The owner and operator of Elizabeth’s Country Wares (ECW), a decorative country housewares and ceramic pottery business based in Woodstock, Ontario, was trying to find a way to increase capacity. Because ECW was her primary occupation and source of income, the owner was eager to take advantage of the growing interest in one of her product lines from some of her primary customers – member stores of a national pharmacy chain. She was unsure whether she should purchase new equipment or outsource part or all of the production of these pieces. The owner was uncertain whether ECW could meet the forecasted demand of 3, 000 units for the coming year, and she did not want to miss out on selling more of the line. However, she also believed there was more earnings potential if she could focus her attention elsewhere in the business.
