OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

CASE ISSUES ON

CRADLE-TO-CRADLE DESIGN AT HERMAN MILLER

SUBMITTED BYHARSH GUPTA- 113 MAHIMA SINGH- 118 SARNEET KAUR- 129 SAURABH MATHUR-130

Ques 1:- What challenges Herman Miller faced in implementing C2C protocol? Ans:- Herman Miller faced following challenges in implementing C2C protocol: Company was finding it difficult to balance its environmental goals with business decisions. Implementation of C2C design required involvement of several different groups inside the company and also the dedication of full time resources. Managing relationships with suppliers was difficult. Implementation of the protocol required a change in process by engineers, supply chain managers, manufacturing associates and design consultants. Training new employees about the use of new design protocol was also tedious. DfE team had to assess modules and prototypes from each development team, because there might be multiple iterations of any given module because of changes to the design for C2C compliance and other issues. Maintenance was also affected by C2C, as replacement of any material would have to be assessed by DfE. Company was also facing dilemma related to the recycling options. Since C2C, use of PVC was a critical issue; they were finding it difficult to find an alternative to this durable, easily formed and inexpensive material.

Ques 2:- Why did Herman Miller undertake this strategic environmental initiative? Ans:- Herman Miller undertake this strategic environmental initiative because of the following reasons HM understands that some materials can affect our environment adversely by polluting it HM were using renewable energy sources and recyclable products for manufacturing which was directly in line with the HMs mission

 HM concentrates on balancing its environmental goals and with its business decisions. When consumers go for buying a product or making a buying decision, they consider many factors, including impact on environment, which gives HM an advantage. HM were processing towards environmental sustainable products which gives them a competitive edge over other furniture manufactures in USA They were focused on reuse, reduce and recycle capabilities of their products. HM understands that we owe this world from future generations and so we dont have right to destroy it by depleting its valuable resources.