Florida Advance Directive Planning For Important Healthcare: Fill & Download for Free

Ordinarily if an estate planning document is valid in the place and at the time it is made it continues to be valid no matter where you move. That being said, an update to your documents is probably a good idea. Although valid, the Florida documents may be sufficiently different looking from Maryland’s standards that it could cause your family headache if your are incapacitated or pass away. Ease of use is important. Your trust should be amended to change the law under which it will be interpreted. I also recommend that you update your Advance Directive/ Healthcare power of attorney. and durable financial power of power of attorney. I am not licensed to practice in either Maryland or Florida but I am a aware of some differences between the two states. One significant difference that comes to mind is that while most states allow your power of attorney to become effective only if your are disabled or activate the document is another way - Florida powers of attorney can only be immediately effective, In general when you move to a new state it is good to have your documents reviewed by a local - the tricky part is that sometimes restating your trust may be less work than converting it. This is also an excellent opportunity to make certain your document does for you all that such a document can do. Talk to local counsel.

Harvard Business School Brief CasesAccountingBiovail Corporation: Revenue Recognition and FOB Sales AccountingBiovail Corporation, a major Canadian pharmaceutical company, announces that it will miss its quarterly earnings target by $25 to $45 million, blaming $10 to $15 million of the shortfall on a truck accident that occurred on the last day of the quarter. Explores the concepts of revenue recognition, the ethics of earnings management, relationships with analysts, and the enforcement role of the SEC.Danshui Plant No. 2A plant in southern China has a contract to assemble 2.4 million Apple iPhones. Three months into the contract, the plant is operating at a loss. The plant manager analyzes the budget and considers whether changing from a static to flexible budget can help uncover the performance problems.Depreciation at Delta Air Lines: The "Fresh Start"After Delta adopts fair value accounting as part of its "fresh start" emergence from bankruptcy, the company changes its approach to depreciating its aircraft. Introduces students to depreciation policy and links between accounting policies and financial reporting choices.Jimmy Fu and Moog, Inc.: Understanding Shareholders' EquityJimmy Fu is interviewing for a job at Moog, Inc. In the job offer, the vesting and termination language for the stock plan leads Jimmy to investigate the Shareholders' Equity section of the Moog balance sheet and he finds more activity than he expects.Luotang Power: Variances ExplainedThe general manager of a coal-fired power plant in central China prepares for a presentation to the board of directors. He believes his company performed well in the previous year in several key metrics but the performance is not reflected in the financial results.Lyons Document Storage Corporation: Bond MathA manager must analyze the refunding of bonds issued in 2000, when interest rates were higher. Students must calculate the present value of interest and principal payments.Merrimack Tractors and Mowers: LIFO or FIFO?A CFO proposes use of FIFO to maintain earnings growth, accepting possible tax consequences. The case demonstrates that firms often have choices about accounting policies.The Talbots, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries: Accounting for GoodwillFocusing on the firm's acquisition of J. Jill, the case demonstrates what goodwill is, how it originates, how it is measured at acquisition, and how it is amortized or impaired.FinanceBlaine Kitchenware: Capital StructureIn response to an unsolicited takeover, a kitchen appliance maker contemplates using excess liquidity and additional borrowing for a stock repurchase. The company must determine the effects of increasing leverage on the cost of capital, firm value, and share price.Ceres Gardening Company: Funding Growth in Organic ProductsAn aggressive player in the organic gardening industry offers steep discounts and vendor financing to its retailers in an effort to increase market penetration. Students analyze the company's financial statements and make projections.Flash Memory, Inc.A small firm in the computer and electronic device memory market must invest heavily in new product development to stay competitive. The Chief Financial Officer is in the process of preparing the investing and financing plans for the next three years and must consider alternatives for additional funding in light of increased working capital requirements.Groupe Ariel S.A.: Parity Conditions and Cross-Border ValuationGroupe Ariel evaluates a proposal from its Mexican subsidiary to purchase and install cost-saving equipment at a manufacturing facility. Ariel corporate policy requires a discounted cash flow (DCF) and an estimate for the net present value (NVP) for capital expenditures in foreign markets. A major challenge of the case is which currency to use, the Euro or the peso.Hansson Private Label, Inc.: Evaluating an Investment in ExpansionA manufacturer of private-label personal care products must decide whether to fund an unprecedented expansion of manufacturing capacity. This case requires students to complete a fundamental analysis of the project, including the development of cash flow projections and net present value calculations.Harmonic Hearing Co.Two employees from a small manufacturer of hearing aids consider purchasing the company from the founder. Two financing alternatives are presented: one is virtually all debt-financed, the other all equity. The financing structure will significantly affect future products and firm performance.Hill Country Snack Food Co.The CEO of a snack food company believes in maximizing shareholder value by maintaining large cash balances and funding new initiatives internally using equity finance over debt finance. As he approaches retirement, analysts and investors want