...Question#01 Review Caterpillar’s process for early supplier involvement. What was critical to the success of the relationship? The relationship between a supplier and buyer can be a complex one. Each party wants to maximize its time, resources, and cash investment; these may be competing priorities that can strain the relationship. As per this case study it shows that M/s. Caterpillar was dissatisfied with its current supplier and they want to reduce their overhead cost through outsourcing. Therefore M/s. Caterpillar selects M/s. Delco Electronics and started working with the same. Selection of M/s. Delco Electronics by M/s. Caterpillar involves the following phases. Pre-qualification of supplier Performance evaluation Official visits to M/s. Delco’s HQ Visit to Engineering Facility Production capacity unit The critical thing to the supplier-buyer relationship is Trust, as its always difficult to start a business with new supplier. Evaluation should be done properly before selection. Have meetings, discussions, both partners have proper communication channel. Question#02 How important was the role of specific individuals involved in the discussion? What does this say about the importance of trust in managing buyer-supplier relationships in such an environment, and the role of individuals in the relationship? The role of specific individuals are very important during discussion because of having enormous responsibilities like monitoring and evaluation...
Words: 553 - Pages: 3
...Case #1 Columbia Industries Inc. Centennial School of Business B2B Marketing & Channel Management BUSN-301-001 Columbia Industries, Inc. Columbia Industries is one of highly established, largest manufacturing of code- approved products. It was started in 1948 in British Columbia. Columbia Industries went on to flourish and in 1194 opened a branch in Toronto. They then decided to globally expand opening a new branch in Los Angeles. In 1997, the company faced a problem which needed to be addressed quickly and as soon as possible. 1. Problem Identification: In 1999, the plant manager, industrial engineer and the plant engineer recommended to the company’s general manager that they require 7 new lift trucks. Lift trucks were essential at the warehouse as they are used to move heavy objects from one place to another. The issue with the old lift trucks were that there were safety concerns and one of the driver had recently experienced a near accident while working. Another reason for the requirement of the new lift trucks is that the Vancouver plant has experienced a rapid sale and demand in the past few years. But because of the unavailability of proper lift trucks, the company were unable to address the customer’s needs in the given time and eventually had to lose valuable customers. Therefore, Columbia Industries require 7 new truck lifts which has the ability to do the job and provide a very reliable service. They should also consider the cost of these lift...
Words: 1137 - Pages: 5
...Seminar Application and Usage of Process and Capability Maturity Models in Practice 9th January 2011 Chapter 1 Lean Six Sigma Experience in Companies Narek Danoyan Contents 1.1 Lean Six Sigma in Xerox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 Lean Six Sigma in Caterpillar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 Lean Six Sigma in General Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.4 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.5 Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4 5 6 7 1 2 CHAPTER 1. LEAN SIX SIGMA EXPERIENCE IN COMPANIES Abstract: During the recent years the Lean Six Sigma improvement methodology has found its wide usage in different high-profit companies. Among such companies are General Electric, Raytheon, Caterpillar, ITT, Solectron, etc. The following article provides information on the Lean Six Sigma implemtations in three such companies, namely Xerox, Caterpillar and General Electric. 1.1 Lean Six Sigma in Xerox Xerox company profile Industry: document services, digital imaging, computer peripherals Number of employees: 133,200(2010) Total assets: US$ 24 billion Prior improvement methodologies used in Xerox and reasons for switching to LSS. Though the earlier approaches assisted Xerox in improving business processes, Xerox had some deficiencies and the results were limited in scope. In 2002 company decided to adopt the integration of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, which in a...
Words: 1380 - Pages: 6
...CATERPILLAR FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION TABLE OF CONTENTS AND FIGURES LIST P: Organizational Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure P-1 Figure P-2 Figure P-3 Figure P-4 Figure P-5 Figure P-6 Figure P-7 1: Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2 Figure 1-3 Figure 1-4 Figure 1-5 Figure 1-6 Figure 1-7 Figure 1-8 2: Strategic Planning 3: Customer and Market Focus 4: Measurement, Analysis, and Knowledge Management Measurement Architecture Sources & Uses of Comparative Data Information Systems Knowledge Management Approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 5-1 Figure 5-2 Figure 5-3 Figure 5-4 Figure 5-5 6: Process Management Customer Listening Approaches Customer Contact Mechanisms Customer Survey Approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Figure 4-1 Figure 4-2 Figure 4-3 Figure 4-4 5: Human Resource Focus Strategic Planning Process Strategies and Action Plans Performance Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 Figure 3-3 30 Compensation...
