Arvind Mills, a large Indian textile and garment manufacturer, has to assess the costs of a large order, as a basis for a price quotation. The company is in a significant loss position. The textile industry in India is constrained by government regulations and the industry is critical as both an export earner and a major employer in the economy. However, the industry is losing share to China and must change to meet that threat. The vice-president of operations must assess the costs associated with the order, including an assessment whether to use the traditional cost system or the customer and manufacturing based activity cost system. The decision is also strategic as this order is at the core of the company's new strategy to be both a designer and manufacturer.
