In 2008 Intel released a low-power and low-cost microprocessor that opened up a new market for smaller mobile computers, commonly known as netbooks. During the subsequent two years, netbooks have grown to be a substantial component of the mobile computer industry, capturing a major share of...

For many biotech drugs, minimal competition has led to significant margins. Genentech's legacy product, however, faces intense competition from six other competitors. Competition necessitates contracting to ensure patient access to the product but this results in price erosion. An increase in...

Intel's current demand-forecasting processes rely on customers' demand forecasts. Customers do not revise demand forecasts as demand decreases until the last minute. Intel's current demand models provide little guidance for judging customer orders when the market changes. As a result, during the...

The problem of optimally distributing new products is common to many companies and industries. This thesis describes how this challenge was addressed at Zara, a leading retailer in the "fast fashion" industry. The thesis discusses the development and evaluation of a modular system including...

As part of continuing lean transformation efforts at Pratt & Whitney, the Middletown Engine Center has turned its focus on the GP7000 turbofan engine as a target for lean implementation. Projected increases in GP7000 production volume over the next few years, along with aggressive cost reduction...

One of the biggest opportunities for this consumer goods company today is reducing retail stockouts at its Direct Store Delivery (DSD) customers via pre-selling, which represents approximately 70% of the company's total sales volume. But reducing retail stock-outs is becoming constantly more...

This thesis derives a seven-stage methodology and presents a case study for developing an actionable innovation strategy for manufacturing firms. The methodology is based around a careful examination of their firm's circumstances, or external context and internal praxis. How a firm should...

Biopharmaceutical companies are focusing on operational efficiency more than ever before due to cost pressures, generic competition, complex pricing, regulations, and globalization. Due to the low probabilities of success of drug development and achieving market penetration, it is critical for a...

Over the last decade, the U.S. aircraft industry has experienced increasing levels of international integration as companies seek to access global talent and resources, cut production costs, spread financial risk, and secure access to airplane markets throughout the world. In an increasingly...

This paper outlines areas for improvement within the outbound fulfillment network of an emerging online grocery ("e-grocery") company offering home delivery to the customer. In particular, the research focuses on developing an efficient, scalable home delivery network, as a result of the known...