1. Where do Gap clothes come from? Who makes them? Why? Are there risks in this approach?
2. Describe the downside of working with a supplier exposed as having used unethical practices. How does this potentially damage a firm? How can technology play a role in helping a firm become more socially responsible with its supply sourcing?
3. Search online to find examples of firms that suffered production problems because they employed just-in-time manufacturing or kept limited inventory on hand. What caused the production problems? What are the pros and cons of each approach?
4. Can you think of once-successful firms that were forced to radically redesign their businesses based on technology change? How did the firms in your list fair with the new model - better or worse than their prior success? Why do you suppose they experienced the outcomes you've identified?
5. What were Netflix's sources of competitive advantage in the DVD-by-mail business?
6. Does Netflix have a strong brand? Offer evidence demonstrating why the firm's brand is or isn't strong. How is a strong brand built?
7. What is the long tail? How "long" is the Netflix tail in the DVD-by-mail business compared to traditional video stores?
8. Who are the rivals to the Netflix streaming effort? Do any of these firm have advantages that Netflix lacks? What are these advantages?
9. Why would a manufacturer of DVD players be motivates to offer the Netflix "Watch Now" feature in its products?
10. Why didn't Netflix vertically integrate and offer its own set-top box for content distribution?