the company to adopt a more aggressive capital structure.Jones Electrical DistributionDespite several years of rapid sales growth and good profits, Jones Electrical Distribution experiences short-term cash shortages. The company is unable to take discounts on accounts payable and increasingly relies on loans from the bank to cover expenses. Company owner Nelson Jones weighs the options for managing sales growth against additional financing needs.Mercury Athletic: Valuing the OpportunityThe head of business development at Active Gear Advantage, a mid-size athletic footwear company, sees the opportunity to acquire Mercury Athletic and double the size of his business. Students gain exposure to basic DCF valuation using WACC.Midland Energy Resources, Inc.: Cost of CapitalThe senior vice president of project finance for a global oil and gas company must determine the weighted average cost of capital for the company as a whole and each of its divisions. Students become familiar with WACC and CAPM and associated data and formulas.Monmouth, Inc.A leading producer of engines and massive compressors for the natural gas industry considers whether to acquire a tool company. Students must choose an approach for valuing the company and consider how the offer should be structured.New Heritage DollA mid-sized, privately-owned, domestic firm evaluates two investment alternatives. The case explores basic issues in capital budgeting and requires students to analyze financial information from competing capital budgeting projects and choose a single investment project.Pacific Grove Spice CompanyA manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of spices and seasonings utilizes debt to fund the necessary growth in assets to support sales. The bank is concerned about the total amount of interest-bearing debt on the firm's balance sheet and has asked the company to provide a plan to reduce it.Polar Sports, Inc.A fashion skiwear company generates over 80% of sales between September and January and relies on seasonal production to respond promptly to customer orders. The VP of operations considers the costs and benefits of switching to level production.Sterling Household Products CompanyA manufacturer of laundry soap, cosmetics, cleaning and disinfecting products, and other consumer goods consider acquiring the germicidal and sanitation product unit from a company in the health care industry. A complete investment analysis may reveal whether the purchase price adds enough value to the firm.Valuation of AirThread ConnectionsA senior associate in the business development group at American Cable Communications must prepare a preliminary valuation for acquiring AirThread Connections, a regional cellular provider. This case can be used as a capstone valuation exercise for first-year MBA students in an introductory finance course.Winfield Refuse Management: Raising Debt vs. EquityA small, publicly traded company specializing in non-hazardous waste management considers a major acquisition in the Midwestern U.S. The chief financial officer wants the company to reconsider a long-standing policy to avoid long term debt and fund the acquisition through a bond issue.General ManagementApplied Research Technologies, Inc.: Global Innovation's ChallengesStudents analyze the decisions and the leadership styles of both a unit manager and a division VP of ART, Inc., an organization whose culture of innovation has spawned many successful brands—but this same culture might also be putting one division and its leader at risk.Calveta Dining Services, Inc.: A Recipe for Growth?Calveta Dining Services enjoyed three decades of growth under its founder Antonio Calveta. Now that Antonio is retired, can his son Frank carry out Antonio's directive to double revenue within five years while still maintaining Calveta's distinctive pro-employee culture?Clayton Industries: Peter Arnell, Country Manager for ItalyIn Italy, the new country manager of a U.S.-based HVAC company is under pressure to solve a range of problems that thwart the home office's strategic plans. His options are constrained by a depressed economy, difficult union relations, rising materials prices, intense competition, and nationalistic buying preferences.A Day in the Life of Alex Sander: Driving in the Fast Lane at Landon Care ProductsA driven superstar performer at a cosmetics firm has an impressive record of accomplishments but is limited by an inability to function effectively in a team setting, as a 360 performance evaluation makes clear.Evergreen Natural Markets 2012Kathleen Norton, the CEO of a successful food retailer with a track record of growth through local acquisition, has her leadership skills tested when her company purchases seven stores outside of the home base.Sugar BowlShelby Givens, the Westlake Lanes general manager, has successfully transformed her family-owned bowling alley into an urban lounge called Sugar Bowl. When investors offer to buy the business, Givens must evaluate whether she should accept the offer or retain involvement in the venture she worked so hard to create.Westlake Lanes: How Can This Business Be Saved?A general manager tries to improve a failing business that is owned and operated by her family. She uses her recent MBA training to devise a short term turnaround strategy while also proposing a longer term transformation plan to the board.HR ManagementCeleritas, Inc.: Leadership Challenges in a Fast-Growth IndustryCeleritas is a leading data communications company in a crowded and highly competitive market. With sales suddenly declining after years of record growth, Celeritas has begun to lose its status as a top player. The CEO calls for an offsite meeting to address several problems he believes are causing the recent slide.Raleigh & Rosse: Measures to Motivate Exceptional ServiceIn January 2010, U. S. luxury goods retailer Raleigh & Rosse is being sued by its employees for encouraging "off the clock" hours. At the center of the class action lawsuit is the famous Raleigh & Rosse performance measurement system previously thought to be the core of the retailer's success.International BusinessBella Healthcare IndiaBella Healthcare India was originally established as a low-cost manufacturing facility for a U.S.