The primary subject matter of this case concerns strategic management that involves a comparison of cost and differentiation strategies for a privately held company. Secondary issues examined include the importance of lower level management embracing company level strategy, showing initiative to employ that strategy to achieve high levels of performance and understanding the need to use informational resources available within an organization to objectively assess their area of responsibility and act constructively based on that information. Other issues address challenges in transitioning from the role of college student to employee and from employee to manager. The case has a difficulty level appropriate for senior level and graduate level students in strategic management courses. The case is designed to be taught in 1- 2 class hours and is expected to require 3 hours of outside preparation by students.

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