Abstract

The case is about the 787 Dreamliner, an airplane developed by the US based airplane manufacturer, Boeing Airplane Company (Boeing). The case examines the reasons that prompted Boeing to initiate the 787 project. It highlights the making of the aircraft, which was expected to change the dynamics of the world aviation industry. The case also highlights the distinguishing features of the aircraft and explains how it is more advanced than the existing aircraft. Various supply chain related issues are discussed in the case. The case also talks about the post-launch problems faced by the 787 Dreamliner and its repercussions. While some analysts were of the view that those problems were part of initial hiccups, some industry experts opined that Boeing’s aggressive outsourcing was responsible for them.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Understand the importance of innovation in the aerospace industry and how Boeing managed the supply chain to come up with a product that was hailed as a major innovation
• Discuss the reasons for the post launch problems faced by the 787 Dreamliner
• Analyze the pros and cons of outsourcing in aviation

Keywords

Supply chain, Supply chain management, Outsourcing, Innovation, Operations management, Manufacturing, Design, Collaborative manufacturing, Value engineering, Strategy, Implementation