This assignment meets COB Learning Goal #2 - Problem Solving and is being used for quality assurance.

Identify a problemat a company that you feel can be improved by implementing a new process or technology.Note: This must be a realcompany and a real process that you feel needs improvement but the focus should NOT be on the company but rather on the process to be improved.

Note:You may want to start with either a problem that you have identified at a company OR a technology advancement or tool that you feel could help with a problem at a company, rather than starting with the company itself.

LO 1: STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

• Identify an operations problem that could negatively affect the efficiency and/ or productivity of the organization. This problem must be one that can be resolved by implementing a new technology.
• Clearly define the current process ("current state"), including the problem,in detail, and provide supporting flowcharts and diagrams. *You may have to create these.
• Break up large problems into smaller sub-problems.
• Clearly state the impact and the extent of the problem on the organization and/or customer
• Clearly state the purpose of the paper as an attempt to solve the problem you have identified.

LO 2: PROBLEM ANALYSIS

• Identify relevant factors leading to the problem (e.g. social, political, economic, and legal). One example of a factor would be an OSHA Safety Regulation.
• Clearly state possible causes of the problem
• Be sure to identify the difference between a symptom and a problem
• Clearly state all issues (reasons why the problem is important to resolve), including any secondary or 'non-obvious' issues
• Prioritize issues

LO 3: PROBLEMSOLUTIONS

• Research emerging technology or process innovations that could be an opportunity for the company and this process.
• Identify and describe a minimum of two possible solutions to the problem through the implementation of researched technology innovations.
• Describe fully the possible solutions, including supporting flowcharts and diagrams
• Discuss merits of both solutions, including all relevant factors necessary to make a decision between the two. Be sure not to neglect cost factors (you may need to provide estimated costs)

LO 4:SOLUTION JUSTIFICATION

• Clearly state your proposed solution (one of the two options proposed in LO3: Problem Solutions)
• Explain in detail why you are recommending this solution and how you feel it will specifically solve or alleviate the problem(s) and issues you identified (Justify solution)
• Describe solution benefit(s)
• Discuss the feasibility of the solution
• Present an implementation plan for your proposed solution

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

• Correctly defined terminology used
• Used analytical tools and technology in paper
• Performed appropriate calculations
• Used analysis to find and justify decisions
• Paper well organized and sections clearly defined

• Correct grammar and spelling

You MUST have references (not just personal knowledge or personal interviews) as this is a research paper and you MUSTproperly source all of your references, including people interviewed, if applicable.There is no minimum amount of references - again use as many as necessary to adequately cover the objectives as assigned.