and growth), take-off, and resource maturity. Each stage has an index of size, diversity, and complexity.

One way for companies to get reliable information about the economic risk of capital investment strategies is to use the capital asset pricing model (CAPM). It enables them to quantify risk and to link it with the returns they expect. Alaska Interstate, Inc. is one company that has used CAPM successfully to incorporate a consideration of risk into its strategic planning process.

The new commercial reality is the emergence of global markets for standardized consumer products on a previously unimagined scale of magnitude. Technology, by proletarianizing communication, transport, and travel drives the world toward a converging commonality. Well-managed companies have moved from emphasis on customizing items to offering globally standardized products that are advanced, functional, reliable, and low priced. They benefit from enormous economies of scale in production, distribution, marketing, and management.

A large chemical company has developed a novel industrial maintenance item, for which a marketing program and budget must be prepared. Case requires students to forecast demand at end-user and industrial customer levels to identify elements of the marketing mix, and to prepare a plan and budget.

What happens to an industry with millions of employees that loses its comparative advantage? This note examines this question by looking at the global textile and apparel industry. With the Multi-Fiber Arrangement coming up for renewal in December 1981, the United States, Europe, and the developing world must decide how to divide the international textile market in the 1980s. The debate focuses on who wins and who loses from protectionism, and the advantages and disadvantages of free trade.

Various proposals are set forth for expanding the capacity of the hospital. In assessing them, serious consideration has to be given to the culture of the organization and the importance of preserving it in a service delivery system. In addition to issues of capacity and organizational analysis, describes a well-focused, well-managed medical service facility that may well point the way to future economies in the field.

Describes the start up, strategy, organizational design, and operations over the first eighteen months of the airline. Focuses on the creative use of human resources as an integral part of the business strategy.

American Home Products is a company with virtually no debt. Students are asked to analyze the company's debt policy and make a recommendation to the CEO. It is likely that adding debt to the capital structure would create some value for shareholders; the CEO is firmly against borrowing.

Introduction to basic notions of EDQ, reorder points, periodic review systems, and ABC Analysis.

Michael Bregman has successfully opened pilot installations of two different restaurant concepts. He now must develop a strategy for growth, including decisions about fast or slow growth, use of company-owned versus franchised units, and how to use the different concepts. To do this, Michael must give particular consideration to the pros and cons of franchising.

Often an executive blames a stressful work situation and lack of time for his or her unsatisfactory home life. These can be the cause, but they are frequently alibis to cover up much more personal factors. To improve their situation, executives need to establish clear, concrete, and achievable goals and to monitor the achievement of these. Projects should be modest, yield results that are both measurable and fun, and involve another person to help the executive persist. Authentic behavior and clear communication, together with imagination and playfulness, are the keys to a satisfying life at home.