Critically assess the operational methods and strategies

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Reference no: EM132061874

Operations Management

Assignment Title: Individual analysis of the importance of Operations Management and related Concepts to a case study (an organization) of student's choice.

Assignment Brief

Introduction

If the Marketing function is to identify the needs of customers, then the Operations Management function has the role of providing the required products or services in a way that satisfies the criteria imposed by the market. A critical appreciation of the main operational tasks of Operations Management concepts in your chosen case study example is an essential starting point in this process, and the effective and efficient operation of this function is therefore important if the organization is to be successful.

Assignment

Looking at your company at organizational level, or department level critically assess the operational methods and strategies adopted to provide the product(s) in a way that give(s) maximum satisfaction to the customers or clients.

A good answer will identify the criteria applied by the customer in assessing satisfaction

I.e. the order-winning and order-qualifying criteria. You should

a) Provide a critical of the principal operations tasks to satisfy these criteria

b) Analyse the process strategies and procedures employed to ensure that these tasks are carried as effectively providing such analysis with appropriate theoretical underpinning.

c) Provide a critical evaluated reflection of the Value-Added contribution you have made to your chosen case study as a result your application of operations management principles and related knowledge.

The organization may not have an operations/production department defined in such terms, but it will still produce something or provides a service for the use of somebody.

The report, excluding appendices, should be 3000 words +/- 10% in length. For your guidance, it will consist of:

i. An introduction in which you describe your organization and what you and your department's contribution is to the organization.

ii. An accurate description of which the customers are - they may be external or internal - and what they expect from the output in terms of the broad market criteria discussed in the recommended text (Slack, Brandon-Jones & Johnston, 2013). From this, using the models in the text, you should be able to identify what the operations objectives are. This should then suggest the sort of process that ought to be operating. (The different process types and their ability to meet the range of operations objectives are explained at length in the module material).

iii. You should then describe the process in these terms and explain how and why it helps or hinders in the achievement of the operations objectives i.e. its ability to supply a product which meets the customer's needs. This is the essential analysis that shows your ability to apply the module content to your experience.

iv. Having analysed the process, describe what changes you recommend to make - and explain why these are necessary in terms of improving the ability to meet the operations objectives. You need to give some guidance on the feasibility of the changes, how they ought to be implemented, a cost benefit etc., etc., where these are possible given the case organization context.

Your work will be assessed against the following criteria:
1. Knowledge - Your work should show knowledge of the module content.
2. Understanding - Your report should demonstrate an understanding of operations management.
3. Insight - Your report should show an ability to analyse the operation in the light of the module content and your own reading.
4. Clarity - Your report should be well structured and clearly presented.

You should include a shortlist of references to support your observations and assertions.

Assignment Structure

Choose a company that:
You have been working or worked before
You have been its customers and use its product and services
General requirements:
General background
Describe its products/services, current business agenda
What customers expect, and how to help achieve competitive advantages
Analyze existing operations functions
Identify key areas for improvements
Specifically recommend action plans for these improvements

1)General Background:
The company name (can be pseudonym)
Headquarter location, founder, current CEO, founding year, regions of operations
Business areas (if too diversified choose one business product division or product line)
Current business performance:
Financial performance: profits, sales turnover
Marketing performance: market share, reputation

2)Describe its products/services, current business agenda: (150 words)
Its major product and services, what are they? (50)
What benefits are marketing promising to customers? (100)

3)What customers expect, and how to help achieve competitive advantages: (500 words)
What are the strengths of these products/services from customer/competitor's perspective? (150 words)
What are the weaknesses or potential weakness? (150)
Is the operations strategy supporting its marketing strategy? Why or why not? (150-200 words)

4)Analyze existing operations functions (1000 Words):
Identify at least 4 functions of operations that affect its operations competitiveness (each function 250 words):
For each function: (250)
Identify and briefly describe its current practice (100)
Which operations competitive priorities it is related to (50)?
Explain why or why not the function is not supporting operations / marketing competitive agenda (50)?
Ideally what should the function deliver? (50)

