Focuses on quality management challenges facing Nestle and investigates potentially vulnerable areas of Nestle's supply chain. Describes Nestle's proactive approach in trying to identify its challenges and further improving its performance. Presents four parts of the organization, each facing very different challenges, ranging from traceability and manufacturing efficiency to managing diverse customers.
Given the improved overall quality standards in effect nowadays, companies risk becoming complacent about quality issues. However, with supply chains becoming longer and customers becoming more demanding, quality management continues to be a challenge to companies. Describes Nestle's approach to quality management. Reviews three highly publicized incidents that occurred at Coca-Cola, Firestone, and Snow Brand Milk Products and their dramatic impact on the company and top management. These incidents highlight the fact that quality must be seen from the total supply chain perspective with the main focus on quality in use. Can also be used to study crisis management.
Describes a decision to be made on the future of manufacturing for tape drives at Hewlett-Packard. HP has used several different manufacturing partners in the earlier versions of its products. Now HP is facing a decision to outsource manufacturing and create a virtual supply chain for the next product generation. Provides opportunities to discuss the strategic and operational challenges of outsourcing and the use of electronics manufacturing services companies in supply chain operation.