Not Just China The Rise of Recalls in the Age of Global Business

by Bapuji, Hari

• ISBN13: 9781137032362
• ISBN10: 1137032367
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-08-07
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Summary

Product recalls spanning toys, children's products, food, pet food, and automobiles have increased dramatically in the recent past. Consequently, the safety of imported products has been pushed to the top of the agenda for companies, consumers, and governments. It has often been argued that recalls occur due to differences among national standards, cost pressures and opportunistic behavior by companies. However, analysis of US toy recalls over a 20 year period reveals that the key to decreasing recalls and harm from defective products lies in improving product designs, learning from recalls and swiftly acting on incidents. Together, these point to the inherent dangers in the disaggregation of value chain and the need to effectively manage those dangers.

Author Biography

Hari Bapuji is an associate professor in the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. His research has influenced product recalls research and practice and was instrumental in shaping the debate on product recalls since the toy recall crisis of 2007. Dr. Bapuji is frequently cited by media around the world and he has appeared in a number of leading management journals.

Table of Contents

Named to CHOICE's Outstanding Academic Titles list!

"Bapuji has spent a big part of his professional career looking into the genesis of product recalls, and this erudite book shows his diligence . . .the author's passion for the subject and his desire to shatter common misconceptions form the backbone of this interesting, timely book. Highly recommended." - Choice


"At a time "China bashing" is in the air, Hari Bapuji explodes the myth that product recalls are a "China problem." While China - or more specifically sloppy manufacturing at some firms in China - certainly is a part of the problem, the real problem is much bigger and wider. I expect this well-researched, well-written book to be a must read for anyone interested in global business, strategic management, supply chain management, and business ethics." ~ Mike Peng, Provost's Distinguished Professor of Global Strategy, University of Texas at Dallas and author ofGlobal Business and Global Strategy


"The recalls of 2007 and 2008 have focused the world's attention on product safety. People realized that the product safety nets in the United States and around the world are failing to protect consumers, especially children, from unsafe products such as toys. Dr. Bapuji's book examines how the product safety net is broken and how it can be repaired. Based upon extensive research, Dr. Bapuji refocuses the conversation about the causes of the product safety recalls to include an examination of why the recalls occurred and how the recall process should be improved to make it more effective for consumers. This book is an important addition to the body of research on product safety and recall effectiveness and should be read by everyone working on designing, making ,selling, testing, buying or using consumer products." ~ Rachel Weintraub, Director of Product Safety and Senior Counsel, Consumer Federation of America; Past President, International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO)

 

In the news: https://www.lib.uwo.ca/news/business/2012/03/01/alumnispotlightharibapuji.html