...BMW was one of the major players in the luxury car market (retail price above $20,000) having a market share of 10%. Companies in this market segment competed on both tangible and intangible product characteristics. BMW’s focus was on R&D, both in the engineering and styling of its cars, and had built a reputation for high performance engineering. Its launch quality had always been on par or better than that of its major competitors. However, since the late 1980s, the entry of Japanese competition (Honda’s Acura and Toyota Lexus) had set higher standards of conformance in this industry. 1. What are the causes and consequences of BMW’s quality problems with newly launched products? What should be done to improve launch quality? One of the primary reasons for BMW’s quality issues was its strategy of using different tools and materials in the prototyping process when compared to the production runs.BMW supported such a ‘dual’ development process to provide flexibility to its prototyping craftsmen to make changes to the design quickly. For instance, the prototype shop was able to make new parts within a week of being intimated of a design change. In contrast, the lead time for procuring pre-production tools from suppliers was 6 months. Providing such flexibility though had a flip side to it - something which worked in the prototyping phase may not work in the production phase. This meant that potential problems in the design could be identified very late in the development...
Words: 1936 - Pages: 8
...An investigation into JIT of Menlo Research Paper Word account: 4982 Lecturer: Dr. Shawn Wong Student name: Chen Li Student ID: 11300205 Content 1. Introduction………………………………..3-9 1.1 overview of Menlo and logistics industry………..3-7 1.2 Research Topic, question, objective…………..7-8 1.3 Research Rational/Contribution…………..8-9 2 Research Methodologies………………………..10 2.1 How to conduct paper search……………10 2.2 Research Limitation……………10 3. Presentation and discussion of research find……..11-22 3.1 What is the JIT system in the Menlo? ……………11-13 3.2 How to Menlo use JIT system in the operation? ……………13-17 3.3 What are the key challenges Menlo facing when use the JIT system? ……………17-20 3.4What are the advantages of using the JIT system? ……………20-22 4 Conclusion: ……………23-24 4.1 Summary……………23 4.2 Implication: ……………23-24 4.3 Further research opportunities: ……………24 5.Reference List…………………………….25 1. Introduction: 1.1Overview of the company: Menlo logistics was originally formed in the late 1980s. Its initial plan was to create an organization which offers customer warehouse, inventory and transportation management. On October 26, 1990, Menlo was officially formed and started as third-party logistics (3PL) services provider. The company achieved profitable growth after 1990.( http://www.con-way.com/en/logistics) Menlo...
Words: 5672 - Pages: 23
...suppliers? 1. Improvement in product quality 2. Stronger communication between firms 3. Decrease in process time and production cost 4. High utilization of sources 5. Decrease in cycle-time leading to shorter time-to-market 6. Improvement in manufacturability 7. Innovative products and ideas 8. Increase team work 9. Alignment of technology roadmaps/strategies 10. Cross-functional training Q2 – If a buying company has an objective of involving suppliers early during product development, what type of questions should the buying firm ask a supplier during evaluation and selection? 1. Is the supplier willing to have a long-term commitment? 2. Does the supplier’s roadmap & policies align with those of the buyers? Do they share buyer’s vision? 3. Is supplier flexible to vary production on a need-by basis and flexible to changing demands (quantities, timeframe)? 4. Is supplier willing to share technical expertise and process knowledge to improve Product Development efficiency? 5. Is the Supplier willing to share Accounting records to compare actual cost v/s estimated cost? 6. Is the supplier willing to continuously evaluate cost reduction opportunities? 7. Is the supplier willing to share expertise to develop and share cost improvements and eliminate any costly processes? 8. Does the supplier share your same values and commitment to quality? 9. Is the buyer willing to...
