Reference no: EM132573693 , Length: 16 pages

QSO 489 Capstone in Operations Management - Southern New Hampshire University

Overview
The final project for this course is the creation of a SWOT analysis, project planning outline, and professional and personal reflection.

Prompt
You will select an organization in operations management that is currently facing competition from other service industries in the same area (e.g.., Verizon vs. Sprint, Apple vs. Dell, Longhorn Steakhouse vs. Outback Steakhouse, Chrysler vs. Chevrolet, etc.). After laying the foundation for understanding the selected organization by analyzing data from both quantitative and qualitative sources, you will then apply continuous improvement techniques for identifying potential solutions by developing a SWOT analysis on the selected organization, ultimately contributing to its long-term planning and sustainability.

You will then develop potential solution(s) for addressing the identified weaknesses or threats (outlined in the SWOT) that would add value to the organization with minimal risk. This will also be accompanied by a project planning outline that will highlight how and when the proposed solution will be introduced, which should adhere to common industry-driven project management principles. Finally, you will reflect on your journey through the Operational Management program and how you plan to position yourself professionally through a third component in the form of a personal and professional reflection.

Capstone Component One: SWOT Analysis
For the first of three capstone components, you will develop a comprehensive, professional SWOT analysis that will help form long-term planning and sustainability strategies, outlined in a project management plan (PMP).

First, you will want to lay the foundation for conducting your SWOT analysis by comprehensively describing the selected organization and discussing the issues or problems that the organization is facing. Overall, it is important to include information that is pertinent for comprehending the organization and its problems. It is up to you to establish a robust context for understanding and responding to the organization's need(s).

Part of establishing a solid framework for analyzing the organization is incorporating information that supports why the problem(s) exists and how it is valid. For instance, based on your chosen organization, you should include both a quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis that speak to the organization's need and identified problem. After conducting a SWOT analysis, you will bring your analysis together by synthesizing the results and identifying potential solutions.

The following sections should be included:

I. Strengths: Identify the strengths of the organization.
II. Weaknesses: Identify the weaknesses of the organization.
III. Opportunities: Identify potential opportunities that the organization should explore in order to expand.
IV. Threats: Identify external factors that could potentially negatively affect the organization.
V. Improvements: Develop potential solution(s) addressing the identified weaknesses and threats that are listed in the SWOT that would add value to the organization with minimal risk.

Capstone Component Two: Project Planning Outline
After identifying necessary improvements in Component One, you will pick one solution to expand upon in a professional project plan. Here, you will develop an abbreviated project management plan (PMP) that showcases the essential steps you think would be effective in implementing your proposed solution. Based on your SWOT analysis, your abbreviated PMP should be presented in an outline format with proposed tasks needed for implementation that adhere to industry- driven project management principles.

• What tasks are needed in order to implement the proposed solution in the organization? Each task must be written out with thorough detail and should be organized chronologically, based on logical and appropriate start and end times for each task.
• In closing, identify the overall value added if the solution is implemented. For instance, the solution may be developed to increase service quality for customers or to increase revenue, increase product quality, and so on.

Capstone Component Three: Professional and Personal Reflection
For the third and final component of your capstone, you will write an essay in which you discuss the process and outcomes of this project, as well as how your coursework culminated in the capstone project. This may include discussions of unforeseen problems or obstacles, as well as any surprises. The essay should also discuss your identified strengths and problems that you encountered while completing the project. Finally, the essay will examine how the capstone project will be useful in the job market or in furthering your education.

You should envision this component as a personal reflection on the capstone and your experience in the Operations Management program as a whole. For instance, relative to the capstone, you could discuss what you did (or intended to do), and then consider what worked well, what challenges you faced, and what you would do differently to make your experience better. In reflecting on your time here at SNHU, you might discuss where you started, where you are now, and where you see yourself going. Note that this component is not about evaluating the capstone itself but rather your experience within the capstone project.
Some of the issues that you could address in this final component of this capstone may include:

• Overall, what was your capstone experience like?
• Reflect on the significance of the capstone in relation to your own experience at SNHU.
• What connections do you see between your capstone and your academic program?
• How can learning about the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data be useful in your career?
• The SWOT allows you to analyze internal and external factors. How can this tool be helpful after graduation?

Milestone One: SWOT Analysis

Milestones

In Module Three, you will submit a SWOT analysis draft. You will develop a comprehensive, professional SWOT analysis that will help form long-term planning and sustainability strategies, outlined in a project management plan (PMP). This milestone will be graded with the Milestone One Rubric.

Milestone Two: Project Planning Outline
In Module Five, you will submit a project planning outline draft. You will pick one solution to expand upon in a professional project plan. Here, you will develop an abbreviated project management plan (PMP) that showcases the essential steps that you think would be effective in implementing your proposed solution. Based on your SWOT analysis, your abbreviated PMP should be presented in an outline format with proposed tasks needed for implementation that adhere to industry-driven project management principles.