After early sales gains with a five-minute oil change offering, Delta Oils witnesses a slump in business. The owner decides to research the oil change consumer. The case introduces students to the design of a consumer study; specifically, the design, sequencing, formulation, administration and interpretation of a survey on consumer behaviours surrounding oil changes in passenger vehicles. A follow-up case Delta Oil Outlets (B) is available.

A survey of the oil change consumer has been completed for Delta Oil. The student must analyze the results and report conclusions and recommendations to Delta Oil management. The case presents the actual results of an extensive consumer survey. Delta Oil (B) introduces basic analytical techniques for market research: stratified and segmented sampling, analysis of frequency distributions and cross-tabulations. The importance of sampling methods and .....more

Teaching note for product 9A95K006.

A packaging engineer is considering upgrading a manual stretch-wrap machine, or replacing it with a semi-automatic or automatic system. A recommendation is needed, and must be based on a detailed analysis of the capital outlays and annual savings for each alternative. Qualitative issues must also be addressed. The case presents an opportunity to both conduct differential analysis and to demonstrate the limitations of differential analysis. The instructor .....more

The assistant plant manager was trying to decide on production scheduling and inventory management policies for the new computer diskette plant. Students are presented with three demand forecasts of increasing complexity as variability between and within product lines emerges. The case is suitable for students to do an economic order quantity (EOQ) analysis and draft a production schedule.

Teaching note for product 9A94D014.