Bicycles For India

Authors: Sampson, Nancy; Narapareddy, Vijaya
Source: The Case Research Journal
Year: 1999
Number of pages: 15

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Abstract:

Paul Polak, President of International Development Enterprises (IDE), and other team members of the bicycle project faced numerous delays in the development of an appropriate plastics compound utilizing recycled plastics and organic fibers that were required for making hassle-free plastic wheels. Lack of funding further impeded the progress of the low-cost bicycle IDE sought to develop for poverty-stricken rural farmers in India. The bicycle, in turn, would foster economic development through local production and marketing. The challenge was compounded when market surveys indicated poor consumer acceptance of the bike. The case ends with the decision of whether Paul Polak should continue or scrap the bicycle project.