Samsung$$s Note $7$ Phone

Samsung$$s Note $7$ cell phone was recalled after multiple incidents where the phone burst into flames $($see photo$).$ An investigation revealed that two sets of bad batteries were the cause of the fires. After phones containing the first set of batteries experienced problems $($there wasn$$t enough room in the phone for routine expansion of components$),$ Samsung recalled those phones. It then re$-$introduced the Note $7$ with different batteries. But then another problem occurred $($this time there was a bad weld caused by a manufacturing defect$).$ In both cases, the quality problem caused the phone to short$-$out and catch fire. Samsung eventually abandoned production of the Note $7$ and recalled $2\mathrm{.}5$ million phones from the global market $(22000$ were recalled in Canada$)$ because of all the bad publicity.

Samsung$$s Note $7$ Phone

Samsung$$s Note $7$ cell phone was recalled after multiple incidents where the phone burst into flames $($see photo$).$ An investigation revealed that two sets of bad batteries were the cause of the fires. After phones containing the first set of batteries experienced problems $($there wasn$$t enough room in the phone for routine expansion of components$),$ Samsung recalled those phones. It then re$-$introduced the Note $7$ with different batteries. But then another problem occurred $($this time there was a bad weld caused by a manufacturing defect$).$ In both cases, the quality problem caused the phone to short$-$out and catch fire. Samsung eventually abandoned production of the Note $7$ and recalled $2\mathrm{.}5$ million phones from the global market $(22000$ were recalled in Canada$)$ because of all the bad publicity.

Question $-1.$ Why do you think the various quality problems described in the case occurred? Analyze several possible reasons. Is there a different reason in each situation, or is there an underlying similarity across all of the situations?

$2.$ Consider the following statement: $$The emphasis on quality is misplaced. What consumers really want is reliable and inexpensive products. The emphasis on quality simply raises the price of products and frustrates consumers because they have to pay so much for products and services.$$ Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Explain your reasoning.