個案總覽

This case describes the evolution of Rural Health Care Foundation (RHCF), which provides primary healthcare services to the economically underprivileged in rural India, its various alliances with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and for-profit organizations. RHCF centers attract large number of patients every day from as far away as 100 km, due to low charges (INR 40, which is less than 1 USD, for consultation and a week's supply of medicine) and availability of reliable doctors. The case discusses the scale up challenges RHCF is facing to expand their centers to other locations as well as to provide other services within each center. The case also highlights the role various alliances, between NGOs and for profit organizations, play in delivering healthcare services to the bottom of the pyramid, especially those living in rural localities and can neither access nor afford proper medical facilities.

Ace Designers, a machine tool company in India, is debating whether to invest in production of an in-house CNC controller. Currently Ace is fitting imported CNC controllers into its machine tools, which account for 50% of the material cost. The in-house controller's cost is significantly lower and also reduces company's exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. However, convincing customers about the quality and reliability of an indigenously developed CNC controller is a major challenge and could affect the sales in the short run. Given the history of successful product introductions for the low-cost segment and process improvement initiatives (like Ace Designers' "flow lines in a job shop"), students have to determine the probability of succeeding in this new venture and the financial viability of the controller project. Sufficient data is provided in the case to carry out quantitative analysis, assess the success of earlier initiatives, and justify or reject investments in the new project. Also sufficient information is given on earlier process improvement initiatives to obtain deeper insights into softer issues and provide justification for success or failure of future projects.