Managers' Dilemmas: Timothy W.C. Burke, Firas Faraj, And Wil

Managers Dilemmatimothy Wc Burke Firas Faraj And William Milesqnt

Managers Dilemma Timothy W.C. Burke, Firas Faraj, and William Miles QNT/561 August 21, 2014 Dr. Mohammad Sharifzadeh 1 MANAGER'S DILEMMA 2 Manager's Dilemma The client, Tess Motors, have hired the Three Amigos research firm to solve some challenges in the company. The problem, or the effect of two dependent variables, are computer failures and abrupt car stalls. These are two separate variables that happen either one at a time or the same time.

Research will focus on the independent variable that has a higher probability of causing these problems. The computer system is the independent variable for this research. Background Tess Motors is a high-end 100% electric vehicle manufacturer based in California. The price range for their cars ranges from $71,000 to $100,000. Customers who purchase cars from Tess Motors expect a high-quality car for this price.

The company understands their customers’ demands and has attempted to meet them. In the prior year, the company received top ratings by Consumer Reports (Hirsch, 2014) Business Problem Recently, the company had electronic issues with their cars. Cars would stall on the road for no reason; door handles would not work, and the touch screen that controls other functions would stop working. Edmonds.com, a survey company for cars, had three separate problems on their car at one time while the car stalled on the road (Hirsch, 2014). The company is worried about losing its’ high rating from Consumer Reports.

The last years report was based on only 637 consumers (Hirsch, 2014). This year, the company is expected to sell 20,000 cars (Hirsch, 2014). The increase in consumers will increase the sample size for the Consumer Reports and may have a negative effect on Tess Motors’ survey (Hirsch, 2014). Research team role. The team will determine if the independent variable is the cause of the problem and how it may affect future surveys from the Consumer Reports.

Research Question 1 Is the quality control at Tesla automotive capable of manufacturing an automobile without fundamental defects. The measurable element is by x number of defects; the measurement is attainable by industry standard of fault; this is a realistic measurement that should be completed by Tesla; the time of the survey is 90 days. The hypothesis (Ho) is: Tesla’s issue with quality control could affect consumer confidence as reflected in consumer report data. (H1) How could Tesla’s quality control effect consumer confidence data as reported by consumer report magazine. Research Question 2 The research question is if there is a greater likelihood of experiencing a fire in a Tesla (DV) due to the presence of an onboard computer (IV).

The hypothesis (Ho): there is a greater likelihood you will experience a fire in a Tesla (DV) due to the presence of an onboard computer (IV). (H1) There is less likelihood that you will experience a fire in a Tesla (DV) due to the presence of an onboard computer. References Hirsch, J. (2014). Will Tesla Model S lose Consumer Reports' top recommendation? The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http:

Paper For Above instruction

The managerial dilemma faced by Tess Motors exemplifies the critical intersection between quality control, safety, and consumer perception in the automotive industry, especially within the high-end electric vehicle segment. As Tess Motors endeavors to maintain its reputation for excellence, it must critically analyze the potential causes of recent electronic failures—specifically computer failures and vehicle stalls—and determine their underlying sources to uphold product integrity and consumer trust.

The core of this investigation hinges on understanding whether the electronic systems, particularly onboard computers, are the primary causative factors of the faults experienced by Tess Motors’ vehicles. This analysis involves examining the relationship between the hardware and software integration within the vehicles and the incidence of failures and safety concerns like fires. Given the complexity and interdependence of modern electric vehicle systems, pinpointing a singular cause requires meticulous research and rigorous data collection over a defined period, such as the proposed 90-day window.

Understanding the nature of the problem involves exploring two dependent variables: the frequency of computer failures and sudden vehicle stalls, which could be caused by flaws in electrical systems or software glitches. The independent variable under scrutiny is the onboard computer, hypothesized to potentially influence both issues significantly. Given the significance of these faults—risking not only consumer satisfaction but also safety concerns such as vehicle fires—the company must prioritize identifying whether these electronic components are fundamentally sound or if manufacturing deficiencies are contributing to recurrent problems.

From a managerial perspective, this dilemma aligns with strategic quality control issues and risk management. As the company's reputation relies heavily on high customer ratings and product reliability, a failure to address internal electrical issues swiftly and effectively could have far-reaching repercussions, including a decline in Consumer Reports ratings and long-term brand damage. The primary research question investigates whether Tess’s quality control processes are sufficient for manufacturing defect-free vehicles, a factor directly tied to consumer confidence and market competitiveness.

Hypotheses testing the quality control hypothesis revolve around whether the defect rate (measurable by fault counts per vehicle) exceeds industry standards and whether these defects correlate with customer satisfaction ratings. A high defect rate could imply systemic issues in manufacturing or assembly processes, raising concerns about the overall reliability of Tess's electric cars. On the other hand, the secondary issue involves assessing the risk of vehicle fires related to onboard computers. The hypothesis posits that the presence of advanced onboard computers could increase the likelihood of fires—a serious safety concern and liability matter.

Research methodology in this context should involve quantitative data analysis, including defect rate measurement, fault logs, and safety incident reports, all collected over the 90-day period. Statistical methods such as regression analysis can determine whether a significant relationship exists between onboard computer presence and vehicle faults or fires. Additionally, comparative analysis with industry benchmarks can contextualize Tess’s quality performance relative to competitors.

Consumer perception remains a pivotal factor in the automotive industry, especially as Tesla cars are often associated with innovation but also scrutinized for reliability. Recent reports, such as the one by Hirsch (2014), highlight the importance of maintaining high safety standards and quality assurance to preserve consumer trust and ratings. A decline in vehicle reliability or safety could lead to negative publicity and reduced consumer confidence, impacting future sales and market position.

To mitigate these risks, Tess Motors should consider enhancing its quality control protocols, investing in more rigorous testing of electronic components, and ensuring transparency through detailed reporting of defect rates and safety incidents. Transparency not only helps build consumer trust but also allows the company to identify and rectify underlying issues proactively. Furthermore, with the increasing complexity and integration of onboard computerized systems, continuous monitoring and improvement of manufacturing processes are essential to prevent future faults and safety hazards.

In conclusion, Tess Motors faces a managerial dilemma that necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between manufacturing quality, electronic system reliability, and consumer confidence. Through rigorous research, statistical analysis, and strategic quality management, the company can address its current issues and position itself for sustainable success in the competitive electric vehicle market. Addressing these problems effectively will not only protect Tess's reputation but also ensure the safety, satisfaction, and loyalty of its high-end clientele.

References

• Hirsch, J. (2014). Will Tesla Model S lose Consumer Reports' top recommendation? The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http://
• Goh, M., & Wong, K. (2021). Quality control in electric vehicle manufacturing: Challenges and strategies. Journal of Automotive Engineering, 245(3), 112-125.
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• Lee, A., & Kim, S. (2020). Manufacturing defects and consumer trust in high-end vehicles. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 37(7), 937-954.
• Peters, D. (2018). Risk management in automotive electronics: Safety and reliability considerations. Automotive Electronics Review, 10(2), 44-50.
• Sullivan, H. (2022). Enhancing quality assurance protocols for electric vehicle manufacturers. Quality Control & Assurance Journal, 19(4), 235-245.
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• Wang, T., & Li, X. (2021). Consumer perception and safety in emerging automotive technologies. Journal of Consumer Safety, 12(1), 59-70.
• Zhang, L., & Patel, R. (2019). Software reliability in modern electric vehicles. Software Quality Journal, 27, 155-172.
• American Society for Quality. (2020). Quality control standards for automotive electronics. ANSI/ISO/TS 16949.