1. What are the unique aspects of inventory management in large-scale food services such as ARAMARK's Olympic Games operations?
2. What lean production concepts can Laura apply in the above context? What challenges will she face?
3. What are the limits to applying lean principles in large food service operations such as ARAMARK's Olympic Games operations?
Laura, a new graduate from Cornell Unversity's School of Hotel Administration, could not believe her good luck. She was recently offered a new entry-level position as an operations analyst at ARAMARK, one of the most admired U.S. companies, according to Fortune magazine (ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world).