SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AT BOSE CORPORATION
By
Steve Singh
Student Identification#
Background
Bose was founded in 1964 by Amar Bose an MIT professor, the business was based on innovations and acoustics and electronics. In its initial year the company revenues were primarily based on portable, battery operated equipment. Bose launched the first successful model 901 speakers, which were followed by further successful products like the 501 and 301 speakers. Bose entered the car stereo market with a partnership with the Delco divisions of General Motors and eventually offered sound system to Honda, Acura, Audi and Nissan. Bose currently maintains plants in Massachusetts and Michigan as well as Canada, Mexico and Ireland.
Discuss how the Strategy development process might work at a company like Bose.
The strategy development process typically begins with the identification of customer needs, and how these needs can best be met by the company. In this case Bose has a strong emphasis on Research and Development. Bose is willing to explore new technologies that increase speaker performance, and this has been a central driver to the business strategy ever since the company was founded. Bose has a wide range of customers e.g. Delco, Honda, Nissan, Audi, as well as other demanding distributors who carry their products, these customers want up to date technology and deliveries made with short cycle time and high quality products at lower costs. This market analysis has profound implication for the company’s procurement and supply strategy.
What should be the relationship between Bose’s supply management strategy and the development of its performance measurement system
Bose needs to attract suppliers who can bring with them technological inputs, and be able to respond to Bose’s needs in a timely manner to bring new products to the market as quickly as possible. This also means that suppliers have excellent quality, quick response and