What are the pitfalls of Direct-to-Consumer business models? I use Tesla’s growth to talk about product service bundles.
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I look at the issue of slowly diminishing magnitude of Foxconn plant in Wisconsin.
Leave a CommentWith more data from 2018 Q4 Apple reports, we take another look at the peak iPhone argument. More apple services coming our way.
Leave a CommentI look at data behind iPhone unit sales, and see versioning issues of a durable-goods monopolist rather than trade uncertainties. Using Clockspeed theory, I argue that iPhone pricing and versioning advantage was temporary. The advantage was great when it lasted, but it is now behind Apple, as the smartphone market matures.
Leave a CommentWe re-examine Tesla with some new data, to see how improved Operational process at scale is saving Tesla.
Leave a CommentDuring the holiday travels, one of the vexing things that you might have come across is people in a hurry, those who hurtle by at excessive speed on airport escalators, as you stand. Conversely, you might be the one trying to get back to your boarding area but blocked by a slow traveler carrying an unmanageable volume of luggage bags, more than what one ought to carry on enjoyable trips. In this article, I return to one of my favorite Operations topics in social behavior. Should people stand left (or right, depending on the country) in moving escalators, so that people in a hurry can walk by? Is that efficient? It turns out not. It is better for everyone if we do…
Leave a CommentI write a lot about internet operations on this blog. In the Wharton core Operations class, we teach a catalog business case, where I make the point that catalog business is a good way to understand the advantages and disadvantages of Amazon’s internet retail model. So, it is an amazing reaffirmation to hear that Amazon has released a print catalog — their first one! — in 2018 December. See the picture on the right. It is interesting to note that Internet shipping Operations have come a full circle. Of course, there are new tweaks. Like all things that Amazon does, it is based on data. Depending on your purchases, you may or may not have received it. It is as…
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