-based cardiology equipment developer but has since evolved into its own research and development center. After a failed joint product development effort with its parent company in the U.S., is the Bella Bangalore team ready to launch a new product and if so, which project should it choose?Kent Chemical: Organizing for International GrowthWith a global expansion strategy placing increasing demands on his organization, the president of Kent Chemical International is proposing a third reorganization effort after two failed attempts to better align his business with its U.S.-based parent company.Levendary Cafe: The China ChallengeLevendary Cafe has grown from a small Colorado-based restaurant into a $10 billion business with international expansion plans. Despite its solid track record, Wall Street is nervous about Levendary and its new CEO, Mia Foster. Foster is working hard to prove herself worthy of the job and her first order of business is to address concerns about the Levendary Chinese expansion plan.Meli MarineAn inter-Asian container shipping company is facing an important strategic decision after an interesting acquisition opportunity presents itself— if the board purchases larger ships, should they enter the global Asian-North American shipping business?United Cereal: Lora Brill's Eurobrand ChallengeThe European division for a multinational breakfast foods company prepares to launch a new cereal product. The VP for the division must decide whether to make the new cereal the first branded cereal product for the European division and how to create an organizational structure to support the new product strategy.MarketingAlpen Bank: Launching the Credit Card in RomaniaAlpen Bank considers whether to launch a credit card business in Romania. The firm rejected the idea several years earlier because of poor economic conditions in Romania. However, the country is emerging from a recession and incomes are rising along with disposable income. Students decide whether to launch the new business and how to acquire new customers.Atius GolfA maker of high-performance golf balls considers introducing a new product line called Elevate to appeal to casual golfers. The new line will be available through "off-course" specialty stores and big box retailers at lower price. The board of directors is divided on whether to support the decision.Atlantic Computer: A Bundle of Pricing OptionsAtlantic Computer, a leading player in the high-end server market, has developed a new server, the Tronn, and a software tool, called the "Performance Enhancing Server Accelerator," or PESA, that allows the Tronn to perform up to four times faster than its standard speed. How should Atlantic price the Tronn and PESA?Brannigan Foods: Strategic Marketing PlanningThe vice president and general manager of the soup division is concerned about declining sales and profitability. Hoping to reverse the trends, he asks 4 managers to review an analysis of the soup industry and recommend a turnaround strategy. Students must perform a quantitative analysis of each proposal before making a final recommendation.Classic Knitwear and Guardian: A Perfect Fit?In response to shareholder demands for margin improvements, the CMO of Classic Knitwear, a private-label non-fashion knitwear manufacturer, considers partnering with another company to produce a new line of high-margin, insect-repellant clothing.Clean Edge Razor: Splitting Hairs in Product PositioningA health and beauty manufacturing company launches a new technologically advanced vibrating razor into the highly competitive men's market for shaving products. The product manager struggles with positioning the product either as a "niche" razor for the high-end market or as a mainstream razor for the average consumer.Cottle-Taylor: Expanding the Oral Care Group in IndiaThe director for oral care products in India develops a marketing plan to support 20% growth in India but her boss wants to see 30% growth. To reach the revised goal, she must develop a new marketing plan while considering many factors including the regional differences between rural and urban consumers and the level of acceptance for modern dental standards across India.Culinarian Cookware: Pondering Price PromotionFaced with ambiguous results from a previous price promotion, Culinarian must decide if a new promotion will damage its premium brand or improve brand awareness and stimulate sales. What role should price promotion play in the company's sales growth goals?The Fashion ChannelThe new Senior Vice President of Marketing for The Fashion Channel is preparing to recommend a change in the company's traditional marketing approach by introducing a market segmentation program. Students must evaluate consumer research results, calculate financial scenarios, and make their own recommendation.Flare Fragrances Company, Inc: Analyzing Growth OpportunitiesFlare Fragrances experiences a decline in annual sales growth and considers introducing a new line of perfume or expanding distribution. Students study a wide range of factors including brand management, consumer demographics, product positioning, and pricing.Giant Consumer Products: The Sales Promotion Resource Allocation DecisionIn an effort to boost sagging sales, the Frozen Food Division undertakes a risky trade promotion. Focuses on cannibalization, brand equity erosion, and strategic channel issues.Harrington Collection: Sizing Up the Active-Wear MarketIn the wake of slumping sales and sagging profit margins, a leading manufacturer and retailer of high-end women's apparel must decide whether to expand into the high-growth active-wear market. The case explores the financial implications, assesses trade and competitor reactions, considers the risks, and determines whether the company's Vigor division will be able to successfully launch and manage a new product line.Launching Krispy Natural: Cracking the Product Management CodeA market leader for the sweet snack market wants to enter the salty snacks market with a reinvented line of premium crackers. Market test results exceed expectations in one city and fall short in 3 others. The marketing director must interpret the