Mini-Case 17-1: Kansas Manufacturers and Assemblers

question 86

Essay

Mini-Case 17-1: Kansas Manufacturers and Assemblers
Rose Richardson always knew that if she could land a major order for her firm, she could prove its quality to the industry. Kansas Manufacturing and Assemblers was a job shop manufacturing and assembling operation specializing in fast turnaround projects for manufacturers with orders in excess of production capacity. Each job Rose's firm did was a special order.
In September, a major appliance manufacturer approached Rose and inquired about her ability and willingness to manufacture and assemble a new appliance. This order could mean a very substantial profit for the firm, as well as recognition throughout the industry. Rose was asked to undertake a project that would require a 100 percent assignment of the firm's personnel for seven months. In addition, any slight modification in design or material would require overtime. If this job went as most, changes could be expected. On this short notice, it would be impractical for Rose to hire additional personnel because it takes weeks, even months, to learn the necessary skills.
Rose faces an interesting dilemma: If she doesn't take the job, it may be years before another one of this magnitude comes along; but if she takes the job and then fails to deliver on time, or fails to meet the quality specifications because of her overworked employees, her reputation will be hurt for years. Rose sees this opportunity as a crossroads in the firm's history, but knows that she must gain the full and unquestioned support of the employees if the project is to be a success.
-If you were Rose, how would you go about gaining the commitment of your employees to a project that will last a full seven months and will likely require each person to work overtime and weekends and to forgo vacations for the duration of the project?

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Definitions:

Acquiring Resources

The process of obtaining necessary materials, capital, personnel, or other assets required to undertake a project or run a business.

Sweatshop

A place of employment that has poor, socially unacceptable working conditions, often with unreasonably low wages.

Working Conditions

Refers to the environment, hours, and policies under which employees operate.

High Wages

Compensation that is significantly above the average pay rate for a particular job or industry, often reflecting high skill levels, performance, or the critical nature of the job.