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• Background Note | HBS Case Collection | 2012 (Revised from original 2010 version)

  Assessing a Company's Future Financial Health

  Thomas R. Piper

  The case provides students with (1) an understanding of the essence of long-term financial health; (2) familiarity with the calculation and meaning of various financial ratios; and (3) an understanding of the influence of a company's operating and competitive characteristics on its investment in various type assets, on the profitability of these investments, and on the financial structure of its balance sheet. The case also allows a discussion of (1) the incomplete and lagging nature of financial measures; (2) the influence of financial measures on behavior; and (3) the reality that financial analysis often results in better, more focused questions to be asked of management, not conclusive answers.

  Keywords: Financial Condition; Forecasting and Prediction; Investment Return; Operations; Competitive Strategy;

  Citation:

  Piper, Thomas R. "Assessing a Company's Future Financial Health." Harvard Business School Background Note 911-412, May 2012. (Revised from original November 2010 version.)

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• Case | HBS Case Collection | 2011 (Revised from original 1986 version)

  Donna Dubinsky and Apple Computer, Inc. (A)

  Describes a major conflict within Apple Computer in 1985 over control of product distribution. The founder and chairman, Steve Jobs, proposed a new distribution process which would transfer many responsibilities away from distribution manager, Donna Dubinsky. Dubinsky believed, however, that this process would be practically and financially unworkable. Presents her defensive and unsuccessful conflict management, culminating in her threatened resignation. May be used with Debi Coleman and Apple Computer, Inc.

  Citation:

  Jick, Todd D., and Mary C. Gentile. "Donna Dubinsky and Apple Computer, Inc. (A)." Harvard Business School Case 486-083, September 2011. (Revised from original February 1986 version.)

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• Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2011 (Revised from original 2010 version)

  Assessing a Company's Future Financial Health (TN)

  Thomas R. Piper

  Teaching Note for 911412.

  Keywords: Financial Condition; Forecasting and Prediction;

  Citation:

  Piper, Thomas R. "Assessing a Company's Future Financial Health (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 911-415, January 2011. (Revised from original November 2010 version.)

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