An Assessment of the Operations Performance in [insert name of company]
Title: An Assessment of the Operations Performance in [insert name of company]
You have been recently appointed as an operations manager to a company (manufacturing or service). As part of your new role you have been asked by the senior management team to assess several key elements of the operations in order to identify whether any improvements in the organisation’s performance can be made. In addition, you are required to address the issue of which strategic direction the company must take in order to remain competitive in the future.
Your assessment needs to focus on the following areas:
Explain why operations management is important to the organisation by addressing the following points:
1. Describe how the organisation currently employs the five performance objectives and how these are linked with customer value. Consider both the tangible and intangible aspects of the products/services offered. When assessing the performance objectives you will need to discuss any potential trade-offs.
2. Demonstrate how the 4Vs can be used by the organisation for all or a group of its products/services.
3. Discuss the organisation’s order winners and order qualifiers and how these link with the performance objectives. Consider how these might change in the future.
4. Discuss the different supply chain strategies your chosen company adopts depending upon the products or services they offer to their customers.
5. Discuss the green supply chain strategy adopted by your chosen company in terms of its focus
Important:
? For each of the points above you should use examples from the organisation and draw upon various operations management techniques and models to help illustrate your answer.
? This report should be 3000 WORDS IN LENGth (excluding references and appendices). The report should be referenced using the Cardiff Harvard style of referencing i.e. sources should be appropriately acknowledged within the text and a list of references provided.
Report Structure
It is suggested that the following sections are included in your report:
1- An ‘Executive Summary’ followed by an introduction, this should include a brief background to the organisation and the aim(s) of the report.
2- Define operations management in the context of your company and explain why it is important to the organisation.
3- Define the five performance objectives in the context of your company and provide examples of how these are identified within the organisation and where possible how they link to customer value.
4- Draw a 4Vs profile for the company’s products/services.
5- Identify the organisation’s order winners and order qualifiers and propose how these can be linked with the performance objectives.
6- Discuss the supply chain strategies the company adopts depending upon their products or services they offer to their customer. The type of supply chain strategies a company adopts will be influenced by which the order winners/KPIs are from the perspectives of different types of customers and different market channels the company supplies.
7- Discuss the green supply chain strategy adopted the company its focus – Which are the main environmental impacts the company aims to reduce? To what extent does the company have an internal or supply chain focus to reduce their environmental impacts? Does the company include suppliers and customers in the application of their green supply chain strategy?
8- Provide a conclusion to summarise the main points of discussion.
A 10% of the total mark will be awarded based on the style, structure (report), presentation and formatting of the report.
References
Ensure all sources of information are referenced correctly using the Cardiff Harvard Style of Referencing.
Tables and diagrams can be included in the report or appendices. If used please ensure each table/figure is numbered and has a title. If this comes from a published source ensure to include the reference and page number e.g. Source: Slack et al., (2013, p 91).
Presentation
Marks will be awarded for the format of the report including the overall flow, logical structure, and grammar (please remember to proof read before submission). The report should be well structured using section headings. The correct use of referencing, good clear schematics/visuals (if used) and the inclusion and content of the executive summary will also be taken into consideration. When writing the report please AVOID using the first person (singular) e.g. ‘I recommend’. REMEMBER your role is the Operations Manager and you are writing this report on behalf of the organisation to the senior management team.
Please ensure all sources of information are listed in the reference section. Appendices can be included.
Coursework marking-criteria
For 90%+
An outstanding piece of work, showing mastery of the subject matter, with a highly developed ability to analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge and concepts. All objectives of the assignment are covered and the work is free of error with very high level of technical competence. There is evidence of critical reflection; and the work demonstrates originality of thought, and the ability to tackle questions and issues not previously encountered. Ideas are expressed with fluency. All coursework requirements are met and exceeded.
For 70% – 89%
An excellent piece of work, showing a high degree of mastery of the subject matter, with a well-developed ability to analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge and concepts. All major objectives of the set work are covered, and work is free of all but very minor errors, with a high level of technical competence. There is evidence of critical reflection, and of ability to tackle questions and issues not previously encountered. Ideas are expressed clearly. However the originality required for a 90+ mark is absent. All coursework requirements are met and some are exceeded.
For 60%-69%
A very good piece of work, showing a sound and thorough grasp of the subject-matter, though lacking the breadth and depth required for a first class mark. A good attempt at analysis, synthesis and application of knowledge and concepts, but more limited in scope than that required for a mark of 70+. Most objectives of the work set are covered. Work is generally technically competent, but there may be a few gaps leading to some errors. Some evidence of critical reflection, and the ability to make a reasonable attempt at tackling questions and issues not previously encountered. Ideas are generally expressed with clarity, with some minor exceptions. All coursework requirements are addressed adequately.
Please note that this is a REPORT.
and it should be 3000 WORDS IN LENGTH excluding references .