test market results, consider possible competitive response, and develop a recommendation for a national rollout.Manchester Products: A Brand Transition ChallengeManchester, a furniture company, has acquired an extremely powerful brand but can use its name for only three years-so the VP of Marketing must design a plan that transitions the new brand's power back to the company. The case examines decision-making related to brand equity, communications, and other aspects of marketing strategy.MedNet.com Confronts "Click-Through" CompetitionIn January 2007, "MedNet.com" is a leading website that provides science-based health information free of charge to online visitors. Its business model relies on advertising sales, primarily to pharmaceutical companies. In the face of fierce advertising competition, MedNet is forced to defend this model. However, in defending the value MedNet delivers, company executives may be building the case for why niche sites may be a better investment for the advertiser's budget.Metabical: Positioning and Communications Strategy for a New Weight Loss DrugThe marketing director at a pharmaceutical company must carefully consider the positioning and communications strategy for the launch a new weight-loss drug. Poor positioning of the drug in the highly competitive market for weight-loss solutions could spell disaster.Metabical: Pricing, Packaging, and Demand Forecasting Recommendations for a New Weight-Loss DrugA pharmaceutical company develops a new weight loss drug called Metabical. The senior marketing manager explores three different pricing models and considers the effects on profitability before making a final recommendation.Mountain Man Brewing Co.: Bringing the Brand to LightMountain Man Beer Company brews just one beer, Mountain Man Lager, known as "West Virginia's beer," popular among blue-collar workers. When the company experiences declining sales, the CEO considers launching a new beer, Mountain Man Light, in the hope of attracting younger drinkers. Mountain Man Lager's brand equity is a key asset for the company. Will Mountain Man Light enhance, detract from, or irreversibly damage the brand?Natureview FarmNatureview Farm, a Vermont-based producer of organic yogurt with $13 million in revenues, is the leading national brand sold into natural foods stores. When the company faces financial pressure to increase revenues to $20 million due to a planned exit by its venture capital investors, the VP of marketing must decide whether to expand into the supermarket channel.Olympic Rent-A-Car U.S.: Customer Loyalty BattlesA rental car company must decide how to respond after a competitor changes its loyalty rewards program. Marketing and operations managers review the firm's financial performance and the current loyalty reward program as they consider their options.P.V. Technologies, Inc.: Were They Asleep at the Switch?A leading manufacturer of photovoltaic inverters used in solar energy technology receives a bad evaluation from its largest customer. The company must consider the consequences to its reputation while considering among four possible responses to the situation.Reed Supermarkets: A New Wave of CompetitorsThe marketing VP at a high-end, conventional supermarket chain is concerned about increased competition from dollar stores and limited-assortment stores offering very low price points. She must decide how to change the current marketing and positioning plan to increase market share.Reliance Baking Soda: Optimizing Promotional SpendingThe new Domestic Brand Director needs to create a marketing budget that delivers a profit increase of 10%, weighing the value of advertising, price increases, and the role of the brand within the company. Students are expected to create and defend a similar budget.Rosewood Hotels and Resorts: Branding to Increase Customer Profitability and Lifetime ValueRosewood Hotels & Resorts is a small firm running 12 individually branded luxury properties. Its new leadership is contemplating whether the firm should significantly increase the prominence of the corporate identity, making Rosewood a corporate brand. Students must calculate how customer lifetime value would be affected by a shift from individual branding to corporate branding.Saxonville Sausage CompanySaxonville Sausage, a $1.5 billion manufacturer of pork sausage products, is experiencing financial stress because its leading product lines have lately produced declining revenues-except an Italian sausage named Vivio, which has recently experienced a significant increase in revenues, as has the entire Italian sausage category nationwide. What steps should the company take to expand Vivio into a powerful national brand?Soren Chemical: Why Is the New Pool Product Sinking?Soren Chemicals launches a new water clarifier for residential swimming pools called Coracle and is surprised by poor sales. Coracle is chemically similar to the company's highly successful water clarifier for large pools at recreational facilities and offers the same superior product performance. The marketing manager suspects the go-to-market strategy may be flawed but can she diagnose the problem before the end of the selling season?The Springfield Nor'easters: Maximizing Revenues in the Minor LeaguesThe marketing director of a new minor-league baseball team must design, conduct, and then interpret survey research to determine optimal ticket pricing that will yield large attendance figures and contribute to the owner's goal of breaking even in the first year of play. The pricing assignment becomes more challenging when other variables like concessions revenue are considered. Students are asked to complete a quantitative assignment as part of case analysis, and they must also grapple with less quantifiable factors.TruEarth Healthy Foods: Market Research for a New Product IntroductionTruEarth Healthy Foods wants to build on its successful introduction of fresh whole grain pasta by introducing a similar product concept for pizza. Acting as brand managers, students analyze the data and decide whether to bring the new product to market.Operations ManagementAIC Netbooks: Optimizing Product AssemblyA manufacturer of printed circuit boards