The Case of the Burning Laptops

Abstract

This case offers students the opportunity to evaluate the response of laptop computer manufacturers to incidents of their batteries overheating and igniting into flames.  Between August 14, 2006 and October 24, 2006 9.6 million laptop batteries, all manufactured by Sony Corp., were recalled due to potential fire hazard.   This recall was the largest recall of any product in history. For eight weeks, Sony denied culpability for the overheating batteries as five different laptop computer manufacturers issued recalls.  After eight weeks, Sony admitted responsibility, apologized and paid to replace all of the batteries. The direct cost to Sony to replace the batteries can easily be measured.  However, the cost in terms of reputation and loss of future market share is not as easily assessed.  The six companies involved were faced with critical decisions as to how respond to the crisis.

Additionally, this case offers a high level technical explanation of lithium ion battery operation allowing the student to have a better understanding of how the product failure occurred.