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Explores how Sony manages its Walkman line in both the domestic (Japanese) and Western markets. Describes a simple target costing system, a simple Japanese cost accounting system, and the management of product proliferation.

The purpose of this case is to allow students to confront the issues related to starting a new service business, such as evaluation of the business concept, identification of different customer segments, and assessment of the comprehensive service package necessary for long-term success in a competitive service industry. Students are also asked to record projected transactions, prepare projected financial statements, and perform a break-even analysis. It is intended for use early in a course on financial accounting and reporting. A companion case, "Classic Tours, Inc.: Strategic and Financial Issues in Starting a Business," (UVA-C-2141), was subsequently written for use in such courses as Starting New Ventures or Entrepreneurship, where greater emphasis would be placed on the strategic considerations and somewhat less emphasis would be placed on the financial details.

Spreadsheet supplement for 195096.

San Francisco Bay Consulting leads the field of economic consulting and litigation support in the application of powerful computers and cutting edge software to manipulate and analyze large data sets. The transfer pricing system, used to facilitate the purchasing and payment of computer resources, is falling apart as computer prices drop and consultant demands broaden. Researchers, forbidden to go outside for their hardware or software needs, range from frustrated to furious when they can't get the software they want or when transfer prices yield charges to clients that are greater than their computer's current market price. The case presents the company as it evaluates the system and discusses possible changes in pricing and sourcing policies.

Presents a summary of analyst and newspaper reports of events. Designed as an in-class handout. An abridged version of the (B1) case.

After years of deteriorating financial performance and eroding market position, Safeway, Inc., the largest public grocery store chain in the United States, found itself the target of a hostile takeover offer. Management decided to take the company private in a $4.3 billion leveraged buyout sponsored by Kohlberg Kravis and Roberts. This case begins with the controversy surrounding Safeway's sale of its Dallas division as a result of the LBO and retraces the events leading up to the LBO. Continues with a discussion of the challenges facing management in restructuring the company--including the renegotiation of uncompetitive labor contracts and the intense pressure from the capital markets (through hostile takeover offers) to relinquish control of the company.

Supplements the (A) case.

Focuses exclusively on the controversy by presenting the media responses to the LBO and its aftermath, including full text of Faludi's interview with Safeway CEO Peter Magowan, and her subsequent Journal article.

Explains how managed care organizations use capitation as a payment method for providers.

Fil Metaillique de Briteque Limitee (FMBL), a small Montreal company, had to decide whether or not to offer a discounted price on their most widely-sold product in order to recapture a large ex-customer. After doing a qualitative size-up of the firm and the industry, students are expected to compare the new lower price to FMBL's costs to determine if accepting the offer is in the best interest of the company. A consideration of pricing policy, strategy and profitability are central to the decision.

Kendall Square Research was a small competitor in the supercomputer industry. As sales grew rapidly in 1992 and early 1993, the company sold stock to the public for the first time and analysts forecast higher earnings for 1993. However, when the company's revenue recognition practices were questioned the answers were devastating.

Spreadsheet Supplement for case 194068

Presents a summary of analyst and newspaper reports of events. Designed as an in-class handout.

Management accounting techniques, such as cost-price relationships and the evaluation of sub-units, are discussed in this introductory note. Readers are exposed to various costing methods (direct costing, absorption costing and full costing) and their appropriate uses. As well, some of the problems of cost allocations are discussed.

Management accounting techniques, such as cost-price relationships and the evaluation of sub-units, are discussed in this introductory note. Readers are exposed to various costing methods (direct costing, absorption costing and full costing) and their appropriate uses. As well, some of the problems of cost allocations are discussed.

Komatsu, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, seeks to expand aggressively through the 1990s. Key to its competitiveness is a strict adherence to target costs throughout the product development process. Komatsu conducts several design-for-manufacturability cost studies to ensure a product's profitability, sets target costs for suppliers, and uses cost reduction techniques when necessary. Because it is a crucial element of the design and manufacturing processes, Komatsu's target costing system is central to the firm's plans for growth, globalization, and diversification.

Describes Nissan's sophisticated target costing system in the context of new product introduction. On the basis of consumer analysis and a life cycle contribution study, Nissan conducts an exhaustive analysis of component costs to determine whether a new model can be profitably manufactured. Cost reduction measures are then pursued both internally and with suppliers to ensure that the model can be produced to the target cost. The target costing system is central to Nissan's continued competitiveness in the fiercely contested Japanese automobile market.

Metallgesellschaft AG is a commodity and engineering conglomerate based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Metallgesellschaft Corp., a New York based subsidiary of the group, has made oil trading and hedging errors that could drive the group into insolvency. The impact of hedge accounting rules on the quality of the information available to top management is examined.

Describes principal differences between U.K. and U.S. accounting standards.

Discusses global accounting policies for intangible assets other than goodwill. How financial analysts deal with the diversity in these practices is also covered.