Dell Computer Has Excelled with a Fast-Paced Build-To-Order Approach That

question 70

Essay

Dell Computer has excelled with a fast-paced build-to-order approach that involves taking customer orders online, orchestrating production tailored to each customer, and forging a one-to-one relationship with the customer after the sale. Some auto industry executives have turned to Michael Dell, the company founder, for advice concerning how to make their businesses look like his. Senior executives at Ford, for example, envision a future where customers will order online and factories will build to order, eliminating billions of dollars of inventory costs (for example, large stocks of vehicles on hand). All of those mass produced cars sitting for weeks on dealer lots represent a massive investment that yields no return until a buyer comes along.
a.Evaluate the feasibility of a build-to-order system for an automaker like Ford and outline the key requirements that Ford must meet to make the strategy work for a potential customer like you.
b.How would a build-to-order system alter the way in which suppliers (business marketers) would serve Ford as a customer?

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Definitions:

Ghrelin

A hormone produced in the stomach that stimulates appetite and signals the brain to increase food intake.

Leptin

A hormone produced by fat cells that regulates body weight by signaling the brain to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure.

Insulin

A hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.

Anorexia Nervosa

A psychological and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image leading to self-starvation.