Harvard Case - Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision
"Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision" Harvard business case study is written by David Wood. It deals with the challenges in the field of Operations Management. The case study is 6 page(s) long and it was first published on : May 14, 2020
At Fern Fort University, we recommend Bombardier Aviation adopt a hybrid approach to the front substructure decision, leveraging both in-house production and outsourcing strategies. This strategy will allow Bombardier to maintain control over critical core competencies while simultaneously minimizing production costs and maximizing flexibility.
2. Background
Bombardier Aviation, a leading manufacturer of aircraft, faces a significant decision regarding the production of front substructures for its new C Series aircraft. The company must choose between producing the substructures in-house at its existing facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland, or outsourcing production to a third-party supplier. This decision carries significant implications for Bombardier's operations strategy, supply chain management, and overall financial performance.
The main protagonists in this case are:
- Bombardier Aviation Management: They must weigh the pros and cons of in-house production versus outsourcing, considering factors such as cost, quality, and flexibility.
- Belfast Facility Workers: They are concerned about job security and potential layoffs if production is outsourced.
- Potential Third-Party Suppliers: They are eager to secure the contract and offer competitive pricing and production capabilities.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
This case study can be analyzed through the lens of operations strategy, considering the trade-offs between cost, quality, delivery, and flexibility.
In-house production offers several advantages:
- Control: Bombardier can maintain direct control over the production process, ensuring quality and adherence to its standards.
- Core competencies: In-house production allows Bombardier to retain its core competencies in aircraft manufacturing and maintain a skilled workforce.
- Flexibility: Bombardier can adapt production quickly to changing demand and product specifications.
However, in-house production also presents challenges:
- Cost: Manufacturing in-house can be expensive, especially with the need for new equipment and skilled labor.
- Capacity: The Belfast facility may lack the capacity to handle the increased production volume required for the C Series.
- Risk: Bombardier bears the full risk of production delays or quality issues.
Outsourcing offers several advantages:
- Cost: Outsourcing can significantly reduce production costs, especially if the supplier operates in a lower-cost region.
- Capacity: Outsourcing can provide access to additional production capacity, meeting the increased demand for the C Series.
- Focus: Outsourcing allows Bombardier to focus on its core competencies and strategic initiatives.
However, outsourcing also presents challenges:
- Quality control: Bombardier must ensure the supplier meets its quality standards and specifications.
- Dependency: Outsourcing creates a dependency on the supplier, potentially impacting flexibility and control.
- Intellectual property: Bombardier must carefully manage the transfer of intellectual property to the supplier.
4. Recommendations
Bombardier should adopt a hybrid approach, combining in-house production and outsourcing. This strategy leverages the strengths of both options while mitigating their weaknesses:
- In-house production: Bombardier should continue to produce critical components, such as the fuselage and wings, in-house. This ensures quality control, maintains core competencies, and allows for greater flexibility in product development.
- Outsourcing: Bombardier should outsource the production of less critical components, such as the front substructure, to a third-party supplier. This will reduce production costs, increase capacity, and allow Bombardier to focus on its core competencies.
Implementation:
- Supplier selection: Bombardier should conduct a thorough selection process to identify a reliable and cost-effective supplier for the front substructure. This process should include rigorous due diligence, quality audits, and negotiation of a comprehensive contract.
- Knowledge transfer: Bombardier should facilitate the transfer of technical knowledge and specifications to the chosen supplier, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining quality standards.
- Capacity planning: Bombardier should carefully plan the capacity required for both in-house production and outsourced components, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
- Risk management: Bombardier should develop a comprehensive risk management plan to address potential challenges associated with outsourcing, including quality control, supply chain disruptions, and intellectual property protection.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following considerations:
- Core competencies: This approach allows Bombardier to retain control over its core competencies in aircraft manufacturing while leveraging outsourcing for less critical components.
- External customers: This strategy ensures the delivery of high-quality aircraft to meet customer expectations and maintain Bombardier's reputation.
