1. What has made Blue Bird’s quality initiative successful? Discuss how you think each of the programs the company implemented contributed to what it is today.
2. How might value chain management concepts help Blue Bird become even more productive? What would the company have to do to benefit from managing its value chain?

Big yellow school buses. They’re a common sight at the beginning and end of the school day in many communities. One company that manufactures those school buses is Blue Bird Corporation. School buses are a product where quality is paramount. After all, that product is carrying precious cargo! However, achieving an organizational culture that’s dedicated to quality and to efficient manufacturing isn’t an easy thing to do.