11-22 Have It Your Way

Burger King introduced mass customization to its fast-food offerings in the mid-1970s, thus revolutionizing how fast food could be delivered. Today, mass customization is aided by the Internet and other technologies. Search the Internet and find five companies that use mass customization. Then discuss whether customizing a product to your specific needs is important to you?

11-23 Greening America

Although the United States has become more of a service-based economy, many feel that the focus on creating new, environmentally friendly technologies may bring manufacturing back to the country and help power an economic recovery. Research what kinds of environmental technologies are being manufactured in the United States today. Discuss whether you think a greater investment in these technologies could result in the return of a significant number manufacturing jobs to the country.

11-24 Radio Frequency Identification

The use of chips to track goods during the shipping process is becoming more widespread. Use the Internet to research options for RFID. What are some of the options for tracking goods? What kind of range can these products cover?

11-25 How Everyday Things Are Made

The Alliance for Innovative Manufacturing at Stanford University has put together short videos on how certain products, such as jelly beans, airplanes, and bottles, are made. These products use various manufacturing processes, including forging, casting, and injection molding. Type “manufacturing.stanford.edu” into your web browser and click on the “How Everyday Things Are Made” link. Watch a few videos and click on the “Test Your Knowledge,” “Think About It,” and “Apply It” links. Write a brief summary of your experience and outcomes.

11-26 Award-Winning Quality Providers

Several companies have received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award multiple times. Research at least two of these companies and discuss the quality initiatives each company has in place to enable them to receive the Baldrige Award multiple times.