Words: 462 - Pages: 2
...brand. However, although the market position of Volvo is clear and both Geely and Volvo are full of confidence, the prospective seems very tough. Firstly, long positioned in luxury vehicle market, Volvo has a share in Chinese luxury vehicle market, but compared to other big brands, it is too small and growing very slowly. In 2010, Audi sold 225,580 cars, enjoying an increasing rate of 43.5% comparing to last year; Bens reached sales of 147,670 cars and an amazing growth rate of 115%; the sales of BMW was 169,000 cars which increased by 87%. Volvo, however, only sold 31,000 and increased by 36.2%. These figures are not only inferior to the three competitors, but also disappointing to the target of Volvo, which is to reach 200,000 sedans sales in 2015 with an annual increasing rate of 50%. Besides the low growth rate which is far behind market average, Volvo is also the one with the largest discount rate of selling prices. Although Volvo is quite ambitious to challenge Bens and BMW which Volvo sees as competitors, the image building and brand value of Volvo in Chinese luxury vehicle market are far inferior to the competing brands. Secondly, Volvo’s capacity is not large enough to support such an ambitious target of production. Currently, China market is only the fourth largest market of Volvo and the manufacturing has been outsourced. Volvo’s productivity is very limited in China. Although Geely has planned to set up a new plant for Volvo production, the project is still...
Words: 1288 - Pages: 6
...We recommend 3-series touring wagon development project as a target of Digital Car Project. The ultimate objective of the project is to halve lead time of product development in BMW from 60 months to 30 month. As a result, the firm can incorporate reflect fickle customers’ tastes and the latest technology to their product development quickly and it enable them to fit the market needs strategically. If this change is successful, the experience and knowledge can be transferred to 7-series and all other new projects. It will make BMW in front of the competition. And it will save huge money and time of the firm. 1-2. Digital technology, such as CAD, is considerably effective to reduce product development lead time even in other competitors. Considering digital technology as hardware, its directions and capability of staff operating the technology, however, might be critical issue on product development using digital technology. Moreover we should not ignore the fact that the capability and experience would be brought as a result of learning and accumulated experience and knowledge. 1-3. 3-series touring wagon will inherit platform and basic design concept from 3-series sedan. Fortunately the current 3-series sedan has been developed through computer design process. Therefore, it can be thought that there is some accumulated experience of product development using computer design. Additionally, the staff had realized its untapped potential as strategic product development tool....
Words: 414 - Pages: 2
...Senior Management From: Group Accountant Date: 2nd May 2005 Subject: BMW Organisational Analysis andHuman Resources Policies This report will provide a detailed analysis of BMW'scurrent corporate appraisal analysis. This will help to identify the company'scurrent strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This will help thecompanies decision makers understand where the organisation is now. The reportwill also critically evaluate BMW's human resources policy as a key area of theorganisation. We will highlight how BMW has strategically responded to thedrivers for change in terms of its structure, conduct and performance. Finally,offer recommendations for the future development and improvements in humanresource management, and how those will impact on its organisational structure,conduct and performance. Struggling with your business essay(s)? Did you know that we can help you with your SWOT analysis essay and any other business essays? We can help you! Place an order with us and you'll get: * An exact, 100% original answer to your essay question * From a graduate writer, qualified in your subject area * Delivered confidentially by email, in 3 hours - 10 days (you choose) Stop struggling and get the help you need from the UK’s favourite student support company, right now. Learn more about our custom essay writing service, or place your order using the box below: Company Background The BMW Group is the only manufacturer of automobiles andmotorcycles worldwide...
Words: 1258 - Pages: 6
...Mercedes and BMW have been competing head-to-head for market share in the luxury-car market for more than four decades. Back in 1959, BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) almost went bankrupt and nearly sold out to Daimler-Benz, the maker of Mercedes-Benz cars. BMW was able to recover to the point that in 1992 it passed Mercedes in worldwide sales. Among the reasons for BMWs success was its ability to sell models that were more luxurious than previous models but still focused on consumer quality and environmental responsibility. In particular, BMW targeted its sales pitch to the younger market, whereas Mercedes retained a more mature customer base. In response to BMWs success, Mercedes has been trying to change their image by launching several products in an effort to attract younger buyers who are interested in sporty, performance-oriented cars. BMW, influenced by Mercedes, is pushing for more refinement and comfort. In fact, one automotive expert says that Mercedes wants to become BMW, and vice versa. However, according to one recent automotive expert, the focus is still on luxury and comfort for Mercedes while BMW focuses on performance and driving dynamics. Even though each company produces many different models, two relatively comparable coupe automobiles are the BMW 3 Series Coupe 335i and the Mercedes CLK350 Coupe. In a recent year, the national U.S. market price for the BMW 3 Series Coupe 335i was $39,368 and for the Mercedes CLK350 Coupe was $44,520. Gas mileage for both...