Words: 39947 - Pages: 160
...SAMPLE growth process toolkit Distribution Channel Optimization Accelerating Growth through Unbiased and Ongoing Partner Evaluation, Selection, and Management SAMPLE INTRODUCTION Growth through Distribution Channel Optimization A recent study determined that high-performance businesses (i.e., the 10 percent that outpace competitors regardless of economic conditions) “excel in the development of meaningful customer insights and practical ways to put those insights into action.” 1 They understand what their customers want, and they know how to deliver solutions that customers will buy. An unwritten, but nonetheless significant, extension of this idea is that they not only know what customers will buy, but where and how they want to buy. In short, no company is successful for its insights alone. Success ultimately depends upon the effectiveness and reach of its go-to-market strategy. Distribution channel optimization is therefore a critical ingredient to sustaining growth through a rigorous customer focus. ∗ D D F F At their most basic level, distribution partners enable suppliers to deliver goods or services to end users, and distributors’ reach significantly influences the extent to which suppliers can engage with customers. On a more meaningful level, distribution partners provide customer service in areas where suppliers cannot or do not (e.g., financing, insurance, training, maintenance, repairs). Taken together, the two deliver an enhanced customer experience...
Words: 5685 - Pages: 23
...Recognition Company needs to purchase 7 forklifts because its operations are growing and they need to provide on time service to their clients. Situation Analysis: Strengths * Support of Mr. Jacques Debré to adquire new equipment that contributes with company’s productivity * Support of Sandra Ogrosky due the poor performance and productivity in the company originated y downtime because repairs * Good relationship with company’s suppliers (Yale) * Necessary number of quotations that allows the company take better deisions Weaknesses * Lack of product expertise about forklifts Opportunities * Create new relationships with new suppliers * Acquire better forklifts that allows the company to increase productivity and safety * Gain support and approval of forklift operators due that they tested the product before buying decision. * Gain mecanic’s support before buying decision * A rapid increase in sales to several valueable customers Threats * Lack of compromise from the supplier * Hide additional cost (expensive replacements) * Product failure Problem...
Words: 1098 - Pages: 5
...investor the selection as to where the client could potentially invest 2.6 million is an easy one. The two U.S. publicly traded companies that will be compared side by side are Caterpillar Inc. and John Deere. These two companies are both known for their brand names, equipment, and product service for years. However, one may appear to be more qualified than the other as that particular company is far more ahead at keeping up with market trends. Caterpillar Inc. The first company that will be evaluated for investment is Caterpillar Inc. They have been around for more than 85 years providing products and services to their customers that have lead to successful long term business relationships. However, Caterpillar is moving forward fast in their industry as they focus closely on the future of the company and what those market trends will be. Caterpillar also known as CAT is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company is also a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. The operations for CAT are lead by a team of more than 132,000 employees. These employees follow the guidelines of 6 Sigma principles and sustainability as a part of its core business. They at CAT believe that Sustainable Development for Caterpillar means leveraging...
Words: 4435 - Pages: 18
...With its strong network of dealers, Caterpillar designs better products and provides superior customer service. Make Your Dealers Your Partners by Donald V. Fites A decade ago, many observers predicted that Caterpillar would join the long list of U.S. corporations that had fallen to the Japanese. Doomsayers on Wall Street, at business schools, and in the press focused particularly on the rivalry between Caterpillar and Komatsu. With Komatsu boasting tremendous eost advantages (as much as 40% in some product lines) and excellent produets, they accepted as a foregone conclusion that Komatsu would fulfill its vow to "encircle Cat" and become the dominant producer in our industry. Uke many predictions, this one fell short. Despite determined efforts by Komatsu, Hitachi, Kobelco, and others, our overall share of the world market for construction and mining equipment is the highest in our history. We have maintained our strong position in fapan through Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi, our 33-year-old joint venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. And after suffering some 84 fearsome losses in 5 of the 11 years from 1982 through 1992, we have rehounded financially with record profits and a return on equity in the mid to high thirties. I'm often asked how Caterpillar rose to the challenge. Several factors played a part. They include the tremendous value of our hrand name; the excellent quality of our produetS; the high resale value of our machines; a reorganization...
