Reference no: EM133671711
Question: Using the following text i will provide and other FREE academic as well as other FREE sources, a report that addresses the following questions:
1-Describe the background of the company
2- The problem faced by Unilver and its leadership (Note: what specifically is the decision to be made within the context of the case. Ensure you specifically differentiate between the problem and its symptoms.)
3- Recommendations (action plan)
4- Is it possible for Unilever to scale the pilot effort beyond Dove factories?
5- How can Unilever upskill and train workers to support managing operations remotely?
6- Where should the remote technicians and process engineers live and how will they coordinate with technical operators distributed across the global factory locations?
7- What strategies and tools can Unilever extend their Dove pilot project to include if expanding the pilot to other operations and/or functions within Unilever
Text:
Company Background:
Unilever, founded in 1930, is a global consumer goods company known for its iconic brands in beauty, personal care, food, and home care products. It operates in 190 countries with 149,000 employees and 300 factories, prioritizing corporate responsibility through initiatives like the Sustainable Living Plan.
Problem Statement:
Unilever faces the challenge of digitizing its manufacturing operations to enable remote work and improve efficiency. The decision to be made is how to implement a global virtual operations room while addressing challenges such as labor laws, workforce transition, and cybersecurity.
Recommendations (Action Plan):
Establish a virtual team to analyze data and optimize operations in a phased approach, prioritizing safety.
Invest in upskilling and training programs for workers to adapt to remote management.
Implement cybersecurity measures to protect digital infrastructure and ensure data integrity.
Consider global variations in labor laws and workforce readiness when planning remote work strategies.
Feasibility of Scaling:
Scaling the pilot effort beyond Dove factories is feasible with proper planning, considering factors like workforce transition, technical infrastructure, and global coordination.
Upskilling and Training Workers:
Provide technical training and certifications for basic operators to transition to technical roles.
Offer online learning and entrepreneurship training through initiatives like the Future of Work program.
Establish technology labs for hands-on training on data analysis, cloud storage, and robotics.
Remote Work Coordination:
Remote technicians and process engineers could live in centralized locations with access to advanced technology and infrastructure.
Coordination with technical operators across global factory locations can be facilitated through virtual communication tools and augmented reality technology.
Extending the Pilot Project:
Implement digital twins and analytics hubs in other manufacturing operations.
Expand remote monitoring and control capabilities to additional product lines and functions.
Incorporate advanced technologies like AI and IoT to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making processes.