Cooler Robots for College Campuses

Cooler Robots for College Campuses

September 13, 2019
Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.

Starship Technology, Inc., is expanding its autonomous delivery service to 100 college campuses by 2021.

These cooler-size robots were first launched at George Mason University and Northern Arizona University to deliver food to students.  All users need to do is download the Starship Deliveries App on their smartphone, choose their food and drink, where their delivery is to be sent, watch the robot make its way to their doorstep, then meet and unlock the robot when it arrives.

Video Spotlight: Mason’s Robots

This post is based on The Robot Report article, Starship Technologies raises $40M Series A, expands campus services, by The Robot Report Editor, August 20, 2019, and the YouTube video, Mason’s Robots, by George Mason University, January 23, 2019. Image source: Beth Van trees/Getty Images.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Starship Technology, Inc.’s use of robots for food delivery on college campuses meet the challenges of service capacity planning?

Guidance: Campus dining options are expanded as students can have food delivered to their doorstep by robots, eliminating the challenges of having to match capacity with the timing of demand, waiting time, and speed-of-delivery in service capacity planning.

2. Discuss whether Starship Technology, Inc.’s Continue reading →

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Where’s the Beef? Tyson Juggles Capacity

Where’s the Beef? Tyson Juggles Capacity

August 29, 2019
David Little, Ph.D.

Fire at a Tyson Foods beef processing plant has affected the company’s ability to maintain supply.  The plant processes 6% of the fed cattle in the US.

Processing capacity in the US is nearly maxed out, so the dip in capacity will increase beef prices nationally.  Tyson is working to move production to other sites.

Video Spotlight: Tyson Foods CEO: Raising Expectations | Mad Money | CNBC

This post is based on the Supply Chain Dive article, Tyson shifts production after plant fire to ‘keep supply chain full’, by Emma Cosgrove, August 13, 2019, and the YouTube video Tyson Foods CEO: Raising Expectations , by CNBC, November 2, 2017. Image source: Foodcollection.

Discussion Questions:

1. What capacity management strategies should Tyson employ now?

Guidance: Students should recognize the need for back up sites or arrangements.  Ask students to describe how outsourcing arrangements might be used to acquire short term capacity with smaller meat processing facilities.  Do any small processors exist?  If not, what other arrangements can be made at the remaining Tyson plant to increase capacity or raise production?  Is the remaining plant operating 24/7 already?  Can some beef processing Continue reading →

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Did Disney Forecast the Demand Drop For Galaxy’s Edge?

Did Disney Forecast the Demand Drop For Galaxy’s Edge?

August 22, 2019
Lisa M. Spencer

Disney, worried about park overcrowding and negative guest experiences with the opening this summer of the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge attraction, managed instead to kill off demand.

Ticket prices were higher, annual pass holders faced blackout dates, guests required reservations to ride the new Star Wars ride, and hotel prices went up in front of anticipated demand.  These plans were so “successful” in warding off an onslaught of guests that park attendance dropped three percent over the summer.

In addition, some guests may be holding off till the second Star Wars ride opens at the Anaheim Disneyland in January, while fans of the Orlando park are awaiting their first one at the end of this August.

Despite lower attendance, higher ticket prices contributed to a 10% jump in average guest spending, while hotels saw their occupancy rates increase from 86% to 88%.

Video Spotlight: WHAT’S HAPPENING with Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?!

This post is based on the Business Insider article, Disney Discouraged “Star Wars” Fans From Visiting Its New Galaxy’s Edge Area, and Domestic Park Visits and Profits Dropped, by Theron Mohamed, August 7, 2019; the Fox News article, Disney CEO partially blames Star Wars land for Continue reading →

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