Growth or maintenance of the position: the dilemma of the managers of a plastics industry Serra Gaucha

Abstract

The furniture industry of Rio Grande do Sul has a significant importance on the national scene, because it was the second largest exporter in 2010. This position puts the emphasis on the state in the national production and export of furniture. In this context, operates more than 50 years, the Italian Plastics, an industry founded by Alcides had the entrepreneurial vision to diversify production, working in the production of furniture accessories polystyrene injected. Currently managers Italian Plastics are in the dilemma of the growth of the organization, as customers demand increased, in the case of a decision that requires much planning. The aim of this teaching case is to provide reflection and promote discussion on topics related to entrepreneurship, strategies, production systems, organizational behavior and innovation in the context of the furniture sector, considering the need strategic decisions that managers must make in business . It is suggested that this case is used in undergraduate and postgraduate courses in regional development, operations management, production management, strategic management, entrepreneurship, innovation management and organizational behavior.