Monthly Archives: February 2014

Analyzing a Company Using Data From Space

Posted on February 21, 2014 by F. Robert Jacobs

Discussion Questions Carefully read the following short article about how satellite images can be used to analyze a company, even without the company’s permission or cooperation. The article mentions counting cars in parking lots to estimate sales at companies such … Continue reading →

Posted in Analytics, Forecasting, Manufacturing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Unions in the United States

Posted on February 16, 2014 by F. Robert Jacobs

Discussion Questions Read the following article about the attempt of the United Auto Workers union to organize a VW plant in Tennessee. Why did the workers reject the formation of the union at the plant? Do you think that what … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Resources, Jobs, Manufacturing, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Leveraging Impact of Lower Energy Cost

Posted on February 14, 2014 by F. Robert Jacobs

Discussion Questions Recalling your study of Economics, define what the “leveraging” effect is?  In your definition go beyond the idea of using a small amount of money to borrow a large amount.  Think about it relative to building a new … Continue reading →

Posted in Cost, Materials, Supply Chain Finance, Supply Chain Strategy | Leave a comment

Apple Targets “Conflict Materials” Suppliers

Posted on February 14, 2014 by F. Robert Jacobs

Discussion Questions The goal of being “conflict-free” relates to compliance with the ethical sourcing of materials used in a company’s products.  Read the following article to learn how this relates to Apple Computer products. Note that in many cases the … Continue reading →

Posted in Materials, Purchasing, Supply Chain Risk, Supply Chain Strategy | Tagged | Leave a comment

Toyota Recalls Another 1.9 Million Vehicles

Posted on February 14, 2014 by F. Robert Jacobs

Discussion Questions: Carefully read the following an article that describes this new Toyota recall of all the Prius vehicles built since 2009.  Note that this is just another recall and there is a long history of major recalls from Toyota … Continue reading →

Posted in Analytics, Cost, Marketing, Product Design, Quality Management | Tagged , | Leave a comment