Abstract
On October 1, 1974, Mr. George Reed, president of Reed Tool and Die Company, Inc., requested from a local university that a graduate student of business be assigned to his firm. Mr. Reed hoped that the student could help him assess the company's current financial situation and make recommendations regarding the possible operating performances that could be achieved under devergent alternatives. Mr. Reed had heard from some of his other business associates that the university was well respected for its quality of business students, thus he was most pleased when the university assigned Tom Baker, a graduating M.B.A. to his firm.