5) Identify key areas (4) for improvements: (1000 Words)
Each area of improvement (250)
Use the right operations concepts to identify reasons the function / activity is not performing (100)
Suggest new design or modification to the practice for better performance (100)
What new resources may be needed for the improved practice (50)

6)Summary and recommendation (200 Words)

Summarize the new practices for the 4 areas and what benefits they will bring (100)
Use a timeline to suggest implementation phases and action plan (can be in table format). (100)

This assignment is intended to give you an opportunity to show that you are capable of applying your knowledge of operations management, not only in describing the issues faced by the organization, but also in explaining them and justifying your proposed actions to improve them. You are invited to review all the models and concepts that we have discussed.

Verified Expert

Analysis of operations of McDonald's has been done. Theanalysis is detailed and in-depth. It looks into the various aspectsof operations at the company. It looks at its supply chain, itsproduct development and other relevant areas. Based on this analysissome recommendations for improvement have been made.

Reference no: EM132061874

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Reviews

inf2061874

8/23/2018 3:01:25 AM

Good answer will identify the criteria applied by the customer in assessing satisfaction i.e. the order-winning and order-qualifying criteria. a) Provide a critical of the principal operations tasks to satisfy these criteria b) Analyse the process strategies and procedures employed to ensure that these tasks are carried as effectively providing such analysis with appropriate theoretical underpinning. c) Provide a critical evaluated reflection of the Value-Added contribution you have made to your chosen case study as a result your application of operations management principles and related knowledge. 29648148_1WhatsApp Image at 171551.jpeg 29648148_2Project Management Calculation - Chan Wai Leng.xlsx

inf2061874

8/23/2018 2:59:01 AM

H&M or McDonald;s will be good hints from professor: 1. Please make use the annual report to report some exact figures to be more practical 2. add graph and charts What is the expected outcome in revenue and profit if the recommendations is implemented? any diagram for the flow of operation, etc? 2210W(i mark for my reference only)

inf2061874

8/11/2018 3:03:17 AM

Please choose McDonald's as a final company.1. Please make use the annual report to report some exact figures to be more practical 2. add graph and charts

len2061874

7/22/2018 11:45:13 PM

Relevance to the requirements of the assessment may be very intermittent, and may be reduced to its vaguest and least challenging terms A limited understanding of narrow range of material Largely descriptive or narrative, with little evidence of analysis A basic argument is evident, but mainly supported by assertion and there may be lack of clarity and coherence Some evidence oaf view starting to be formed but mainly derivative. Numerous deficiencies in expression and presentation; the writer may achieve clarity (if at all) only by using a simplistic or repetitious style Barely adequate use of literature. Over reliance on material provided by the tutor.

len2061874

7/22/2018 11:45:08 PM

40 –49% Some correlation with the requirements of the assessment but there is a significant degree of irrelevance Basic understanding of the subject but addressing a limited range of material Some analytical treatment, but may be prone to description, or to narrative, which lacks clear analytical purpose Some attempt to construct a coherent argument, but may suffer loss of focus and consistency, with issues at stake stated only vaguely, or theoretical mode(s) couched in simplistic terms Sound work which expresses a coherent position only in broad terms and in uncritical conformity to one or more standard views of the topic A simple basic style but with significant deficiencies in expression or format that may pose obstacles for the reader Evidence of use of appropriate literature which goes beyond that referred to by the tutor. Frequently only uses a single source to support a point. Weak use of quotation

len2061874

7/22/2018 11:45:02 PM

50 –59% Some attempt to address the requirements of the assessment: may drift away from this in less focused passages Adequate knowledge of a fair range of relevant material, with intermittent evidence of an appreciation of its significance Significant analytical treatment which has a clear purpose Generally coherent and logically structured, using an appropriate mode of argument and/or theoretical mode(s) May contain some distinctive or independent thinking; may begin to formulate an independent position in relation to theory and/or practice. Competently written, with only minor lapses from standard grammar, with acceptable format Uses a good variety of literature which includes recent texts and/or appropriate literature, including a substantive amount beyond library texts. Competent use of source material.

