Boeing and the perils of outsourcing mission-critical work

Boeing has faced challenges due to outsourcing critical work, leading to issues with its Starliner spaceship and a decline in stock value. The company's shift towards financial engineering and prioritizing shareholder wealth over stakeholder value has resulted in fatal crashes and quality assurance problems. Recent incidents, such as thruster leaks on the Starliner, have raised concerns about Boeing's engineering practices. The article emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality work for customers over short-term financial gains, highlighting the need to avoid outsourcing mission-critical tasks. Boeing's decision to repurchase Spirit AeroSystems reflects a recognition of the need to address fundamental manufacturing issues. The author warns against letting financial considerations overshadow engineering excellence in companies building critical technologies like airplanes and spaceships. Lessons from Boeing's experience serve as a reminder for businesses to focus on delivering quality products and services to customers rather than solely pursuing financial gains.