Management has asked you to justify the current facility layout in the organization. This is an exciting opportunity because you recall multiple conversations with your peers about how so much time is wasted on day$-$to$-$day processes. However, you're not entirely sure if a change in facility layout is appropriate. Utilize the concepts discussed in the textbook or an outside source to justify your answers.$$

$(1)$ What is the framework for evaluating alternative site locations? What are the qualitative and quantitative factors involved in site selection?

$(2)$ What are the various facility layouts used today in manufacturing and service operations? What are some of the characteristics of a good layout?$$

$(3)$ Define the type of layout used in your organization. Do you think a different layout will be more efficient in your organization? Explain your answer.