Case Title The Monitoring Puzzle
Case Author(s) Kuncheria Marattukalam           
University T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal, India
Abstract This focus of this case is on monitoring accounts receivables in a hotel, which is a part of a national chain. The level of accounts receivable could vary for several reasons: changes in credit policy; its improper implementation; seasonality in sales; changes in client mix and product mix; and delays in collection. This case can be used to discuss the problems involved in using conventional measures like No of days of sales outstanding and aging schedule. These may give unnecessary alarms and fail to give necessary warnings. The key learning is that the actual level of accounts receivable at anytime should be compared with the 'ought to be' level. Simple use of spreadsheet based system of computing such an 'ought to be' level of accounts receivable and computing the ratio of actual to this expected level can be demonstrated.
Available In MIP Case Collection
Publisher T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal, India
Publisher Case No. 1997-99-05
Distributor(s) T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal, India               
Pub/Rev Date 04/01/1999
ISBN
Case Length 5
Teaching Note No
Pub TN Ref No.
Pages (TN)
Issues Accounts Receivable; Working Capital Management; Spreadsheet Modelling
Organisation(s)        
Countries India
Industry Hospitality And Tourism
Period Covered 1997-1999
Level Postgraduate