Words: 8024 - Pages: 33
...Date, To be submitted by Sunday, 1/4/2012. Free Case Parts Emporium Essays 1 - 30 Anti Essays www.antiessays.com/topics/case-parts-emporium/0 Get access to Case Parts Emporium Essays only from Anti Essays. Listed Results 1 - 30. Get studying today and get the grades you want. Only at. Free Essays on Parts Emporium Case Study 31 - 60 Anti Essays www.antiessays.com/topics/parts-emporium-case-study/30 Get access to Parts Emporium Case Study Essays only from Anti Essays. Listed Results 31 - 60. Get studying today and get the grades you want. Only at. ALLIS CHALMERS, CASE items in Equipment Parts Emporium store ... stores.ebay.com.my › eBay Stores Buy Equipment Parts Emporium, ALLIS CHALMERS items on eBay. Find a huge selection of CASE, CATERPILLAR, CLEVELAND items and get what you want ... My life in a blog: Parts Emporium, Operations Case = pain akilliano.blogspot.com/2006/.../parts-emporium-operations-case-pain.ht... Sep 19, 2006 - i am actualy looking for help on the parts emporium case... can u help me and send your stuff to: aghafahad787@hotmail.com it will be much ... Parts Emporium Case Study Answer - Free PDF downloads...
Words: 566 - Pages: 3
...business. Hence, Ford was able to eliminate inefficient delivery process and control the raw materials for mass production. Ford's mass production which led to mass profits and the company was able to buy and control its resources, everything from the mines and plantations that provided iron ore, coal, and rubber. This helped Ford to track the source of the problem quickly if something went wrong with one of its supplier and fixed immediately so not to slow production. However, until the 1970s when Japanese car manufacturers enter the competition, Ford lost its market share. Since the industry became more competitive and Japanese car manufacturers had took the lead with its more cost and time effective method How did they develop SCM? Ford is taking the Japanese model of outsourcing suppliers and others, and then applying it to its own operations to improve their performance. The main reason for this change is the fact that the current management structure is “unable to respond quickly to changing markets or consumer demands”. Their methods are explained below: Assist suppliers in improving their operation through JIT inventory, TQM, SPC...
Words: 4035 - Pages: 17
...material jeopardize customer loyalty and the competitive edge within the shipping industry. This paper addresses these issues and provides some insight and reasoning to the problem; as well as, solutions. Table of Contents Introduction 3 Company Background 4 Business Problems 6 Benefits of Solution 9 Solutions 10 Alternatives 12 Vendor 13 Technical Description 14 Process Changes 16 Selection 18 Evaluate each alternative 19 Pick the best solution 20 High-Level Implementation Plan 21 Conclusion w/ summary 22 Table of Figures 23 Works Cited 24 Introduction The package shipping industry provides a critical global service to the worldwide corporate, private, and residential sectors. With the advent of E-commerce emergence over the past few decades, the internet has provided businesses and individuals with availability and access to warehouses of items at the touch of a button. These items must still be packaged and shipped from one destination to the next. Companies in the shipping industry like FedEx provide this service of assuring that customer selection and satisfaction are at the edge of their business strategy. In keeping with their mission statement, “Customer requirements will be met in the highest quality manner appropriate to each market segment served.” (FedEx, 2015). The...
