$(40$ Marks$)$

$1\mathrm{.}1$ With reference to the case study provided and using examples of your choice, critically discuss the challenges that operations managers in the manufacturing sector have been exposed to over the past $3$ years and provide recommendations of the mitigation factors that should be considered in addressing the stated challenges. Your response should only refer to challenges within the scope of the operations management function.

$(20$ marks$)$

$1\mathrm{.}2$ Today, companies need greater transparency into demand, supply chains, quality management and production capabilities, so that they can respond proactively or in real time to rapidly changing conditions. In the context of the manufacturing sector, critically discuss why operations managers should prioritise investing in quality management strategies and concepts. Your response should make use of relevant frameworks and examples.

$(20$ marks$)$