Baxter Manufacturing Company (BMC) is in the business of deep-drawn stampings and have been able to provide a quality products at high efficiency. However, over the years the industry has been changing especially when it involves the impact computer networks and software have been having. Even though they have tried to keep up, some implementation of the new technologies did not go to plan. The customer service side information databases and EDI was faltering. The steering comity brought together are Kyle Baxter the president, Controller Lou Wilcox, Sue Barkley VP of customer relation, Don Collins. They need to figure out if a new in-house development project to mitigate these problems is more cost effective or should a purchase of an EMS system be made to quickly get the new customer service system working. Baxter Manufacturing has been in business since 1978 and have been pioneers in the deep drawn tamping’s industry by creating their own processes as well as all the tools required to produce them at such high volumes. In the 1980, then computer industry took off and stated to change how many industries conducted everyday business. Because of this, BNC was starting to lose business to Just in Time Manufacturing. This had a negative impact on the way they were able to handle production schedules as well as manage the inventory. Electronic Data Interchange also became a very popular capability in 1992 for business to use in their technology department. Finally at this point
MTC initially needed to obtain substantial investment capital due to two main factors: a research-heavy industry, and the need to create most of the markets for its products. Although the founders' goal was to become a major manufacturing company, they did estimate that the company would need $50 million in capital before it would become self-sufficient. Their initial financing model was to first recruit a superior technical team, use that to attract additional equity investment and development funding from interested corporations, and then develop manufacturing capabilities. Commercial sales began 2.5 years after inception, and MTC is nearing the break-even point in 1990.
Next to first-hand experience, case studies are one of the best ways to learn project management skills. In The Crosby Manufacturing Corporation case study, Harold Kerzner reports on the executive-level exchange between the company president and other department heads regarding a new Management Cost and Control System (Kerzner, 2009). This paper will give a synopsis of the case, analyze the case study communications issues and risks, and evaluate Livingston’s selection of a project manager. It will also discuss the possible reactions from the employees, the impact on the cost and time on the
* From the firings, we can see that management does not share Arnell’s plans for massive changes.
In the 1990’s Black and Decker had a great position in the market for their products to appeal to the Professional Industrial segment and the Consumer segment but when it came to the Professional Tradesmen segment they were lacking. Their 9% market share vs. Makita’s 50% market share in the tradesmen segment was incomparable. Makita clearly had a better product in the eyes of the Professional Tradesmen. In the Professional Segment most of the people who buy the products are people who need these tools to make a living such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, and general remodelers. Black and
Canadian based company, Saralyn Mills, is in need of a new marketing strategy to repair the current shortage of sales in Quebec, Canada. According to the case study, the Quebec and Ontario markets account for 69 percent of the company’s sales in Canada. Currently, Saralyn Mills does not have an effective strategy in place for the market of Quebec. The company’s current goal is to implement a global standardization strategy, which is focused on keeping a set marketing strategy the same for every location. It is up to the marketing manager, Nicole Vichon, to come up with a new and separate marketing plan for Quebec. Even though this would be a major policy change from the current global strategy of Saralyn Mills, case facts prove it could be very effective.
I know you looked into reusing one of the older systems we installed. I need to know what became of that effort. How do you think our customers will view this situation and what do you think is the best way to proceed? Character #2: Lucas Moore - Vice President of Manufacturing We are still using outdated technology for our scheduling. The industry has passed us by in computer use for manufacturing and we are in danger of losing our reputation as a world-class manufacturer. My education and my experience with Don's new inventory system have convinced me that computer systems can significantly enhance our efficiency and improve our customer service. We cannot wait two years for a home grown system that will probably have to be upgraded before it is completed. I have had extensive discussions with EMS manufacturing specialists, read their literature, and seen the proposed systems demonstrated. I am convinced the system will do everything we will ever want to do. EMS assures me there will be no problem integrating their manufacturing system with our financial system and we can be up and running in six months. Purchasing from EMS provides many benefits including: 1. Six months to install an advanced system versus two years to develop our own basic system. 2. The upfront cost for EMS is $220,000 firm against an estimated $400,000 cost for in-house. 3. We will get a proven,
MediSys planned a launch of IntensCare which is a new remote monitoring system for the use in hospitals’ intense care units. This is a major launch for the company because it is a $20.5 million investment which is the largest investment for the company. MediSys Corporation is facing many external problems along with experiencing problems internally trying to finish the product by the set deadline. The company is having many issues. The issues consist of dealing with the software development, failure to communicate effectively, and lack of motivating factors.
What are the main duties of each of the positions that comprise Abernethy and Chapman’s engagement team?
* unity of purpose and focus under a common corporate strategy (further supporting the firm’s strategy as it relates to acquisitions and divestitures);
1) Changing trends in the electronics manufacturing industry that caused changes in clients' order needs
Mr Price Group is a retailer that focuses the value fashion markets. More than 80% of revenues are realised through cash sales which results in the company being less susceptible to the cyclical nature of the retail industry and also not reliant on credit to drive sales (Mr Price Group Ltd, 2016).
1. The main criteria FEL uses to assign managers to their projects include time constraints and expertise. Clearly, managers with heavy workloads will not do as well as those without significant current time constraints. Hence, the likelihood that the work will progress smoothly under such managers is greater than otherwise. Expertise is also an important requirement to ensure that a project runs smoothly. Hence, the combination of low time constraints with the highest level of expertise appears to be a good basis for successful projects. However, one potential danger of assigning an apparently random number of managers to teams who need to work closely together could create communication problems, especially if these managers have not worked together before, or indeed if severe personality clashes occur. Hence, it might be a good idea to conduct regular assessments of the progress of the work as well as how well managers function together, particularly in a remote location such as Abu Dhabi.
As the acquisition of Alima continues, we have run into a few problems. These problems are mostly due to the political climate within the region, and property rights issues. One main issue we anticipate could derive from the political climate is the issue of tax credits.
How should Ben & Jerry’s management improve its management control processes in order for it to be more competitive in the superpremium ice cream industry?
The Herman Miller Company operated as the Star Furniture Company in Michigan in 1905. It was named the Michigan Start Furniture Company in 1909. In 1919, Dirk Jan Du Pree became its president. In 1923, his father-in-law Herman Miller bought the majority shares in the company and it was renamed to the Herman Miller Furniture Company. Since then, under the leadership of Du Pree, the company has continuously adopted innovative management practices and design philosophies making it one of the most respected companies in the industry. In 1930, the company found a design philosophy based on simplicity and functionality through the designer Gilbert Rhode. In 1942, the first office furniture was produced. Since then the company continued to bring out successful design innovations through its creative design team. In 1950, a management breakthrough in the form of the Scanlon Plan was implemented, which set the foundation for the company's inclusive corporate culture and employer-employee relationships. In the 1950s, the company began exporting its products to Europe and a network of international dealerships had been established in the 1960s. New designs were continuously introduced during the two decades. The Eames chair was introduced in the 1950s and the Action Office System in the 1960s. In 1976, it launched the Ergon chair, the Equa chair in 1984, and the Aeron chair in 1994. Later on, designs were