Typically a company's second largest controllable expense, corporate travel affects many employees at Boeing. A challenge when implementing improvements in the travel and expense system, which is actually comprised of a system of systems, is the coordination of various solutions to ensure...

As a consumer packaged goods company, "Company X" manufactures products "make-to-stock"; therefore, having reliable demand forecasts is fundamental for successful planning and execution. Not isolated to "Company X" or to the CPG industry, current global economic conditions have forced companies...

There is an essential need in the retail industry, of integrating inventory planning and pricing strategies. In the fast-fashion world of retail, inventory is treated as a perishable item leading to short selling periods. It is a common practice for retailers to liquidate unsold merchandise via...

Companies in every industry, including both manufacturers and service providers, must make decisions about their operational footprint -the amount of building space required for business needs such as storing inventory and equipment and providing work areas for employees. Changes to the existing...

With increased global competition, companies find that they must adjust and adapt to a supply chain model that incorporates more strategic suppliers. Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technology Corporation, is no different as it seeks to streamline selection of suppliers to satisfy their...

In biotechnology, much focus is put on the science behind proteins and cells; less attention has traditionally gone to the raw materials used to produce medicines. However, in the recent past, internal and external drivers have prompted a change in the way biotechnology companies manage raw...

Understanding the overall impact of a decision in a manufacturing system can be challenging given the complex production and financial structures in today's companies. While knowing the direct result of a local change may be easy, anticipating the real impact to the rest of the business can be...

Since Michael Dell returned as CEO in 2007 the company has undergone several changes such as utilizing third party manufacturers, reentry into retail, and a new focus on solution based offerings. Although historically Dell has been a build to order business, it is now expanding into build to...

An organization's decision on which aspects of its operations to outsource represents a key, strategic issue that should be based on maximizing performance throughout the entire value chain. In certain instances strategic outsourcing decisions make it ideal for firms to source from one...

Organizations are quickly realizing the need to leverage data and analytics to stay one step ahead of the competition as fast-paced global markets continue to emerge and grow and the world becomes increasingly complex. More than ever, corporate executives are executing data-driven decisions and...