The idea behind this exercise is for the class to generate data comparing companies in many different
Question:
The idea behind this exercise is for the class to generate data comparing companies in many different industries. These data will be used to compare these industries from operations and supply chain view to better understand differences. Be prepared for a lively class discussion for this session.
Step 1: Pick an industry that you find interesting. This may be driven by a company by which you would like to be employed or by some other factor. Within the industry, identify three companies that compete with one another. To ensure comparability, go to www.aol.com/stock-quotes/, and then find and enter the company stock symbol. The industry is shown in the “Trailing Returns” data. Find three companies that are in the same industry.
Step 2: Collect data related to each company. At a minimum, find the cash conversion cycle time, receivables turnover, inventory turnover, and asset turnover for each company. These data are available under “Key Ratios.” Then, select “Full Key Ratios Data,” and finally “Efficiency Ratios” on the Web site.
Step 3: Compare the companies based on what you have found. Which company has the best operations and supply chain processes? Which company is most efficient in its use of credit? Which company makes the best use of its facility and equipment assets?
Step 4: What insights can you draw from your analysis? What could your companies learn from benchmarking each other?
Operations and Supply Chain Management
ISBN: 978-0078024023
14th edition
Authors: F. Robert Jacobs, Richard Chase