Supply Chain Management Terms and San Francisco
Case Study : The Tao of Timbuk2
Questions
1. Consider the two categories of products that Timbuk2 makes and sells. For the custom messenger bag, what are the key competitive dimensions that are driving sales? Are their competitive priorities different for the new laptop bags sourced in China?
In the 2nd paragraph you can easily find 'A quick click of the mouse and the bag is delivered directly to the customer in only two days'. It is the best answer for 'what are the key competitive dimensions?'. Only need to do for customers are just clicking and wait for the bag which will be customized based on their order and design. And Timbuk2 delivers 'the special bag' to the customer within 2 days. Customized good quality and quick delivery system are the Timbuk2's key competitive dimensions. The main reason for manufacturing Tambuk2 laptop bags sourced in China is 'the cheap labor costs'. With cheaper labor cost, Tambuk2 could hire the group of hardworking craftspeople. It means factory in China for Tambuk2 can have not only cheaper labor cost but also the group of hardworking crafts people. So Tambuk2 can fulfill the customers expectation of quality bag with better price.
2. Compare the assembly line in China to that in San Francisco along the following dimensions: (1) volume or rate of production, (2) required skill of the workers, (3) level of automation, and (4) amount of raw materials and finished goods inventory.
(1) Volume or rate of production
Factory in San Francisco - Customized bags depends on the orders from customers.
Factory in San Francisco - Standardized products such as laptop bags and Accessories has stable orders. It means that factory in China has bigger rate of production.
(2)Required skill of the workers
Factory in San Francisco - A small group with much experience and skills needed for producing the customized bags.
Factory in China - A large group members with low skills needed for producing the
Questions
1. Consider the two categories of products that Timbuk2 makes and sells. For the custom messenger bag, what are the key competitive dimensions that are driving sales? Are their competitive priorities different for the new laptop bags sourced in China?
In the 2nd paragraph you can easily find 'A quick click of the mouse and the bag is delivered directly to the customer in only two days'. It is the best answer for 'what are the key competitive dimensions?'. Only need to do for customers are just clicking and wait for the bag which will be customized based on their order and design. And Timbuk2 delivers 'the special bag' to the customer within 2 days. Customized good quality and quick delivery system are the Timbuk2's key competitive dimensions. The main reason for manufacturing Tambuk2 laptop bags sourced in China is 'the cheap labor costs'. With cheaper labor cost, Tambuk2 could hire the group of hardworking craftspeople. It means factory in China for Tambuk2 can have not only cheaper labor cost but also the group of hardworking crafts people. So Tambuk2 can fulfill the customers expectation of quality bag with better price.
2. Compare the assembly line in China to that in San Francisco along the following dimensions: (1) volume or rate of production, (2) required skill of the workers, (3) level of automation, and (4) amount of raw materials and finished goods inventory.
(1) Volume or rate of production
Factory in San Francisco - Customized bags depends on the orders from customers.
Factory in San Francisco - Standardized products such as laptop bags and Accessories has stable orders. It means that factory in China has bigger rate of production.
(2)Required skill of the workers
Factory in San Francisco - A small group with much experience and skills needed for producing the customized bags.
Factory in China - A large group members with low skills needed for producing the