(Cost management and strategy) Following are descriptions of three busi¬ nesses. For each, assume that you are the CEO. Identify the most critical in¬ formation you would need to manage the strategic decisions of that business.

a. Private hospital that competes on the basis of delivering high-quality ser¬ vices to an upscale clientele.

b. Small, high-technology firm that has just developed its first product and will begin marketing it in the coming quarter; five other products are under development.
C. American Sugar Company, which is a large competitor of Imperial Sugar Co., the company discussed in the chapter’s opening vignette. LO.1