1. Why would Rubbermaid--a successful U.S. company--need to expand and sell its products to customers in foreign countries?
   
   
2. Do certain kinds of firms need to stress particular areas of operations management? Explain.
   
   
3. Is it really necessary for service firms to engage in research and development? In planning for production planning and operations control?
   
   
4. How are the four areas of operations control interrelated?
   
   
5. In what ways can employees help improve the quality of a firm's products?
   
   
6. Is operations management relevant to nonbusiness organizations such as colleges and hospitals? Why or why not?