diversifies it product portfolio by launching its own line of mobile consumer electronics. After three months of production, the production manager must consider ways to increase efficiency and lower costs.Baria Planning Solutions, Inc.: Fixing the Sales ProcessA consulting firm that specializes in using spend analysis to help companies identify savings is concerned about the disappointing performance of the sales team in signing up new clients. The sales director must analyze the current process flow to identify the problems facing the sales organization.Bayonne Packaging, Inc.A printer and paper converter specializes in delivering innovative packaging solutions for its customers. Despite tripling sales, the firm posted its first loss in over 10 years. The VP of Operations must analyze the production process and recommend improvements.Bergerac Systems: The Challenge of Backward IntegrationA manufacturer of diagnostic instruments for veterinary practices relies on two suppliers for the plastic cartridges used for a range of blood and blood chemistry tests. The CEO is concerned about inconsistent deliveries and considers acquiring one of the suppliers or expanding existing capacity.FoldRite Furniture Company: Planning to Meet a Surge in DemandFoldRite improves manufacturing quality and efficiency by developing stylish, environmentally friendly products. Now a new plan is needed to meet high demand, control manufacturing and inventory costs, and mitigate risk.The Morrison CompanyA developer and manufacturer of radio frequency identification tags (RFID) experiences a dramatic increase in sales over the past year. The increase exacerbates existing manufacturing problems and has led to increased shipping delays and inadequate inventory on hand.Scientific Glass Incorporated: Inventory ManagementScientific Glassware provides specialized glassware for laboratory and research facilities. Excess inventory is tying up extra capital needed to fund the company's expansion plans. The inventory manager is tasked with developing a more effective strategy for managing inventory.Organizational BehaviorAndrew Ryan at VC BrakesAndrew Ryan's excitement over a change initiative at VC Brakes turns to concern when organizational challenges surface. A subsequent restructuring puts him on the wrong side of politics and he must decide whether to leave or stay with the losing initiative.BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile DivisionA new leader makes organizational changes to improve the product development process, but the changes may not go far enough.Campbell and Bailyn's Boston Office: Managing the ReorganizationCompetitive pressures drive organizational changes at a securities brokerage firm, with serious potential consequences for customers, employees, and the firm as a whole.Engstrom Auto Mirror Plant: Motivating Through Good and Bad TimesA plant manager confronts morale issues when, on the heels of an industry downturn, an incentive program stops producing payouts that employees have come to expect.Jamie Turner at MLI, Inc.Set in an industrial lighting company, this Brief Case describes the evolution of an interpersonal mismatch between a previously successful manager, Jamie Turner, and his new boss.Johannes Linden: Managing the Global Executive CommitteeIn the wake of an unexpected drop in manufacturing costs, the director of a large Swiss appliance manufacturer must convince his Global Executive Committee to revise revenue forecasts and sales targets for the upcoming year.Kay Sunderland: Making the Grade at Attain LearningAccount manager Kay Sunderland is surprised that her colleague Mike Morgan is potentially jeopardizing an important account by ignoring their employer's communication policy. Sunderland must decide how to handle the situation with both the client and her colleague Morgan.Martha Rinaldi: Should She Stay or Should She Go?Martha Rinaldi has been an assistant product manager at leading beverage company Potomac Waters since graduating from business school. Rinaldi is frustrated by her relationships with her boss and a close co-worker.MediSys Corp.: The IntensCare Product Development TeamMedical equipment maker MediSys is developing an innovative system for monitoring intensive care patients. Six months into the project, the product development team struggles through significant problems with design, schedule, a large competitive threat, and their own group dynamics.RL Wolfe: Implementing Self-Directed TeamsPlastic pipe manufacturer RL Wolfe introduces the concept of self-directed teams (SDTs) to its Corpus Christi plant in 2004. By 2007, Corpus Christi is outperforming the firm's other plants, and the production director seeks to understand which aspects of SDTs are working, which are not, and whether the other plants might be persuaded to accept the SDT approach.Ron Ventura at Mitchell Memorial HospitalStar vascular surgeon Ron Ventura's contract is up for renewal. He has improved the vascular surgery practice and generated much new case flow but is abrasive. How should his boss approach the upcoming performance feedback interview?Teaching Note available.Stone Finch, Inc.: Young Division, Old DivisionTo stimulate innovation and hasten growth in a young technology solutions division, an aggressive CEO milks the firm's cash cow, an old manufacturing unit. That unit soon faces key employee departures and sinking morale - and the newer unit runs into similar difficulties.TerraCog Global Positioning Systems: Conflict and Communication on Project AerialWhen a new product launch is threatened by cost problems, the firm's units are unable to come together and make a critical decision and a young executive must lead them forward.Thomas Green: Power, Office Politics, and a Career in CrisisA promising career appears to be headed off the rails as conflict deepens between a young marketing manager and his boss. Can this career be saved?Treadway Tire Company: Job Dissatisfaction and High Turnover at the Lima PlantLine foremen in a manufacturing plant are caught in the middle of an adversarial relationship between workers and management.SalesDesigns by Kate: The Power of Direct SalesThe sales representatives at Designs by Kate