Improving Operations

Read the How to improve operations section beginning on pg 319 of the text.

Consider the following scenario:

You are an Operations Manager for a small manufacturing firm. The sales team recently came back from an international trip and at the leadership meeting disclosed the need to improve production to meet a 20 % increase in annual sales volume. You currently have a small operation of about 100 employees and 2 subordinate supervisors that help you manage the operations. Your company has limited space and a tight budget so expanding organically is not an immediate option and you need to make improvements relatively quickly.

Using the steps in the How to Improve Operations section of Ch 12 ( p 319 - p 321, SBM) and your learning from previous chapters, develop an outline for improving the operations to meet the new sales volume needs. Use your creativity and the attached framework for this assignment.

Homework 10 Framework Template

1. State the problem

• Clearly define the problem that you are trying to solve. Try to be as specific as possible. Consider what parts of the operation based on your reading of Ch 12 will need to be assessed.

2. Collect and Record Information

To complete this section, answer these questions

• What information do you think you will need to collect? Why?
• How would you record the data you collect?
• What strategy would you use to manage the data collection process?

3. Develop and Analyze Alternatives

• After some research (consider Googling how to increase production in manufacturing or Lean performance improvement, for example) develop and analyze some alternative approaches based on your findings. Be sure to cite your sources using APA formatting.

4. Select, Install and follow up on new work methods

• Based on the research conducted for #3 provide a general outline (minimum 5 sentences) describe your selected alternative and why you think it would work. Also consider at least one continuous improvement measure that you would consider to assess if your alternative solution is actually working.