Chapter 9, Problem 1DQ

What is the relationship between inventory and the nine competitive priorities we discussed in Chapter 1,“Using Operations to Create Value”? Suppose that two competing manufacturers, Company H and Company L, are similar except that Company H has much higher investments in raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventory luau Company L. In which of the nine competitive priorities will Company H have an advantage?

Summary Introduction

Interpretation: The relationship between inventory and nine competitive priorities and its advantages to company H if it has invested more in raw materials, work-in-process & finished goods inventory than company L are to be discussed.

Concept Introduction: Stock of material used to fulfill customer demands or providing support to production of goods and giving services is referred as inventory. Activities preferred to gain competitive advantage among various competitors is competitive priorities.

Answer to Problem 1DQ

Inventory as of fulfilling customer’s demands tells that there is a relation between inventory & competitive priorities.

Higher inventory enjoys competitive priority than lower inventory as it can fulfill customers demand more elegantly.

Explanation of Solution

Given information: Description of relationship between inventory and nine competitive priorities is to be provided. Mention higher investment advantages in H Company of nine competitive priorities than Company L.

For avoiding bottleneck situations priorities of work must be done by business. Definition of inventory as of fulfilling customers’ demands tells that there is relation in between inventory & competitive priorities and their success also depends upon uninterrupted production flow.

Inventory above average is called higher inventory and enjoys competitive priority than lower inventory as it can fulfill customers demand more elegantly.

The company having lower inventory cannot fulfill customers demand as they do not have sufficient inventory.