| Abstract |
The case gives a brief on the start-up of SPEL, an auto-parts manufacturing company. It describes events that led to the Quality Circles program, and gives some details on the circles 'High-Mission'. The case discussion revolves around benefits of Quality Circles and basic issues in implementing them. The case can be used to introduce the concept of quality circles to students in an introductory graduate course on Operations Management, or a senior level course in management at the undergraduate level.As the company tried to reduce costs, its stock-out costs increased and the quality of its packing materials went down. The case, besides describing the company's planning and distribution system, highlights many important issues in Supply Chain Management. |