sell private-label jewelry at hosted parties. They also recruit, train, and manage teams of new sales reps. Sales have started to decline and the company must revisit the commission structure to determine if it is still effective.Service ManagementComfort Class Transport: Does Customer Service Need an Overhaul?Customer satisfaction with vehicles and drivers at a chauffeured limousine transport company is high and management has plans to expand the company into new markets. However, underperformance in the customer service call center could threaten the company's future.Delwarca Software Remote Support UnitA software firm provides telephone support for customers facing complex software integration issues. The manager of the remote support unit implements a new call triage process that fails to decrease customer waiting times and overall dissatisfaction. He must analyze the process and make recommendations for improvement.Playa Dorada Tennis Club: Expansion StrategyPlaya Dorada Beach & Resort in Boca Raton, Florida faces a growing seasonal demand for tennis services. The director of the tennis operations analyzes court capacity and pricing structure as he considers plans for expansion.Porcini's Pronto: "Great Italian cuisine without the wait!"Looking for expansion opportunities, a chain of full-service Italian restaurants considers launching a new chain of lower-cost, limited-menu restaurants. The vice president of marketing must develop the concept and also analyze three expansion strategies before the project can be approved.WrapItUp: Developing a New Compensation PlanA restaurant chain based in California offers made-to-order sandwich wraps using fresh, healthy ingredients. Management pilots a profit-sharing program at two restaurants to address concerns that employee turnover is high, customer satisfaction is decreasing, and revenue growth is flat.

Turning Cuba from a casino and whorehouse for US rich (especially Mafia) to a modern society in which ordinary citizens have social services and guarantees no less than the ones in Scandinavian countries despite total economic blockade causing lack of resources and consumer itemsNo exaggeration or metaphor in the above sentence. Circa 1950s, Cuba was a whorehouse and casino for US rich. Ordinary people still lived in a colonial society, in poverty and no recourse to change the situation under a dictator backed by US.Fast forward to today, and Cubans enjoy many benefits which tens of millions even in US have no access to, from totally free education and higher education to total free healthcare coverage, full employment and guaranteed housing.Each of these items are a topic in themselves, and the grand contrast in between Cuba and US in regard to these items is worth another talk in itself.So far the only reason why Cuba is not precisely on par with Scandinavian countries - especially on consumer items - is the total economic blockade (ie warfare) US effects on Cuba by using every means possible from direct blockade to forcing its ‘allies’ to do so as well. Leave aside US ships patrolling off of Cuba to enforce that blockade, US govt. spends a few million dollars every year just to make sure that there are no ships having any kind of produce from Cuba passing through harbors in other countries with destination being in US.Of course, that is before mentioning that US had a habit of bombing Cuban factories via CIA - they build a factory, CIA bombs it. Like a computer game.Socialism in an Age of ReactionWell, what Castro’s actual goals were, we don’t actually know. He wassharply constrained from the first moment, by a harsh and cruel attack from the reigning superpower.We have to remember that literally within months after his taking office, the planes from Florida were beginning to bomb Cuba. Within a year, the Eisenhower administration, secretly, but formally, determined [the US would] overthrow the government.Its no surprise that Cuba was not able to develop its native industries aside from what was ‘allowed’ - its difficult to produce anything while unmarked planes are bombing your factories.Despite all of that and actually, maybe because of all of that, Castro’s and Castro’s Cuba’s successes are plenty, ranging from their social successes to even freedom movements in other countries, and even ending apartheid.Surviving ~60 years of warfare and terrorism———————————————————————————Make no mistake, Cuba is still in war. For 60~ years the severity of the war ranged from actual invasions to CIA bombings with unmarked planes, to assassination attempts to economic warfare - which was constant.Castro himself survived despite ~600 CIA arranged assassination attempts, but also Cuba went through a total terror campaign in the hands of CIA:Noam Chomsky: A Brief History of America's Cold-Blooded, Terroristic Treatment of CubaThe famous, iconic picture of Che Guevara which everyone knows was taken when he was being informed of a ship exploding in a massive explosion Havana harbor, killing hundreds of people. It was a CIA operation aided by French intelligence. One of the first terrorist attacks against Cuba by CIA. After that they went on with many incidents of bombing with unmarked planes, assassinations and whatever you can imagine.Cuba always stood a few stages away from a total invasion. Forget Bay of Pigs - US floated many plans to effect actual invasion, one of which being Operation Northwoods.Operation Northwoods - WikipediaThe plan which was put in front of JFK by Chiefs of Staff was that CIA was going to bomb Florida with planes disguised as Cuban aircraft, and this would give US the excuse to invade Cuba.Yes, that was an actual plan. It wasn’t put into action only because JFK refused it.The bold move by Castro to allow Soviet nukes in Cuba as a counter balance to US missiles in Turkey was not only a means to remove the first strike capability by US by forcing them to remove their nukes in Turkey, therefore reducing any desire US military-industry complex had for a ‘winnable’ nuclear war but also to prevent and discourage any future invasions of Cuba.But US didn’t budge. Kennedy stubbornly refused to remove missiles in Turkey which were already set for removal/replacement due to