1. Generally, the competitiveness of an organization can be increased by many ways. One way is to increase the productivity. However, some organization or nations can significantly increase the productivity but the competitiveness still low. Discuss why such case will occur?
2. Suppose that you are the purchasing manager of a company that buys raw materials from hundreds of suppliers, some of which supply the same raw materials. You are convinced that the cost of quality of these materials, as measured by the failure cost can be improved. What can you do in your relationships with suppliers to improve the quality of raw materials your company needs?
3. Starbucks is one of the best-known coffeehouse chains in the world. Each store sells a variety of innovative products to complement the array of coffee choices available. However, the expensive nature of the coffee leaves Starbucks vulnerable to changes in consumer spending behavior (such as recessions). You are the advisor of Starbucks and have been asked to develop a new strategy for Starbucks to gain more competitiveness. Suggest youroperations strategyto support Starbucks by using three approaches which areDifferentiation,Cost Leadership, andResponse.