Question: 1. Where would you most successfully apply lean systems principles, during the introductory or growth stages of the product life cycle?
2. Can a supply chain ever be too lean? What would happen to the supply chain if an unexpected disruption/interruption were to occur? How might you as a supply chain manager reduce the effects of such an unexpected disruption, while staying consistent with the lean approach?
3. Imagine that your customer base is located in North America and your suppliers are located in China. Is it possible to implement lean supply chain management under such conditions? What are the challenges now facing the firm?