The Informed Citizen
The Global Supply Chain
The Product and It’s Context
What is the product? How is it used? Is it a simple product or complex? What are the raw materials needed? How are they obtained?
The Brands or Companies
Who is selling this product? How is it marketed? Who are the typical consumers?
The Process Required
What steps need to be taken in order to turn raw materials into the product? How is labor employed? How is the factory organized? Are there sub-contractors? Local labor organizations?
Factory/Production Facilities
Shipping/Transportation/Delivery
How far away is the production? How does the product get ordered and shipped? What are the transportation costs?
Cost Structure and Profits
How much money does the product cost to make? How much to ship? What is the final retail price for consumers? Who gets the profit? Is the profit reasonable? Do the workers get a share that you consider fair?
Evaluation
How should American consumers and your fellow students view this product? Should it cost more? Less? Should people choose some producers over others in order to promote well-being? Is competition providing the best outcomes?