Respond to classmate post on topic: Identify biblical principles and demonstrate how those principles could be applied in one of the cases. What lessons are there from this example for operations managers?
Classmate response: – Tesla
When reading the Tesla case study, one scripture came to mind, Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) states, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” This should serve as a guiding principle with Tesla’s operations managers, that all work must be done as it is for the Lord and they are serving Christ. Tesla had many issues with the manufacturing and production of its Model X sport utility vehicle (Jacobs & Chase, 2018). One big problem was the middle seats in the Model X, which Tesla chose to make in-house instead of outsourcing them like other car manufacturers (Jacobs & Chase, 2018). Another major issue was in its production of the cars because of Tesla’s complex mechanical and computer software systems (Jacobs & Chase, 2018).
Due to Tesla’s constant changes and modifications during the production and manufacturing process, they delivered flawed products to their customers. The Model X owners have also complained about the Falcon-Wing doors not opening when they try to enter their vehicle (Jacobs & Chase, 2018). Tesla also has had to recall about 2,700 cars to replace latches on the third-row seat that would come undone if the vehicle was in a collision (Jacobs & Chase, 2018). This poses an extreme safety hazard and left customers without their cars for weeks at a time (Jacobs & Chase, 2018).
According to Jacobs & Chase, the manufacturing process is very complex and divided into three sections; sourcing the parts needed, making the items, and sending the items to the customer (2018). Tesla needs to first work on the sourcing issues, whether they should continue making the parts in house or outsource them to someone that can make a higher quality product. Secondly, they must build the cars correctly and up to the proper standards, or they will lose customers. According to Caramela, providing quality products from the start will improve customer retention, build brand trust, and boost a company’s return on investment (2020). Ephesians 2:19 (ESV) states it best, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” All companies should strive to have their workmanship reflected as if they were for Christ.
