This case presents Harlequin in 1979 at the peak of its success. The company is looking at diversification, trying to use its ever increasing cash flow. Specific issues are the type of diversification (if any) the company should engage in, and whether it should set up its own sales force in the U.S. The general issue is one of accurately identifying Harlequin's capabilities. This case should be used, although it is not strictly necessary, with th...

The president of Mr. Jax is faced with a strategy and resource related decision. The company has pursued a product diversification strategy during the past several years, but the Free Trade environment would best suit a strategy of expansion into the U.S. market. Unfortunately, limited resources require the president to make some choices regarding a future strategy for Mr. Jax.

Unicorp Canada has announced a tender offer for Union Enterprises Ltd. Unicorp management must devise a strategy subsequent to the hostile takeover offer. The case illustrates the full range of actions, from political to scorched earth, available to a target in defending itself in a hostile situation. (This is a sequel to Unicorp Tender for Union Enterprises (A), case 9A90B034.)

As they approached their strategic session, TransAlta's senior executives confronted a changing business environment. The company's goal had always been to provide reliable electric service to their customers at the lowest possible cost. Now a new variable was entering the picture: the environment and the question of sustainable development. The release of the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, chaired by Harlem Brundt...

The president of Polysar's global rubber division must determine how to commercialize an award-winning new product, Tornac Rubber. This product represents a potentially critical addition to the company's core business activities. Although members of Tornac Rubber's product development team are highly committed to the product, recent market developments combined with the financial circumstances of Polysar's new parent company create uncertainty re...

A co-operative involves many unique business features, and these are illustrated by Mountain Equipment Co-op. Of particular interest is the way in which customers are shareholders, and so the firm faces customer empowerment that both strengthens its market presence and also influences its product mix and pricing structure. Management faces a unique set of success criteria. Apart from its co-op nature, Mountain Equipment demonstrates the creative ...

A consultant wasn't convinced that all relevant items, for example, leading and lagging indicators, were either currently being identified and measured, or would continue to be in the future. That is, he questioned whether the company was adequately following a strategic approach to measurement. At the same time, he wondered what changes were necessary to effectively implement such an approach.

The Independent Committee of the Board of Directors of Goodyear Canada Inc. must assess the fairness of the proposed Going Private amalgamation received from Goodyear Canada's parent, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company offered to buy all the common shares of Goodyear Canada not already owned by them (11.2% of the shares issued were in public hands) for $48.00 (CDN) in cash per share. This represe...

This case explores a proposal by Labatt management to purchase a 22% interest in a Mexican brewing business and strike associated agreements for cooperative activities throughout North America. An evaluation of the deal requires an assessment of the prospects of the venture in the Mexican and U.S. beer markets, the potential for synergies in the cooperative activities, and ultimately the pricing and financing of an investment in a developing econ...

The operations manager of the Westover Inn has just decided to purchase an equity position in the Inn. He has mixed feelings of both elation and dread. Now that the decision has been made, the real work can begin. The focus of the case is dealing with several inter-related strategy, marketing, operations, human resources, technology, and communications decisions required to ensure that the purchase will be a success. (This is a supplement to West...