Reference no: EM132193371

PART 1. Opening Discussion-Introduction to Classmates and This Course

Most managers in organizations develop strategic plans without realizing the importance of internal and external assessments and their implications on the four functions of management.

Assume you are hired as a new manager and you want to improve your company by helping upper management develop a better understanding of these issues.

Using the online library resources and the Internet, research internal and external assessments.

Then respond to the following:

? Explain the four functions of management and the purpose of internal and external assessments.

? How would you convince upper management about the importance of internal and external assessments?

? How would you demonstrate the critical relationships that exist between assessments and the four functions of management implemented in most organizations?

After your initial post, respond to the following:

? List and examine the key factors you think affect the four functions of management.

? What do the four functions of management have in common?

? How do managers at different levels apply the four functions of management?

? How do the four functions of management affect organizational success?

PART 2. Managing Capacity

Capacity management in businesses is a function of their operations and environment. In today's business world, evaluating and managing capacities is becoming significantly more difficult. Therefore, managers need to do a balancing act to reduce costs and effectively utilize available capacities.

Using the online library resources and the Internet, research capacity management.

Then respond to the following:

? Which type of operation has a more difficult time managing capacities: an environment supporting standardized products or one supporting customized products? Why? State your reason(s) and provide examples.

After your initial post, discuss the following:

? Among other decisions an operations manager makes, the one pertaining to capacities is the most critical. Why is it considered a critical decision?

Which area do you think is more challenging as it pertains to capacity planning? Make sure your answer addresses the productivity aspect as well as the uncertainty element.

? Briefly describe how uncertainty affects capacity decisions.

? Why is capacity planning for a service more challenging than it is for a goods producer?

? How do capacity decisions affect productivity?

PART 3. Competitiveness and Inventory Management

To be competitive, many fast-food chains expanded their menus to include a wider range of foods. Although contributing to competitiveness, this has added to the complexity of operations, including inventory management. In what ways did the expansion of menu offerings create a problem for inventory management?

One form of inventory is safety stock, which is primarily carried by companies to ensure a variety of products is available at all times. However, safety stock ties up capital and hinders cash flow.

Using the online library resources and the Internet, research safety stock.

Then respond to the following:

? As a manager, what recommendations could you provide to reduce inventories as it relates to safety stock?

? What parameters would lead you to believe that (a) large safety stock, (b) small safety stock, and (c) zero safety stock would be advantageous for the organization? Be sure to provide examples and data in support.

After your initial post, discuss the following:

? What are some of the ways in which a company can reduce the need for inventories?

? How has technology aided inventory management?

? How have technological improvements in products such as automobiles and computers impacted inventory decisions?

PART 4. Key Elements of a Supply Chain

The success of any supply chain depends on the framework of the organization. The framework of an organization identifies strategic challenges that were critical to the organization's existence in the past and are also critical to its future growth.

In this assignment, you will examine the ways in which selection of a framework can affect the success or failure of the supply chain program. Most organizations use a single framework or a combination of frameworks to develop supply chains.

Using the online library resources and the Internet, research frameworks for developing supply chains. Then respond to the following:

? What is a supply chain? What are some potential benefits of managing the supply chain?

? What are the key factors that help an organization decide what type of framework they should use to develop the supply chain?

? What would be the impact on the development process if an incorrect framework is used? Discuss your reasoning by providing examples.

? Describe the three types of value (supply) chain frameworks and explain which one you think is the best. If possible provide a visual illustration or representation. Why do think your chosen framework is best? Justify your explanation.

After your initial post, discuss the following:

? What are the strategic, tactical, and operations issues in supply chain management?

? What is the bullwhip effect, and why does it occur? How can it be overcome?

? What impact has eBusiness had on supply chain management?

PART 5. Integration of Technology

Technology has changed the way we conduct business on a daily basis. A number of organizations have opted for integrating systems and sharing information with their counterparts.

Using the online library resources and the Internet, research information technology (IT) systems for supply chains.

Then respond to the following:

? As a manager, if you have to design an IT system for supply chain purposes using a cross-functional team, who would you include on your team and why?

? Explain some of the trade-offs you would consider when designing/acquiring the system. Be specific and support your reasoning with examples.

After your initial post, discuss the following:

? What trade-offs are involved in (a) sharing information with other organizations in a supply chain and (b) the acquisition of information-processing technology?

? Who needs to be involved in decisions as they pertain to technology acquisition for supply chain management?

? Name three different ways that technology has improved the ability to manage supply chains.

? Explain why integrated technology has improved the ability to manage supply chains

Give examples in support of your responses, be sure to include numerical examples where required. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.