Part I Instructions: As discussed in the chapter many U. S. firms have moved their manufacturing operations to overseas locations in the past decade. Although there can be sound financial benefits to this choice, moving production overseas can also raise new challenges for operations managers. Identify at least four challenges, and offer suggestions for how operations managers can use the concepts discussed in the chapter to minimize or solve them. Please make certain to clearly identify the four challenges and how the operations managers can overcome or solve the challenges you discuss in your response.

Part II Instructions: Research either the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award or the ISO 9000 Quality Standards program on the internet. Links for both of these can be found below. Write an executive summary that explains the basic requirements and costs of participating. Also answer the following questions:

1. What are the benefits of participating?

2. Include a brief example of a company that has participated and their experiences.