- Competitors: By optimizing production costs and increasing flexibility, this approach allows Bombardier to remain competitive in the global aerospace market.
- Attractiveness: The hybrid approach offers a balance between cost savings and control, resulting in a more attractive financial proposition compared to solely in-house or outsourced options.
6. Conclusion
By adopting a hybrid approach, Bombardier can achieve a balance between cost reduction, quality control, and flexibility. This strategy will enable the company to successfully launch the C Series aircraft while maintaining its competitive edge in the global aerospace market.
7. Discussion
Alternatives not selected:
- Solely in-house production: This option would maintain control but could be expensive and limit flexibility.
- Solely outsourcing: This option would reduce costs but could compromise quality control and create dependency on the supplier.
Risks and key assumptions:
- Supplier reliability: The success of this strategy hinges on the reliability of the chosen supplier. Bombardier must carefully select a supplier with a proven track record and robust quality management system.
- Knowledge transfer: The transfer of technical knowledge to the supplier must be thorough and effective to ensure consistent quality.
- Capacity planning: Accurate capacity planning is crucial to prevent bottlenecks and delays in production.
8. Next Steps
- Supplier selection: Conduct a comprehensive supplier selection process within the next 3 months.
- Knowledge transfer: Develop a detailed knowledge transfer plan and implement it within 6 months.
- Capacity planning: Revise capacity plans for both in-house and outsourced components within the next 6 months.
- Risk management: Develop and implement a comprehensive risk management plan within the next 6 months.
By taking these steps, Bombardier can effectively implement the hybrid approach and achieve its strategic objectives for the C Series aircraft program.
Hire an expert to write custom solution for HBR Operations Management case study - Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision
- Boeing Concept Production Case Study Solution
- Boeing Manufacturing Dream Case Study Solution
- Boeing Dreamliner Case Study Solution
- Boeing E Case Study Solution
- Airbus Versus Boeing Case Study Solution
- Boeing Case Study Solution
- Airbus Boeing Superjumbo Decisions Case Study Solution
- Bombardier Canada Vs Brazil Wto Case Study Solution
- Rise Demise Airbus Case Study Solution
- Embraer Global Leader Regional Jets Case Study Solution
- Airbus Aturbulence Ahead Case Study Solution
- Pushing Envelope Engine Development Procurement F Fighter Jet Case Study Solution
Case Description
In December 2018, the procurement director at Bombardier Aerostructures (Bombardier) was tasked with deciding whether to support the manufacturing department's proposal to expand capacity in order to produce the front substructure for the A220 aircraft in house or to instead propose that Bombardier outsource the production of this critical assembly. Demand had been growing steadily for the A220. Engineers had determined that expanding the current production capacity at Bombardier's headquarters in Montreal, Canada, was the least capital-intensive solution. However, the front substructure was a prime candidate for outsourcing, and the procurement director wanted to be sure she had considered all options before she made a final recommendation to the senior management team in two weeks.
🎓 Struggling with term papers, essays, or Harvard case studies? Look no further! Fern Fort University offers top-quality, custom-written solutions tailored to your needs. Boost your grades and save time with expertly crafted content. Order now and experience academic excellence! 🌟📚 #MBA #HarvardCaseStudies #CustomEssays #AcademicSuccess #StudySmart Write my custom case study solution for Harvard HBR case - Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision
Hire an expert to write custom solution for HBR Operations Management case study - Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision
Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision FAQ
What are the qualifications of the writers handling the "Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision" case study?
Our writers hold advanced degrees in their respective fields, including MBAs and PhDs from top universities. They have extensive experience in writing and analyzing complex case studies such as " Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision ", ensuring high-quality, academically rigorous solutions.
How do you ensure confidentiality and security in handling client information?
We prioritize confidentiality by using secure data encryption, access controls, and strict privacy policies. Apart from an email, we don't collect any information from the client. So there is almost zero risk of breach at our end. Our financial transactions are done by Paypal on their website so all your information is very secure.
