In the past year and a half, Dwight and Ike have expanded Easy Chairs (EC) into the Asian Market and increased their online presence to be more globally appealing. They have also sought to keep manufacturing in the USA. Concerns that Dwight and Ike have about opening manufacturing operations abroad stem from their fear that the quality of the products they make will be lesser than those produced in the US, the culture clash may be too hard to overcome, and that the business will become too large. It is also part of their culture to employ wounded US veterans first. This may be hard to accomplish abroad. Additionally, EC is a small family firm and expanding abroad would make it hard for managers and leaders to keep that “I belong” feeling that family embodies.

Dwight and Ike want your thoughts on the subject of expanding manufacturing operations abroad. They would like to get fresh ideas on the subject.  Using a memo format, create a memo with an answer which considers the following:  

Use the following template for your memo: Memo Format

• prepare a 2-page memo to Dwight and Ike on the subject of manufacturing abroad, including:
  • The future of the business environment, technology, and market opportunities for EC’s products.
    • (Topics to discuss: cities vs. rural, where are they likely to be popular? What countries have employees who can work the machines? Education? Cost of Living? Language etc. wealth distribution) The class material is a good place to start but online research will enhance the answer.
    • Advantages and disadvantages of manufacturing abroad.
    • The role of managers and leaders in business today.
  • Support the response with facts, figures, and expert opinions. Dwight and Ike like to see you have done your homework.