This section contains suggested solutions and notes for each of the case questions. Please note there is an Excel spreadsheet relating to question 5—how to improve profitability (discussed in the section below), which allows for development of alternative scenarios (see Appendix B for the link to the downloadable Excel file). A grading rubric is also included in Appendix A to provide guidance to instructors on how to grade the case submissions from students. Please note this example provides general guidance on the design of a rubric in the context of this case, as we expect instructors may need to adapt such a rubric on a case-by-case basis depending on the nature of the course and the requirements of their institution.
The economic environment in the U.S. is gradually recovering from the 2008 global financial crisis and is showing important improvements in economic activity, job growth, and business confidence. While the...
