Live Case – Project
Conduct a “Make or Buy” Cost Analysis
A Collaboration Between
Rising labor costs has signaled an opportunity to review operation and sourcing strategies at Ultrasonic Power Corp. Our company is asking for your help gathering, organizing, and analyzing information to determine the most cost effective decision in a make-or-buy situation. This cost analysis can be performed by looking at the financial cost to buy the component versus the cost to produce the component, which allows us to make a decision based on an analysis of unavoidable costs. We need a comprehensive understanding the capital justification on these topics, and seeking your recommendation to either invest the capital/people development or continue to outsource. There are several make-or-buy decisions we are looking to review:
- Build vs. Buy Fabrication (equipment cost, space, etc. vs. current buy)
- Sheet metal supplier opportunities, should we purchase material directly and pay labor, sheet metal supplier company recommendations for cost saving.
- Build vs. Buy Heat Sinks & Vibra Bars (equipment cost, space, etc. vs. current buy)
- Solar panels (buy vs. other options)
Project Topics
Corporate Social Responsibility
Operations
Company Information
| Company | Ultrasonic Power Corporation |
| HQ | Freeport, IL |
| Revenue | N/A |
| Employees | Unlisted |
| Stage | Small Business |
| Hiring Potential | N/A |
| Website | http://www.upcorp.com |
Company Overview
For more than 40 years UPC has served end users and OEMs requiring precision industrial ultrasonic cleaning equipment. As a manufacturer, UPC provides cost-effective, safe and “green” solutions for cleaning applications with our extensive product line featuring ultrasonic generators, transducers, and standard and custom cleaning systems.
Experiential Learning Program Details
| School | Northern Illinois University (NIU) |
| Engagement Format | Live Case - Think "Hackathon" or Case Competition with a whole class of students! This learning format allows educators to deliver experiential learning to students at scale. Students are often split into groups to work on a live case (or a series of cases) from a real host company that directly relates to key learning objectives. |
| Course | Business in Action, Spring 2022 (Redisi) – Ultrasonic Power Corp |
| Level |
|
| Students Enrolled | 40 |
| Meeting Day & Time | Redisi: Online Synchronous MW 9:30-10:45 am CT |
| Student Time Commitment | 4-7 Hours Per Week |
| Company Time Commitment | 1 Hour |
| Duration | 10.57 Weeks |
Program Timeline
Key Project Milestones
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March 7, 2022 - Deep-dive into the Company
- What is the company’s brand and business model?
- What are their core competencies and overall strategy?
- How is the target market defined?
- What are the company’s products, and how are they organized? What unique value do they offer customers?
- What exactly is the type of “make or buy” decision being made? What is the subject of your analysis? What is the ideal outcome for this project?
- Who will be using the information and recommendations you produce, and how will they use it?
Suggested Deliverable:
1-2 page brief overview of the company and current challenge; questions for the Industry Partner
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March 28, 2022 - Evaluate In-house Build Options & Impacts
- What is the strategic importance of the product or service that is being considered for outsourcing? Is it critical to the company’s performance or a key function of their core competencies?
- How is the decision expected to impact their core competencies and strategy in the short run? In the long run?
- What process, technologies, or skills are required to produce the desired outcomes? What structures are involved? Production? Quality? Engineering? Does the company have the capability of building in-house?
- Does the company possess the human and other resources needed to build?
- Could an in-house build provide the company with a strategic advantage? If yes, how so? If not, what are the downsides?
Suggested Deliverable:
Infographic illustrating the options and impacts of in-house build for the company
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April 11, 2022 - Identify & Evaluate Risks & Opportunities for Outsourcing Solution
- How does the current and anticipated competitive environment impact the decision to make or buy?
- What opportunities are there for outsourcing to contract manufacturers?
- What is the total cost of outsourcing?
- What are the known risks of outsourcing? For instance, is there an intellectual property risk for outsourcing?
- What strategies could be used to mitigate the risks? For instance, are there opportunities to select the right supplier and structure an effective ongoing relationship, or split aspects of the project across multiple suppliers?
- What is the impact of outsourcing on capital expenditures?
- What is the anticipated return on invested capital and assets?
- What savings could reasonably be achieved through outsourcing?
Suggested Deliverable:
Cost/Benefit Analysis Matrix & Summary Report
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April 25, 2022 - Make Recommendations Based the Analysis
- What are your recommendations based on your analysis? Is there a business case for making the product in-house or outsourcing? What are the drivers of the decision?
- Can you benchmark the supplier’s costs and capabilities against the company’s internal costs and capabilities?
- If outsourcing is recommended, what strategies do you suggest for evaluating contractors’ proposals?
- What suggestions do you have for budgeting and forecasting given your recommendations?
Suggested Deliverable:
Decision-matrix & Recommendations; Presentation
Project Resources
There are no resources currently available
Industry Mentors
Academic Mentors
Assigned Students
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