This case investigates how Philips became a globally integrated enterprise - how it “de-risked” its business and internationalized its supply chain (moving most production from Europe to Asia). The objective is to highlight the factors and analysis involved in “location cost economics.” (The case is developed around the leadership of INSEAD alumna and board member Barbara Kux.)

The (A) case describes how GE Healthcare developed an ECG device optimized for low-income mass markets in India. It also discusses the organizational changes GE made to better serve the Bottom of Pyramid (BOP) markets.

The (B) case discusses an ethical dilemma in selling compact ultrasound devices in BOP markets.