Words: 4141 - Pages: 17
...Introductory Marketing Place Chapter 11 Armstrong/ Kotler Marketing: An Introduction Marketing Channels and Supply Chain Management I. The Nature of Distribution Channels Channels of Distribution is known as "Place" in the "4 P's" model of Marketing. Distribution Channels provide the utility of place, of having products where the customer wants when the customer wants them. In these days of customer focus and emphasis on competition, the 4 P's model is considered very simplistic, and I've always thought that was probably why Marketers began referring to Place as Channels, to move us away from "The "4 P's" as a description of all of what Marketing is about; nevertheless, "place" is a convenient way to think of the term Channels of Distribution. |Distribution is particularly important in a country |[pic] | |like Canada with our huge size and our northern | | |climate. Every spring, trucks go down through the ice | | |in places where frozen water is used as a seasonal | | |road; this truck is sinking in Lake Winnipeg. | | |[pic] ...
Words: 40156 - Pages: 161
...Strategy in the Global Environment Synopsis of Chapter This chapter looks at the strategies companies adopt when they expand outside their domestic marketplace and start to compete on a global basis. The chapter opens by discussing how global expansion creates value for a company. The focus is on the ability of global companies to transfer distinctive competencies across national markets, to realize location economies from basing individual value-creation activities in the optimal location for that activity, and to ride down the experience curve more rapidly than competitors that are focused on just their domestic market. Next the chapter examines two types of competitive pressures that firms competing in the global marketplace typically face: pressures for cost reductions and pressures to be responsive to local conditions. These pressures place conflicting demands on a company. The sources of pressures for cost reductions and pressures for local responsiveness are explored. The discussion then turns to the different strategies that companies can pursue in the global arena. Four different strategies are reviewed in some detail—an international strategy, a multidomestic strategy, a global strategy, and a transnational strategy. The pros and cons of each of these strategies are debated. A link is made between the appropriateness of different strategies and the pressures for cost reductions and local responsiveness. It is suggested that the optimal strategy is contingent...
Words: 7703 - Pages: 31
...Introduction: Bangladesh is still a developing country but the tremendous growth prospect that this country has shown and still showing on for some time now signals the bright future that Bangladesh possesses. There are some industries and sectors which have provided the country with the phenomenal start and necessary speed that is required for an annual 6-7% growth over the past few years. Readymade garments industry is one of those sectors. After the emergence of Bangladesh, radical change has come to our garments sector. At present there are about 3000 garments industries in the country and 75 percent of them are in Dhaka. This industry has employed fifty lacks of people and 85 percent of them are illiterate rural women. About 76 percent of our export earning comes from this sector. The tremendous success of readymade garments exports from Bangladesh over the last two decades has surpassed the most optimistic expectations. Today the apparel export sector is a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing and export industry in the country. The overall impact of the readymade garments exports is certainly one of the most significant social and economic developments in contemporary Bangladesh. Azim Group of Bangladesh was one of the very pioneers of the garments sector in this country. The group itself was founded on 1975 although the readymade garments division of Azim Group started at 1982.That division was the third garments factory in Bangladesh and the first sweater and woven cloths...
Words: 2142 - Pages: 9
...Channels and Supply Chain Management Chapter Objectives • Explain why companies use distribution channels and discuss the functions these channels perform. • Discuss how channel members interact and how they organize to perform the work of the channel. • Identify the major channel alternatives open to a company. • Explain how companies select, motivate, and evaluate channel members. • Discuss the nature and importance of marketing logistics and integrated supply chain management. Chapter Overview This chapter covers the important topics of supply chain management. Supply chains consist of both upstream and downstream partners, including suppliers, intermediaries, and even intermediary customers. The term value delivery network expands on the limited nature of "supply chain." It consists of the company, suppliers, distributors, and ultimately customers who "partner" with each other to improve the performance of the entire system. The chapter focuses on marketing channels--the downstream side of the value delivery network. A company's channel decisions directly affect every other marketing decision. And because distribution channel decisions often involve long-term commitments to other firms, management must define its channels carefully, with an eye on tomorrow's likely selling environment as well as today's. Channel members add value by bridging the major time, place, and possession gaps that separate goods and services from those who would use them. Members...
Words: 6245 - Pages: 25