Words: 354 - Pages: 2
...Mercedes Goes After Younger Buyers. Mercedes and BMW have been competing head to head for market share in the luxury-car market for more than three decades. back in 1959,BMW almost went bankrupt and nearly sold out to Daimler –Benz, the maker of Mercedes –Benz cars. BMW was able to recover to the point that in 1992 it passed Mercedes in worldwide sales. Among the reasons for BMW;s success was its ability to sell models that were more luxurious than previous model but still focused on consumer quality and environmental responsibility. In particular, BMW targeted its sales pitch to the younger market, whereas Mercedes retained a more mature customer base. In response to BMW’s success, Mercedes has been trying to change their image by launching several products in an effort to attract younger buyers who are interested in sporty, performance-oriented cars. BMW, influenced by Mercedes , is pushing for more refinement and comfort. According to expert , the focus is still luxury and comfort for Mercedes while BMW focuses on performance and driving dynamics. Even though each company produces many different models, two relatively comparable coupe automobiles are the BMW 330ci and Mercedes CLK320. Mercedes is concerned that dealer price of the CLK 320 is not consistent and that even though the average price is $43,215, the price is actually normally distributed with a standard deviation of $2,981. Whereas BMW’s price also normally distributed with average price $34,990 and standard...
Words: 485 - Pages: 2
...Gaming Laptops In this essay, I will be examining and evaluating gaming laptops. Specifically, I will be looking at the Alienware 14 and the Razer Blade. These two laptops are considered fairly close in comparison while each having their own unique quirks and capabilities, which is why I have chosen these two and not two that are fairly dissimiliar. In each review I will be paying attention to not only their ability to perform, but even more so to their inability to do certain things. First, I will be looking at the Alienware 14. Before I get into the inner hardware of the computer, I will look at the construction of the case and the peripherals such as the trackpad, keyboard, and available ports. The Alienware 14 is made of a magnesium alloy chassis which extends to the hinges, LCD assembly, and the keyboard brackets. It is also wrapped in a thin, smooth, rubber coating that acts as a scratch and dent buffer. The keyboard itself contains backlighting LEDs that are customizable to your liking and extends to various areas across the outside of the laptop, including the lid and sides and extending the the trackpad itself, each having 20 choices of color including black. It has 3 individual USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, a memory card reader, an ethernet port, 2 jacks for headphones depending on what kind you are using, 1 line in jack for a microphone, and a slot loading disc drive. The internal components consist of a 2.4 Ghz Intel Core i7-4700MQ CPU which is turbo capable to...
Words: 892 - Pages: 4
...market shrink, the writer was implying that since many companies are switching to more sleek, smaller, and European like cars, the market share of Cadillac has reduced tremendously in comparison to luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, Lexus, and Acura. Cadillac was a brand that was more popular 20 years ago when gas-guzzlers and boxier cars were preferred. Now with the introduction of not only less boxy cars, but also extremely fuel-efficient cars such as the BMW x5, Cadillac has discovered that many people prefer to go with more features that are representative of the 21st century consumers. Many Cadillac buyers are realizing that Cadillac as a brand does not compare to the edgy brands such as BMW and Mercedes, and the brand perception of Cadillac represents elder drivers, which has hurt their bottom line, especially since the tastes and preferences of buyers have changed. To counter this major criticism that Cadillac has received, they have done two things; redesign existing models to make them more visually appeasing, and develop fuel-efficient cars. For example, Cadillac introduced the Cadillac ATS coupe, trends BMW sports car have adopted that represent a sleek, and trendy feel. Cadillac introduced the ATS coupe as a way to compete with not only BMW aesthetically, but change consumers image of Cadillac. Secondly, Cadillac introduced the Cadillac SRX to compete directly with the small SUV market, but also offer a relatively fuel-efficient model that will please many...
