In 2012, the Jamaican economy was in a crisis. It had an estimated debt-to–gross domestic product ratio of 147 per cent. To alleviate the crisis, the Jamaican government signed both an extended fund facility for US$948 million, in 2013, and a precautionary stand-by arrangement for US$1.64 billion, in 2016, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As a condition of the IMF loan, the Jamaican government agreed to an economic reform agenda with requirements .....more

In January 2022, Nicholas Chen had to decide whether to invest in one of two solar power systems to reduce the energy cost of the manufacturing company, Jamaica Macaroni Factory Ltd.’s (JMF). He could purchase a 100kW solar power system and generate some of the energy JMF used while also selling back electricity to the grid when the factory was not operating, or he could purchase a 230kW system, which would produce more energy but, due to regulatory .....more

The Carmen Canning Company Limited was the major fruit juice canning company in Jamaica. The plant manager learned that the press manufacturers were offering new machinery for cover making. These new presses were capable of higher speed production and required less maintenance than the existing equipment in the cannery. If he wanted to convert to the new presses, he would have to present a feasibility report to the board of directors meeting. If he .....more

A Canadian couple working as volunteers in a human resource centre in Jamaica meet with the centre's principal to discuss their concerns about the general disorganization and lack of motivation at the inner-city community centre's remedial summer school. The principal asks for recommendations to improve the experience for both teachers and students and to address the problems of absenteeism and tardiness.

An entrepreneur is hoping to open Caribbean Internet Cafe in Kingston, Jamaica. He has gathered data on all the relevant costs: equipment, rent, labor, etc. He has also found a partner in the local telephone company, Jamaica Telecommunications Limited (JTL). JTL has provided equity and a long-term loan at favourable interest rates. He is now faced with the task of analyzing fixed, variable and start-up costs, contribution margin, and the concept of .....more

Mr. Thompson accepted the position of general manager at the Carmen Canning Company in Jamaica. He spent his first months familiarizing himself with the various operations and management practice. Although he had extensive experience in the fruit industry in Hawaii, the Jamaican situation was substantially different. One matter of great concern to him was the general lack of responsibility shown by employees. This was manifested by what seemed to .....more

Mr. Basil Hart, a work study specialist, visited the Carmen Canning Company to assist in the development of work standards. His investigations were heavily concerned with effective use of equipment and labour in various plant operations. An important department in terms of size and factory costs was can making. Mr. Hart ran some preliminary time studies to gain an insight into the operations of this department. He was now ready to analyze the results .....more