Choose an Operations Management problem relating to an organisation with which you are familiar and undertake a critical review. This should include (indicative marks provided):

1. An introduction to the problem and its relationship to operations practice in the organisation;

2. an explanation of the process(es) under consideration (ideally incorporating some form of process map)

3. a discussion of relevant Operations theory (this should address the underlying processes on which quality depends - do not rely on quality theory only);

4. a comparison of the theory with the practice;

5. Consideration of how potential changes would improve quality and/or customer focus;

6. Recommendations, based on the comparison above, as to how the process(es) could be improved, accompanied by a revised process map clearly showing the improvements

7. Referencing both in text and in the Bibliography, using the Harvard system

*No more than 10 marks will be awarded if you only consider general ('soft') quality theory (such as TQM, SERVQUAL and Six Sigma)

Normally, a published case study will not let you display the depth of knowledge of its Operations which this assignment requires, so you are advised to use an organisation with which you are familiar. The problem you select should be significant, it should allow you to make reference to the learning outcomes of the module as listed above, and it should relate mainly to the Operations of the organisation.

Examples of issues which would form the basis of the assignment include:

investment in new plant or machinery;

location of business premises:

implementation of new quality processes;

development of products and processes;

distribution of products;

development of control processes;

The management of change projects