Easy Car

CASE DESCRIPTION

The primary subject matter of this case concerns concepts relating to operations strategy and service system design. Secondary issues examined include the application of production line approaches to service, service quality concepts, and the value of demand management systems to the firm. The case has a difficulty level of four/five. The case was written for an MBA level introductory operations management class. It is also suitable for use in operations strategy or service operations management courses, at either the MBA or senior undergraduate level. The case has been designed to be taught in 75 minutes and is expected to require about two hours of outside preparation.

CASE SYNOPSIS

This case describes the situation faced by easyCar.com at the start of 2003. EasyCar is the low priced European car rental business founded by easyJet pioneer Stelios Haji-Ioannou. EasyCar had just reached breakeven in 2002 on sales of 27 million [pounds sterling], and had as its goals to reach sales of [pounds sterling] 100 million and profits of 10 million [pounds sterling] by the end of fiscal year 2004 in order to position itself for an