What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization? Provide an example of a firm that has engaged in globalization. What are some of the potential advantages and disadvantages of globalization for this particular organization?
· What motivates U.S. firms to compete for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA)? How could a firm benefit from participating in the MBNQA competition, even if it did not apply for the award?
· Describe the concept of "visibility" in the context of the Japanese total quality approach. How does the concept of visibility help a firm identify problems in its production processes?
· In what sense does excess inventory act as a "security blanket" for manufacturing firms?