being considered obsolete. Thankfully, Soviet side stepped back to evade nuclear war.Since then, Cuba has been strangled and suffocated through an illegal blockade effected against it directly by US Navy, and then through US ‘allies’ through diplomatic pressure. To the extent that they have to use cars remaining from 1950s because they are deprived of importing any industrial machines and infrastructure to manufacture and distribute their own cars, leave aside export them.Economic warfare.Despite that Cuba succeeded in accomplishing wonders in many fundamental aspects of modern society, even if they had failed in regards to consumer amenities:Free Education and Higher Education, Total free Healthcare coverage, Full employment, Guaranteed housing———————————————————————————Healthcare:As American working class awaits death because they don’t have insurance or money to pay for healthcare,Barbara Ehrenreich: America’s Blue-Collar White People Are Dying at an Astounding RatePeople in Cuba have total guarantee of healthcare of all types.Even if the quality of hospitals leave a lot to desire, mainly thanks to the total trade blockade US is enforcing on Cuba, the mortality rates of Cuba is far lower than many developing countries. It also leads in low child mortality as well.In US many lost the possibility of higher education due to poverty. Those who can risk it have to take on loans reaching $100k, which take decades to pay off.In the meantime Cubans can study all the way to Doctorate level without having to take on debt or pay anything.Education:Education success is so stellar that Cuba has higher literacy rate than US today.1 In 7 Americans Can't Read This Headline- And That Hasn't Changed In 10 Years14% of the population in US can’t read. Cuba has 99.8% literacy rate.Especially in Medical education, Cuban education is so good that US students choose Cuba to study medicine.The Americans studying medicine in CubaWhy Some Students Are Ditching America for Medical School in CubaMuch cheaper and comparable quality education despite being a foreigner in Cuba. A hostile country’s citizen to boot.Full Employment:While American working class is left to rot after outsourcing sent their jobs overseas, Cuban citizens can enjoy full employment thanks to their backwards socialist/state capitalist system.Even if compensation and amenities wouldn’t be in developed Western countries like how it happens when someone is actually able to find a job in their field in the West that pays a living wage, Cuban citizens can expect employment in their field of education even if in a spotty fashion.It would be the subject of good research how it would be if the total, illegitimate trade blockade and economic warfare US was effecting on Cuba.Guaranteed Housing:While US is busy installing concrete and metal spikes to prevent their homeless from sleeping roughTop 10 Anti-Homeless Measures Used in the United States…that is, when they aren’t busy shooting them,police killings of homeless in us… the people in Cuba hare full guarantees to housing.Meanwhile homelessness in US reaches record heights, with ~3 million chronic homeless who regularly sleep rough, ~30 million people (including families) who don’t have their own place and have to crash in other’s houses and occasionally sleep in the streets,13,000 fall into homelessness every month in L.A. County, report saysits even worse for children:One in 30 American Children Is Homeless, Report SaysCubans succeeded in guaranteeing housing to everyone. Even if houses are run down and unpainted due to the total trade blockade.Ending Apartheid———————————————————————————It can’t be put more bluntly than that, Cuba did it.In summary, South Africa already had repressed Anti Apartheid movement in their own country with the help of - surprise - CIA. Which pushed Anti Apartheid movement to militarize with the intention of engaging in guerrilla warfare since no other resort was left to follow after that point.To prevent that, South Africa intervened in Angolan civil war. Because if Angolan civil war was won by independists as opposed to Western backed proto-fascist right wing factions, then Anti Apartheid movement would found full support and a safe haven in Angola - which South Africa feared the most.Thus, Angolan civil war turned into a major war for the fate of entire Africa south of the continent.Fidel Castro and the Cuban role in defeating ApartheidUntil the fall of the Portuguese dictatorship in 1974, apartheid in South Africa was secure. There was no substantial resistance anywhere in southern Africa. Pretoria’s neighbors comprised a buffer zone that protected the racist regime: Namibia, their immediate neighbor which they had occupied for 60 years; white-ruled Rhodesia; and the Portuguese-ruled colonies of Angola and Mozambique. The rebels who fought against minority rule in each of these countries, operating without any safe haven to organize and train, were powerless to challenge the status quo. South Africa’s buffer would have remained intact for the foreseeable future, solidifying apartheid and preventing any significant opposition, but for one man: Fidel Castro..……Throughout November, the Cubans prevented further South African advances towards the Angolan capital. On November 25, the Cuban troops laid a trap for the racist army in the Battle of Ebo. As the South African Defence Force (SADF) tried to cross a bridge, Cubans hidden along the banks of the river attacked. They destroyed seven armored cars and killed upwards of 90 enemy soldiers.Cuban troops kept pouring into Angola throughout the rest of the year. As many as 4,000 had arrived by the end of 1975, roughly the same number as South African invaders. Unable to penetrate deeper into Angolan territory, and facing a barrage of negative criticism after international media discovered SADF troops, rather than mercenaries, were behind the invasion, the South African advance ended.……..Meanwhile, South African aggression was relentless. In 1983, the SADF bombed Angolan towns and pushed nearly 90 miles into Angolan territory. When the UN moved to condemn the invasion, the United States made sure the censure would not include sanctions, as they had done for more than a decade.