len2061874

7/22/2018 11:44:55 PM

60 –69% Directly relevant to the requirementsof the assessment A substantial knowledge of relevant material, showing a clear grasp of themes, questions and issues therein Comprehensive analysis - clear and orderly presentation Well supported, focused argument which is clear and logically structured. Contains distinctive or independent thinking; and begins to formulate an independent position in relation to theory and/or practice. Well written, with standard spelling and grammar, in a readable style with acceptable format Critical appraisal of up-to- date and/or appropriate literature. Recognition of different perspectives. Very good use of a wide range of sophisticated source material.

len2061874

7/22/2018 11:43:45 PM

70 –75% The work examined is excellent and is evidence of comprehensive knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also excellent evidence showing that all the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that level are satisfied At this level it is expected that the work will be excellent in the majority of the categories cited above or by demonstrating particularly compelling evaluation and elegance of argument, interpretation ordiscourse.

len2061874

7/22/2018 11:43:10 PM

Generic Assessment Criteria –Postgraduate Theseshouldbeinterpretedaccordingtothelevelatwhichyouareworkingandrelatedtotheassessmentcriteriaforthemodule Categories Grade Relevance Knowledge Analysis Argument and Structure Critical Evaluation Presentation Reference to Literature 86– 100% The work examined is exemplary and provides clear evidence of a complete grasp of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also ampleexcellentevidenceshowingthatallthelearningoutcomesandresponsibilitiesappropriatetothatLevelarefullysatisfied.Atthislevelitisexpectedthattheworkwillbeexemplaryin allthecategoriescitedabove.Itwilldemonstrateaparticularlycompellingevaluation, originality and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse.

len2061874

7/22/2018 11:42:42 PM

Consistent approach to penalties for exceeding word limit Policy on penalties for exceeding the prescribed limit for an assignment It is not a requirement that a word limit is set but where a limit is set the following penalty for exceeding the limit must be enforced. Where a word-limit is set for a piece of assessed work, the work will be marked in full and the following penalty will be applied: Word limit Exceeds limit by up to10% No penalty – tolerance band (see below) Exceeds limit by10.1-20% -5 percentage points Exceeds limit by20.1-30% -10 percentage points Exceeds limit by30.1-40% -15 percentage points Exceeds limit by40.1-50% -20 percentage points Exceeds limit by more than50% Mark of zero

len2061874

7/22/2018 11:42:24 PM

Assignment Guidance Notes: Business Report Structure. Size 12 font, spacing 1.5, include word count. Report Presentation • Front Sheet – Name / Student Number / Programme / Module / Date / Workshop Tutor Name • Table of Contents • Introduction • Main Body of Report – Analysis of theory and practice related to this organisation or company • Conclusion and Recommendations • References - 10 to 20 relevant and credible references • Appendix – not included in word count • See attached Penalty policy document

len2061874

7/22/2018 11:42:17 PM

Notes: The assignment must be presented in a form that complies with the basic conventions of a report format (see Guide to Basic Study Skills). Write your workshop tutor’s name on the front cover of the report and the Sunderland International Business School feedback sheet. Word count – 3000+/-10%.

len2061874

7/22/2018 11:41:34 PM

Let me know which organization to choose before starting to work. At least 20 academic references, Harvard referencing Reminder 1. Need to use real case study and have deep analysis 2. According to my past experience in your team’s work in operation management, over simple and only use theories to answer, but this course needs practical and indepth analysis please suggest which companies that he or she is most confident in This assignment is intended to give you an opportunity to show that you are capable of applying your knowledge of operations management, not only in describing the issues faced by the organization, but also in explaining them and justifying your proposed actions to improve them. You are invited to review all the models and concepts that we have discussed.

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