Words: 461 - Pages: 2
...Homework 1 Key 1. We start with the system x1 x2 + 2x3 = 4 2x1 2x2 + 3x3 + x4 = 9 x2 + 2x3 + 2x4 = 2 3x1 2x2 + 7x3 + 3x4 = 15 or in matrix form 2 664 1 1 2 0 4 2 2 3 1 9 0 1 2 2 2 3 2 7 3 15 3 775 : Then perform the following steps of the Gauss-Jordan elimination. 1 2 r2; 1 2 r3; 1 3 r4 ! 2 664 1 1 2 0 4 1 1 3=2 1=2 9=2 0 1=2 1 1 1 1 2=3 7=3 1 5 3 775 r1+r2 ! 2 664 1 1 2 0 4 0 0 1=2 1=2 1=2 0 1=2 1 1 1 1 2=3 7=3 1 5 3 775 r1+r4 ! 2 664 1 1 2 0 4 0 0 1=2 1=2 1=2 0 1=2 1 1 1 0 1=3 1=3 1 1 3 775 1 3 r3+r4 ! 2 664 1 1 2 0 4 0 0 1=2 1=2 1=2 0 1=2 1 1 1 0 1=6 0 2=3 2=3 3 775 1 2 r3+r2 ! 2 664 1 1 2 0 4 0 1=4 0 1 1 0 1=2 1 1 1 0 1=6 0 2=3 2=3 3 775 2r3+r1 ! 2 664 1 2 0 2 2 0 1=4 0 1 1 0 1=2 1 1 1 0 1=6 0 2=3 2=3 3 775 3 2 r4 ! 2 664 1 2 0 2 2 0 1=4 0 1 1 0 1=2 1 1 1 0 1=4 0 1 1 3 775 r4+r3 ! 2 664 1 2 0 2 2 0 1=4 0 1 1 0 1=4 1 0 0 0 1=4 0 1 1 3 775 r4+r2 ! 2 664 1 2 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1=4 1 0 0 0 1=4 0 1 1 3 775 2r4+r1 ! 2 664 1 3=2 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1=4 1 0 0 0 1=4 0 1 1 3 775 1 From here we deduce that, x1 = 4 + 3=2x2, x3 = x2=4 and x4 = 1 x2=4 describes the in nitely many solutions of this system. We can obtain feasible x1, x3 and x4 for any given value of x2. 2. max 3x1 + 4x2 + x3 + x4 s:t x1 = 4 + 3x3 x4 x2 = 6 2x3 2x4 a. When x3 and x4 are equal to 0, we obtain x1 = 4 and x2 = 6. These values of the variables yield the objective value 36. b. When...
Words: 1254 - Pages: 6
...The next BEST move for A would be D. If A is maximizing player then the next level would be minimum and then the next would be maximum and so on. MAX: MAX(E)=Minmax(L,M)=MINMAX(RESULT (7,8))=7 MAX(F)=Minmax(N,O)=MINMAX(RESULT (5,8))=8 MAX(G)=Minmax(P,Q)=MINMAX(RESULT (2,3))=3 MAX(H)=Minmax(R,S)=MINMAX(RESULT (0,-2))=0 MAX(I)=Minmax(T,U)=MINMAX(RESULT (6,2))=6 MAX(J)=Minmax(V,W)=MINMAX(RESULT (5,8))=8 MAX(K)=Minmax(X,Y)=MINMAX(RESULT (9,2))=9 MIN: MIN(B)=MINMAX(E,F,G)=MINMAX(7,8,3)=3 MIN(C)=MINMAX(H,I)=MINMAX(0,6)=0 MIN(D)=MINMAX(J,K)=MINMAX(8,9)=8 MAX: MAX(A)=Minmax(A,B,C)=MINMAX(RESULT (3,0,8))=8 Answer 2 Nodes that should not be examined while alpha beta pruning are: Node O, node P, node Q, node T ,node U, node Y Initially at Node A: v=-∞ (since A is max) then it traverses to Node B where(α,β)=( -∞ , +∞ ). Node B: v=+∞ (since B is min) then it traverses to Node E where(α,β)=( -∞ , +∞ ). Node E: v=-∞ (since E is max) then it traverses to leaf Node L where(α,β)=( 7 , +∞ ) (since 7 is better than -∞) leaf Node M where(α,β)=( 7 , +∞ ) (since 7 is better than 6) so at Node E: v=7 In the already explored path at Node B: v=7 where(α,β)=( -∞ , +∞ ) Node F: v=+∞ then it traverses to Leaf Node N where(α,β)=( 8 , +∞ ) (since 8 is better than 7) Here the maximizer compares the value with other alpha values. O,P, Q ,T ,U and Y nodes need not be expanded as the alpha-beta pruning algorithm is an alternative which explores a branch only...
