Discussion

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 of your course text, and the Changes in Toyota Motors’ Operations Management article.

Using the three competitive dimensions of cost, quality, and customer service to explain your rationale for your most recent significant product or service purchase. Consider a consumer good, such as an automobile or a household appliance, a service such as a decision to open an account at a bank or to purchase insurance, or any other product or service that you have purchased in the last two years that cost more than $100. Explain in rank order of importance the three competitive dimensions you considered in making such a purchase. Speculate on the strategic implications of your decisions on the manufacturer or service provider. Prior to the discussion, read Chapter 2 and Chapter 3.