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The part owner of Rynard Farms needed to determine what changes, if any, to make in the farm's overall strategy to ensure its profitability and keep up with the demands of the industry and his family. Rynard Farms had been passed down from generation to generation for more than 130 years and focused on producing beef cattle and some cash crops. However, this tradition of successful farming faced an aging ownership and a lack of strategic direction.

Three engineering students consider the direction they should take with their award-winning design project, the Golf Swing Analyzer. Media attention to their project indicated that the idea had the potential to become a successful business venture. The students were unsure whether to manufacture and market the device themselves or sell the design to an interested party.

Fluid Analyzers Inc. is a small manufacturer and distributor of hydraulic fittings and has recently developed a new product, the SV pushbutton. The president must decide on a number of issues relating to the product, including target market, manufacturing process, and product features. Using managerial and financial analysis methods he must develop an overall business strategy, incorporating company goals and capabilities with industry trends.

Chip Tec Industries Inc. repairs chips and scuffs on vehicles. A current employee has an opportunity to purchase the business. He must analyse the financial statements to determine the financial status of the company and evaluate the asking price for the business.

The director of occupational health & safety services at St. Joseph's Health Care London reviewed a report which stated that roughly half of the staff working at the veterans care facility at the Parkwood Hospital were vaccinated against the influenza virus. With the flu season quickly approaching, the director knew that she had to motivate a larger number of staff in the veterans care facility (as well as other staff at St. Joseph's) to be vaccinated against the influenza virus in order to reduce the risk of life-threatening flu outbreaks among the patients. She wondered what specific actions she could take improve the vaccination rate at Parkwood Hospital and other St. Joseph's facilities.

The operations manager of a custom kitchen cabinet manufacturer wants to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the company's production line. He plans to purchase a computer numeric controlled router, but must decide whether to purchase a new or a used machine. He must also decide on changes to the cabinet manufacturing line to ensure that the plant's capacity will meet forecasted demand in the upcoming year.

Kismet Inc. was a rapidly growing distributor of tools and hobby products that focused on selling lower-priced tools through mobile tool shows. The president and treasurer of the company projected a need for funds to finance the company's rapid expansion. The partners wanted to have all the necessary information for the financial institution's account manager when they presented their financing plans.

The operations manager of a custom kitchen cabinet manufacturer wants to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the company's production line. He plans to purchase a computer numeric controlled router, but must decide whether to purchase a new or a used machine. He must also decide on changes to the cabinet manufacturing line to ensure that the plant's capacity will meet forecasted demand in the upcoming year.

Planet Intra sold information management systems used to share information and data through a Web-based interface, giving the employees of an organization and its respective suppliers and customers access to the services. The chief executive had to determine what changes, if any, would be required to Planet Intra's overall strategy so that the venture capitalists funding the firm could achieve their desired return on investment. He must complete a valuation of the firm and formulate a detailed strategy by which the company can increase its sales and profits, becoming even more attractive to a potential purchaser.

Biosonics Incorporated was a rapidly growing entrepreneurial company specializing in the application of high frequency technology as a measurement tool for medical research. The president and one of the founding partners must determine the future direction of the company in the face of several possible options: continue to sell the company's measurement system; introduce the system into new, related markets; develop application technology for the clinical market; sell the company's intellectual property; sell the rights to the technology; or sell the company.

A health-care organization is seeking financing for the construction of a new long-term care facility. The project manager of the health-care centre must assess the situation qualitatively, review the statement of cash flows, prepare a projected statement, and perform ratio and collateral analysis to determine the likelihood of the organization obtaining financing.

The president of Try Recycling & Aggregates, a company which recycled materials not acceptable at garbage landfill sites, has to decide whether the company should sell its products through a new fundraising initiative - the Grow Green Program. This program would involve approaching organizations taking part in fundraising activities to determine if they would be interested in selling the company's gardening products in order to raise funds for their organizations. He had determined which products would be sold, but must determine which fundraising organizations to target and how to promote his idea.

Timbercreek Investments Inc. is a small investment company that specializes in the management and acquisition of income-producing real estate. For an upcoming directors meeting, the director of acquisitions must make a recommendation on the financial needs of the company for the fiscal year. With considerable growth over the past two years, the company would need additional funds to pay for the increase in operating expenses. He must analyse the company's financial statement and decide whether the company should obtain a bank loan, ask the partners to contribute further equity or approach investors.

Canada's Cleaners Inc. is a dry cleaning company. The owner is considering selling a piece of shirt-pressing equipment and investing in one of three available machines. The current machine's quality is no longer meeting the company's standards and most likely will only last for another three years. He must do a cost and benefit analysis to determine which machine he should purchase.

The programmer for Camp Happy Valley, a day camp for children, was wondering what he could do to boost the camp's morale and improve its organization. Last summer's disappointing season had resulted in many complaints from staff, campers and parents. Changes would have to be made to ensure that the camp's upcoming season would be successful. The young programmer must examine several aspects of the camp's organization in order to assess where change is needed. Staff selection, staff training and remuneration are some of the obvious areas that need attention. Camp morale and overall environment need a major overhaul as well. The programmer must decide how best to use his own leadership style to influence and motivate his staff to bring about the necessary changes.

Malkam Cross-Cultural Training is a provider of language and cultural diversity training. A development associate must prepare recommendations for the firm's latest marketing campaign. The company was anxious to develop its company brand as distinct from the reputation of its founder and president. The development associate had narrowed the promotional choices to two: develop a direct mail campaign or a print advertising campaign. He must be able to gauge and monitor the success of either or both campaigns.

A respected dentist wants to expand his office space to accommodate his growing business and has approached his bank for funding of the project. The newly appointed manager of commercial accounts considers the loan request. He wants to ensure his assumptions are reasonable to minimize the risk. He must analyse the financial performance and financial statements, determine the type of loan required and evaluate alternatives.

Moonsnail Soapworks is a small manufacturer of natural, handmade soap products. The founder and co-owner of the company wants to address three key issues. First, to decide whether to introduce a new cream and if so, determine the strategy to be used for pricing, distribution and promotion. Second, to determine whether the move to a new location had been beneficial for the company; and third; to decide on the best strategy to improve performance and profitability at one of Canada's largest craft shows. All of these decisions need to consider the company's current financial health and cash position.

Dunes Inc. is a concept for a tanning salon and healthy lifestyle retail store on a university campus. Two students have developed and refined a business plan, and are about to present their proposal to the manager of the university's community centre. The two partners must thoroughly assess the potential costs of operation, determine whether the profits will justify their equity investment, and decide whether the business will be an attractive investment for future potential buyers.

BootCamp4MBA.COM is an online educational Web site that helps students prepare for an MBA program or undergraduate degree. The president of Strategic Management Science, Incorporated, the owner of BootCamp4MBA.COM, struggles to improve the sales of BootCamp's online business school preparatory courses. A comprehensive marketing plan must be developed and implemented quickly, including appropriate pricing, product offerings and market communications necessary to advertise and sell products and services online.