Publications
Publications
- August 1970
- HBS Case Collection
Hawthorne Plastics
Abstract
An "imperfect tester" problem involving the decision of how to produce batches of plastic strapping, given uncertainty about the length of the molecular chain in the raw material. A decision on whether to test the raw material and a choice of production process must be made; the latter choice, combined with the length of molecular chain, will affect costs and quality of output. For one process, there is additional uncertainty about pressure. Intended for use early in that portion of a decision theory course involving Bayes Theorem. Involves many decision theory techniques, and can also be used as an examination.
Keywords
Citation
Hammond, John S. "Hawthorne Plastics." Harvard Business School Case 171-004, August 1970.