Swiza is a global chocolate manufacturer. Their most famous product is a hazelnut- chocolate spread that is sold in their famous glass jars, called Swizella. The board of directors for Swiza are considering building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility closer to their emerging markets so that they can reduce their supply chain costs associated with transportation and inventory. The facility will be serving a large and expanding market. Senior figures within the company have decided on the location of the new facility, but the project is still in its early stages and strategic operational decisions are still pending. Swiza have promoted Mr. Damien Drogba to become the Operations Director, he used to manage the operations of another Swiza site, so this

b) With respect to the relationship between Volume & Variety, choose the most appropriate manufacturing type/s to be employed at the new site. Given how the Swizella product is being manufactured, discuss the suitability of the Job- Shop, Batch, Line, Continuous as production process alternatives for Swiza’s new site. Finally, justify your recommendation on what should Mr. Drogba do.

c) Another product that Swiza are famous for, is their Sugar-Free Ice Cream, called SFIC. This product typically has a seasonal demand and is usually more in-demand during the hot Summer season. Comment on potential problems that Mr. Drogba and Swiza could face if he mismatches capacity with the demand for this product. Use examples to explain different strategies that he could deploy to overcome such problems.

d) Mr. Drogba is not quite sure on the importance of the Sales & Operations Plan (S&OP), nor what information he will need to develop one for the Sugar-Free Ice Cream. Explain the S&OP process and its importance for a product that is as seasonal as the Sugar-Free Ice Cream, and finally discuss how it can influence shopfloor control.