Amway of Canada is faced with decisions surrounding the replacement of photocopiers at its Canadian headquarters. As the lease has expired on its current copiers, Amway is beginning the process of evaluating new copier brands, vendors and related technologies. However, what initially appeared to be a rather straightforward rebuy purchasing situation is becoming a more complex organizational decision. Specifically, the number of potential vendors is .....more

One of the founders of a small business owners' purchasing cooperative organized four months earlier, was reflecting on its successful performance. The members of the co-op were willing to share responsibilities in the management of the co-op's primary activities of obtaining price quotes, invoicing members, and making delivery arrangements. The members were currently considering the possibility of extending the types of materials purchased .....more

Up-In-Smoke is an inventory valuation exercise using the periodic method. Completed in two steps, students are first required to value the total goods available for sale by considering items such as duty, taxes, returns, discount terms, FOB, and purchase prices. Once completed, various methods to value the inventory ending balance can be applied and compared, namely FIFO, LIFO and the weighted-average-cost method.

After one year of operations, the new manager of a tennis pro shop and bar lounge must prepare, with the help of the company's accountant, financial statements from notes kept throughout the year. The case is intended to be an introductory exercise in accounting for simple transactions relating to assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Adjusting entries such as amortization and cost of goods sold are required. Students are asked to complete .....more

This note explains the mechanics and financial accounting theory involved in preparing the statement of changes in financial position on a cash basis. A comprehensive example is included in this note, along with discussion on how to interpret the statement once it is produced.

The vice-president of rehabilitation and support at a hospital must decide if the request from a department to automate and track the dispatch of porters within the hospital is the best solution. He is aware that this area has been experiencing problems, however, he is not sure he has enough information to make the decision and instructs the manager of the department to provide a cost-benefit analysis and alternatives.

An entrepreneur has received exclusive rights to distribute a new product in Ontario and Quebec. Students will learn to value a company's inventory ending balance using the FIFO, LIFO and average cost methods, to understand and calculate the net realizable value of the ending inventory, under specified conditions and to develop the ability to sort and identify relevant information within a realistic context.

Marketing improves an organization's performance by establishing and fostering profitable relationships with customers. This note details the major choices faced by marketing professionals and the 10 steps for preparing a successful marketing plan.

This note details the critical areas that apply most directly to the job of a manager and to some of the research that has been accomplished in this area. Specific topics include organizational structure and culture, effective leadership techniques, the proper use of power and influence, proven ways of motivating employees and the effects cognitive differences and diversity in the workplace have on behavior in organizations.

This note explores four fundamental aspects of all organizations in order to help students develop an effective operating point of view and decision-making skills related to operations. The basic components of operating systems are outlined as well as key tasks for operations managers, types of operations systems and tools to help diagnose and solve common operations problems.