Question $1$: $(40$ Marks$)$

Dell Computer has excelled with a fast$-$paced build$-$to$-$order approach that involves taking customer orders online, orchestrating production tailored to each customer, and forging a one$-$to$-$one relationship with the customer after the sale. Some auto industry executives have turned to Michael Dell, the company founder, for advice concerning how to make their businesses look like his.

Senior executives at Ford, for example, envision a future where customers will order online and factories will build to order, eliminating billions of dollars of inventory costs $($for example, large stocks of vehicles on hand$).$ All of those mass$-$produced cars sitting for weeks on dealer lots represent a massive investment that yields no return until a buyer comes along.

a$.$ Evaluate the feasibility of a build$-$to$-$order system for an automaker like Ford and outline the key requirements that Ford must meet to make the strategy work for a potential customer like you.

b$.$ How would a build$-$to$-$order system alter the way in which suppliers $($business marketers$)$ would serve Ford as a customer?