Reference no: EM132634819 , Length: word count:2500

Learning Outcome 1: Analyse and evaluate operations management case studies using the language and ideas of the subject.

Learning Outcome 2: Evaluation and demonstrate competence in selecting appropriate solutions and implementation plans.

Learning Outcome 3: Explore the interaction between operations decisions and other functions.

Learning Outcome 4: Use a range of established techniques to initiate critical evaluation of the planning and control of resources.

You are required to read the following narrative and answer the following questions:

(B)(i) Narrative

The assignment is an opportunity for you to investigate operations management in practice, recognising and applying the sound knowledge of the key operational theories, concepts and principles and to carry out deeper investigations. Students are required to demonstrate further reading and investigation - and to compare what you see in an organisation of your choice with what is written in the academic literature (journal article).

Assignment Brief
Students should select an organisation (which have access to) and work through the following questions relating to operations within the organisation. Students should write a report (using the headings below as a guide) discussing the operations of the organisation, and making recommendations for improvement.

Some suggestion on questions to consider under each heading - but these are not exhaustive topics (and you may discuss other things you see as being important). Students are advise to adopt a reasonably formal style and structure in the report. Include an executive summary, conclusions and recommendations. Students should note that they do not need to look at an entire company but instead may decide to focus on a particular business unit or operation. For example, to look at a large international company - but only have access to one part of the organisation - this is perfectly acceptable. (To discuss before starting).

Key Areas
a. Operations Strategy
Discuss the operations strategy of your chosen organisation. Does your chosen organisation have a clear operations strategy and how has the operations strategy developed and changed in recent years? If the organisation doesn't have an operations strategy can you help them broadly define an operations strategy or give them guidance on what they should do to develop one.

b. Product & Service Design
Discuss the products and services offered by your chosen organisation. Do they target the same markets or do they have different offerings catering to different markets? What operations challenges does the product/service mix pose? Who else is involved in product and service design (e.g. suppliers, customers, retailers)?

c. Process Design
Discuss the processes within your chosen organization. From your reading of the Operations Management course notes and other background reading. Comment on the layout of retail outlets or manufacturing facilities belonging to the organisation. You should also comment on the use of technology.

d. Quality Management
How are quality problems diagnosed? How could the company improve their approach to quality management? Does the organisation have a formal quality system?

e. Supply Chain
Outline the supply chain of the organisation (or part of it), including purchasing, physical distribution management and materials management. How is IT used to supply chain management?

f. Others
Introduction, conclusion, references, citations, page layout, grammar and vocabulary, word count etc.
Note: Students are required to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes for this module (through the assignment). Please do keep this in mind and try to demonstrate understanding and application of theory, tools and techniques covered during the lectures.

(B)(ii) Required

Write a 2500 words report on all the key areas mentioned in the narrative.

Assignment Structure

When completing the assignment it should have the following general structure:

i. Student's cover page (Please refer to section E)
ii. Lecturer's cover page
iii. Executive summary
iv. Table of contents
v. Introduction
vi. (Your discussion)
vii. Conclusions
viii. References
ix. Appendix (Optional)

Attachment:- Individual Assignment.rar