………..Washington’s support enabled South Africa to ignore the ICJ and UN Security Council. The apartheid government, understanding that free elections would mean a SWAPO victory, refused to comply. “The South Africans took advantage of U.S. goodwill to further their foreign policy aims,” Gleijeses writes. [9]In summary, a massive, actual war was fought fist in between South Africa backed Angolan factions and mercenaries and Angolan independists and Cuban soldiers, then South Africa itself joined the war when the factions and mercenaries they backed were soundly beaten.In Battle of Quifangondo Angolan and Cuban troops soundly defeated South Africa.At that point Castro realized and foresee Apartheid regime’s fall.“Today they are totally on the defensive in the political arena, in the international arena, they have a very serious economic crisis,” Castro said in a conversation with Angolan President José Eduardo Dos Santos in 1985. “I can’t say how this is going to end, what the end result of it all will be; but in my opinion, South Africa won’t recover from this crisis.” Castro said that the situation facing South Africa did not occur by chance, but that it was a result of the collective action of the people in many parts of Southern Africa fighting for their independence. “All these factors, common struggles, common sacrifices, have contributed to create this crisis for apartheid, that wasn’t created in one day, it was created over many years,” Castro said. [10]“I believe that apartheid – I sincerely believe it – is mortally wounded,” Castro said.[11]Despite South African regime stubbornly resisted with the help of US, effecting many acts of terrorism and actual attacks against Angola and their allies, eventually, in 1987, Cuba and Angola turned the tide for good.The confrontations climaxed in the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in late 1987. After a forward offensive to attack UNITA stalled, Angolan and Cuban troops managed to defend the town. They then turned to the Southwest where they attempted to drive the SADF out of the country once and for all. As the Cubans asserted supremacy with their air force, they were able to take the lead on the battlefield.After that point, all the way towards South African border was open to Angolans and aany Anti-Apartheid guerrilla units which could have come to being after that point, and South African regime’s prospects were nulled. And also at that point, global public opinion was turned against South Africa.This was the point at which negotiations for ending apartheid started. Not before.Later, Nelson Mandela had no qualms in openly declaring how important Cuba was to ending apartheid.Mandela and Castro: Friends, Comrades and Allies"We admire the sacrifices of the Cuban people in maintaining their independence and sovereignty in face of the vicious imperialist-orchestrated campaign to destroy the impressive gain made in the Cuban Revolution. We too want to control our own destiny."• "The Cuban people hold a special place in the hearts of the people of Africa. The Cuban internationalists have made a contribution to African independence, freedom, and justice unparalleled for its principled and selfless character."• Mandela met with Fidel Castro during his trip. He thanked him for his support and asked him to visit South Africa. "And our friend Cuba, which had helped us in training our people, gave us resources to keep current with our struggle, trained our people as doctors, and SWAPO, you have not come to our country. When are you coming?"Cuban leader was a liberation icon in Africa and remained committed to the continentSupport for independence movements in any colonial country———————————————————————————Not unlike Angola, Cuba has been a support for every independence movement which saw former colonies liberated from their masters. Contrary to what the literature in the West tells, no country let go of their colonies willingly. In any such ‘willing’ liberation there was already a budding, strengthening movement for liberation arming up to effect armed struggle, leading to the colonial powers letting the colony go if the profits did not justify cost of suppressing. When it did, they repressed it as much as possible.Cuba has been a political, military and social support for every country which asked its aid in Africa before or during their independence.Moreover, South American pro-people, left movements and political parties got huge support from Cuba - including Chavez. Cuba was a bulwark for these countries which were seeking to overthrow corporate dominance of West and IMF stranglehold.And even more:Internationalism, Charity, Solidarity with every country———————————————————————————Cuba and its doctors are famous in 3rd world.For they have been there whenever there was a need, an epidemic, an earthquake, a disaster. Or, just to improve the sanitary conditions of the locals.In the recent Ebola crisis, while US was sending soldiers for dubious reasons, Cuba was at the forefront of Ebola fight with its legions of doctors and aid material. But if you look at corporate press in US, you would think that US fought and beat back Ebola…Cuba’s internationalism especially in Medicine is so large a topic that it has to be examined in its own entry.Cuban medical internationalism - Wikipedia………………………………………………..Long story short, Castro should be remembered for succeeding.Succeeding in everything, practically, ranging from actual independence to application of socialist/communist ideals and practices to the extent they could be applied/practiced under total economic warfare and constant terrorism, coupled with imminent invasion at any given time.Imagine someone is strangling you from your throat, preventing you from even breathing and then turning to your neighbors and telling them “Look, this guy can’t even speak. All he thinks and does is bullsh*t and he is poor”…That’s what US had been doing to Cuba.However Cuba succeeded in not only talking loud, but also even helping his neighbors and anyone in need, to the extent it could, all the while being strangled.A spectacular success…One wonders what they could achieve if the total economic warfare against them wasn’t there.