Des Plaines Paper: Analytics and Automation in Capital Budgeting

ABSTRACT Consistent with frameworks of the AAA, IMA, AACSB, and AICPA, this case challenges students to evaluate capital expenditure requests for Des Plaines Paper, a fictional pulp and paper manufacturer, and apply critical thinking skills to the process. Students will evaluate the financial impacts of each request, determine which requests to accept, assess their decision-making process, automate their process, and communicate their recommendations. This case is suitable for a range of applications including courses that address capital budgeting as well as courses focused on data analytics, and can be completed using both current and emerging technologies. Further, the case is scalable so that it can be used at the introductory through the graduate level. Data Availability: Data available upon request.