Operations Management (OM) is a business function responsible for planning, coordinating and controlling the resources needed to produce a companys goods or services. OM is a highly important function in todays dynamic business environment. The role of operations strategy is to make sure that all the tasks performed by the operations function are the right tasks.

Select any service or manufacturing organization of your choice and prepare a report on the below mentioned tasks.

1. Describe the performance objectives which the organization focuses on out of cost; dependability; flexibility; quality and speed. Evaluate the link between operations management and business strategy. (20 Marks)

2. Describe below operations functions in the organization. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current practices and derive recommendations. (2 x 10 = 20 Marks)
   1. Process selection
   2. Layout planning

3. Examine the quality management approaches used in the organization. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current practices and derive recommendations. (20 Marks)

4. Assume that the management of the selected organization has decided to establish a new division. The operations manager of the head office has been laid out the activities, which have to be carried out before the establishment of the new division. Following table shows the activities which have to be finished before starting the new business.

Activity ID	Activity description	Duration (In Weeks)	Precedent(s)
A	Recruit new staff	6	-
B	Choose new basic equipment	2	-
C	Choose new special equipment	4	-
D	Draw new layout	3	-
E	Train new staff	10	A
F	Order new basic equipment	2	B
G	Order new special equipment	8	C
H	Make structural alterations	8	D
I	Unpack and inspect equipment	2	F,G
J	Install services	4	H
K	Install and commission equipment	6	I,J

Using the above information

1. Develop the network diagram and identify the critical path of the project. Determine the project duration by which the business can be expected to begin operations (10 marks)
2. Explain the usage of the critical path method to the selected organization. (10 marks)

5. Assume the company produces two products, A and B that are made from components C and D. Given the following product structures, master scheduling requirements, and inventory information.
   1. Determine when orders should be released for A, B, C, and D and the size of those orders. (07 marks)
   2. Discuss the advantages of a MRP system to the selected organization. (03 marks)

The findings should be presented in a report not exceeding 4500 words.