John Snyder in Circuit Electronics - Assignment Example

As Circuit Electronics' vendor sales representative, John Snyder's job involves the following tasks:

1. Assisting Households in resolving any problems related to electric switches.
2. We are monitoring the inventory levels of electric switches at Households and placing orders for additional switches when appropriate.

This appointment will require John to move to Stuttgart, Germany for two years, Although John has mixed feelings about the move, he is familiar with the success of the program in improving Circuit Electronics' financial performance. He is also very much aware that the two previous vendor sales representatives received promotions at the end of their appointments.

As John toured the Household factory in Stuttgart with his predecessor, Janet Smith, his excitement turned to concern. It became apparent that Circuit Electronics had not been supplying households with the best available switches at the lowest possible costs. Although the switches were adequate, they were more likely to wear out after five or six years of use than would switches currently on the market (and being used by Household's competitors). Furthermore, when the switches in transit by ship from North America to Europe were counted, it also appeared that the inventory level of electronic switches would soon be more than enough to satisfy Household's needs for the next four months.

Required:

If you were John what would you do?

First of all, I wouldn’t panic about the situation.  I have been appointed for a two-year stint in Germany and this position normally leads to promotions; presumptively as long as the management of Household Appliance remains happy with the products and services offered and the management of Circuit Electronics remains happy with production levels and products.  I have four months of inventory on hand (or coming in), which will give me time to create solid relationships at Household.  As part of my duties includes collaborating on design and engineering issues related to electric switches, I recognize that the current four-month inventory is not as competitive as others, at least in terms of service life.  Accordingly, I would immediately begin an initiative with Household to design a new switch (or an alteration of the current model), to bring the controls up to market standards of quality, service life, and cost.  I would advise the management of Circuit Electronics that such a move is necessary to remain competitive and keep Households satisfied with our products.  Once the design was in place and the production costs established, I would lead the project into implementation with Household as soon as possible.  The successful resolution should assist me in getting that promotion.