Operations Management Case Study

Cadbury Schweppes is a multinational softdrinks and confectionery business that is based in UK. It is involved in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of its many branded products. It employs over 40000 people and sells in almost 200 countries. Much of Cadbury Schweppes' manufacturing still takes place in the UK, Australia and North Africa. However, in the 1990s the company moved some of its products to Russia , Poland, Argentina and China - countries with emerging economies. The strategy of Cadbury Schweppes consists of a) creating strong regional positions through organic and inorganic acquisitions, b) expanding its market share through innovation in products and packaging and c) regularly updating its product portfolio. Despite manufacturing its goods in large quantities, Cadbury Schweppes uses batch rather than flow production methods. The company must ensure that products are of high quality. Not only are there strict laws about how foodstuff is made, but also Cadbury Schweppes would not want to damage its reputation by allowing inferior products to be sold. Cadbury Schweppes undertakes extensive research to develop new products and to find ways of manufacturing more efficiently. Cadbury Schweppes uses the services of a specialist firm for developing new products for UK confectionery business. Q. Discuss the difference between batch and flow production methods. Q. Critically evaluate the reasons Cadbury Schweppes uses batch production