What is Fern Fort Univeristy's process for quality control and proofreading in case study solutions?
The Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision case study solution undergoes a rigorous quality control process, including multiple rounds of proofreading and editing by experts. We ensure that the content is accurate, well-structured, and free from errors before delivery.
Where can I find free case studies solution for Harvard HBR Strategy Case Studies?
At Fern Fort University provides free case studies solutions for a variety of Harvard HBR case studies. The free solutions are written to build "Wikipedia of case studies on internet". Custom solution services are written based on specific requirements. If free solution helps you with your task then feel free to donate a cup of coffee.
I’m looking for Harvard Business Case Studies Solution for Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision. Where can I get it?
You can find the case study solution of the HBR case study "Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision" at Fern Fort University.
Can I Buy Case Study Solution for Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision & Seek Case Study Help at Fern Fort University?
Yes, you can order your custom case study solution for the Harvard business case - "Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision" at Fern Fort University. You can get a comprehensive solution tailored to your requirements.
Can I hire someone only to analyze my Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision solution? I have written it, and I want an expert to go through it.
🎓 Struggling with term papers, essays, or Harvard case studies? Look no further! Fern Fort University offers top-quality, custom-written solutions tailored to your needs. Boost your grades and save time with expertly crafted content. Order now and experience academic excellence! 🌟📚 #MBA #HarvardCaseStudies #CustomEssays #AcademicSuccess #StudySmart Pay an expert to write my HBR study solution for the case study - Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision
Where can I find a case analysis for Harvard Business School or HBR Cases?
You can find the case study solution of the HBR case study "Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision" at Fern Fort University.
Which are some of the all-time best Harvard Review Case Studies?
Some of our all time favorite case studies are -
Can I Pay Someone To Solve My Case Study - "Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision"?
Yes, you can pay experts at Fern Fort University to write a custom case study solution that meets all your professional and academic needs.
Do I have to upload case material for the case study Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision to buy a custom case study solution?
We recommend to upload your case study because Harvard HBR case studies are updated regularly. So for custom solutions it helps to refer to the same document. The uploading of specific case materials for Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision ensures that the custom solution is aligned precisely with your needs. This helps our experts to deliver the most accurate, latest, and relevant solution.
What is a Case Research Method? How can it be applied to the Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision case study?
The Case Research Method involves in-depth analysis of a situation, identifying key issues, and proposing strategic solutions. For "Bombardier Aviation: The Front Substructure Decision" case study, this method would be applied by examining the case’s context, challenges, and opportunities to provide a robust solution that aligns with academic rigor.
"I’m Seeking Help with Case Studies,” How can Fern Fort University help me with my case study assignments?
Fern Fort University offers comprehensive case study solutions, including writing, analysis, and consulting services. Whether you need help with strategy formulation, problem-solving, or academic compliance, their experts are equipped to assist with your assignments.
Achieve academic excellence with Fern Fort University! 🌟 We offer custom essays, term papers, and Harvard HBR business case studies solutions crafted by top-tier experts. Experience tailored solutions, uncompromised quality, and timely delivery. Elevate your academic performance with our trusted and confidential services. Visit Fern Fort University today! #AcademicSuccess #CustomEssays #MBA #CaseStudies
How do you handle tight deadlines for case study solutions?
We are adept at managing tight deadlines by allocating sufficient resources and prioritizing urgent projects. Our team works efficiently without compromising quality, ensuring that even last-minute requests are delivered on time
What if I need revisions or edits after receiving the case study solution?
We offer free revisions to ensure complete client satisfaction. If any adjustments are needed, our team will work closely with you to refine the solution until it meets your expectations.
How do you ensure that the case study solution is plagiarism-free?
All our case study solutions are crafted from scratch and thoroughly checked using advanced plagiarism detection software. We guarantee 100% originality in every solution delivered
How do you handle references and citations in the case study solutions?
We follow strict academic standards for references and citations, ensuring that all sources are properly credited according to the required citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).