Words: 996 - Pages: 4
...Chapter Nine: Multicriteria Decision Making PROBLEM SUMMARY 1. Model formulation, product mix 2. Model formulation, transportation, computer solution 3. Model formulation, urban recreation facility allocation 4. Model formulation, crop determination, computer solution 5. Model formulation, product mix, computer solution 6. Model formulation, OSHA safety compliance, computer solution 7. Computer solution; graphical solution 8. Computer solution; graphical solution 9. Computer solution 10. Model formulation, computer solution 11. Model formulation, product mix, computer solution 12. Model formulation, product mix, computer solution 13. Model formulation, clinic personnel selection, computer solution 14. Model formulation, production scheduling, computer solution, sensitivity analysis 15. Model formulation, employee scheduling, computer solution 16. Model formulation, R&D project selection 17. AHP, company takeover 18. Pairwise comparison (9–17) 19. AHP, faculty raises 20. Pairwise comparisons (9–19) 21. AHP, mutual funds 22. AHP (9–21) 23. AHP, utility vehicles 24. AHP, anchor persons 25. AHP, hotel selection 26. AHP, college selection 27. AHP, dating service 28. AHP, R&D projects 29. AHP, student selection 30. AHP, athletic facilities 136 2. a) 31. AHP, vacation locations 32. Pairwise comparisons (9–31) 33. AHP, major options 34. AHP, basketball players 35. AHP, school facilities 36. Student’s pairwise comparisons 37. AHP, emergency rooms 38. AHP, class sections 39. Student car...
Words: 3864 - Pages: 16
...(min # of busers on duty at 12pm) (min # of busers on duty at 1pm) (Sign restrictions) Xi >= 0 >= >= >= >= >= X6 >= X6 >= X6 >= X6 >= (for i = 1,2,3,4,5,6) Mama’s Kitchen 9/9/2002 page 1 of 8 Mama’s Kitchen 9/9/2002 page 3 of 8 “Mama’s Kitchen” serves from 5:30 a.m. each morning until 1:30 p.m. in the afternoon. Tables are set and cleared by busers working 4-hour shifts beginning on the hour from 5:00 a.m. (shift #1) through 10:00 a.m. (shift #6). Most are college students who hate to get up in the morning, so Mama’s pays $9 per hour for the 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 a.m. shifts, and $7.50 per hour for the others. The manager seeks a minimum cost staffing plan that will have at least a minimum number of busers on duty each hour: 5 am 2 6 am 3 7 am 5 8 am 5 9 am 3 10am 2 11am 4 Noon 6 1 pm 3 OBJECTIVE FUNCTION VALUE 1) 360.0000 VARIABLE X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 ROW 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) VALUE 3.000000 0.000000 2.000000 0.000000 3.000000 3.000000 SLACK OR SURPLUS 1.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 2.000000 6.000000 2.000000 0.000000 0.000000 REDUCED COST 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 DUAL PRICES 0.000000 0.000000 -6.000000 -30.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 -30.000000 0.000000 #reqd...
Words: 656 - Pages: 3
...three of them in order to have the others. One cannot learn a truly valuable lesson without a previous fault; therefore you cannot achieve and accomplish goals without the knowledge gained from the lessons learned. Learning lessons and values is the key to understanding who you are, and what you are going to do. Yes, learning is great, but it is what you do with that knowledge that in fact defines the person. The lessons I learned from this event are always with me, they have made an indescribable impact in the person I have to grown to be today. This is the incident that changed my life and gave me the greatest wakeup call I have ever known. BMW manufactured a sport crossover called the X5. The X5 has a powerful engine and has remarkable handling. My father had always driven SUVs’ and wanted to try something new so he acquired a 2008 BMW X5. On this spring night I decided to try out the speed of the car. There is a street called West Parkway, which is approximately three quarters of a mile. This street is long and straight, perfect for speed. My friend and I had made three passes down the street earlier in the evening, reaching speeds of 110mph. We decided to make one more pass, which would be our last. Unfortunately we had not noticed the slight mist that had accumulated on the road. The car is floured, 80, 90, 100, 110, finally 120mph! Ok, time to slow down. As I pressed the brake pedal I noticed that we had...
Words: 732 - Pages: 3
