Mt435 Unit 6
Unit Six Written Assignment
Tenice Jones
MT435 Operations Management
Kaplan University
June 25, 2013
Introduction A family business that started in 1976, Albatross Anchors has grown causing some issues with administration and production over the past few years. At this current time, technology is outdated, not in compliance with US Safety and Environmental standards and extremely unorganized. There is a lack of space due to growth; consequently, it is now hindering the functionality of process. Albatross only sells at wholesale; therefore, bulk quantities are often ordered without the space to sustain the product. Implementing the changes suggested by KU Consulting will enable Albatross Anchors to once again, engage competitively and increase their overall profit.
Question One
Carefully review the assignment scenario/case study. From the limited information in the scenario/case study, along with your answers to the unit three written assignment, identify at least three direct and specific long-term and three direct and specific short term operations changes that Albatross Anchor must make to gain a clear and sustainable competitive advantage (provide detailed information to validate and support each recommended change)
Long-Term Operational Changes
(01) One of the biggest factors that are hindering the profit of Albatross Anchors is the outdated technology. The technology not only slows down the process to manufacture but also to purchase the supplies needed to in production and distribution of the anchors. Upgrading to a new technologically sound system such as Just-in-Time (JIT) which is used by many large corporations such as Harley Davidson, Toyota, Ford, General motors would benefit Albatross Anchors because “under ideal conditions a company operating at JIT manufacturing system would purchase only enough materials each day to meet that days needs. Moreover, the company would have no goods still in process at the end of the day, and
Tenice Jones
MT435 Operations Management
Kaplan University
June 25, 2013
Introduction A family business that started in 1976, Albatross Anchors has grown causing some issues with administration and production over the past few years. At this current time, technology is outdated, not in compliance with US Safety and Environmental standards and extremely unorganized. There is a lack of space due to growth; consequently, it is now hindering the functionality of process. Albatross only sells at wholesale; therefore, bulk quantities are often ordered without the space to sustain the product. Implementing the changes suggested by KU Consulting will enable Albatross Anchors to once again, engage competitively and increase their overall profit.
Question One
Carefully review the assignment scenario/case study. From the limited information in the scenario/case study, along with your answers to the unit three written assignment, identify at least three direct and specific long-term and three direct and specific short term operations changes that Albatross Anchor must make to gain a clear and sustainable competitive advantage (provide detailed information to validate and support each recommended change)
Long-Term Operational Changes
(01) One of the biggest factors that are hindering the profit of Albatross Anchors is the outdated technology. The technology not only slows down the process to manufacture but also to purchase the supplies needed to in production and distribution of the anchors. Upgrading to a new technologically sound system such as Just-in-Time (JIT) which is used by many large corporations such as Harley Davidson, Toyota, Ford, General motors would benefit Albatross Anchors because “under ideal conditions a company operating at JIT manufacturing system would purchase only enough materials each day to meet that days needs. Moreover, the company would have no goods still in process at the end of the day, and
References: Accounting for Management. (2012). Just in Time (JIT) Manufacturing and Inventory Control System. Retrived from http://www.accounting4management.com/just_in_time.htm. Dierdorff, F.P. & Morgeson E.C. (2011). Work Analysis: From technique to theory. Retrieved from https://www.msu.edu/~morgeson/morgeson_dierdorff_2011.pdf. First Capital Equipment Leasing Corp. (1985-2013). Tax advantages. Retrieved from http://www.leaseexperts.com/TAX_ADVANTAGES.htm. Manufacturing-Safety. (n.d.) A resource for machinery and manufacturing safety: A Quick Primer on Personal Protective Equipment. Retrieved from http://www.manufacturing-safety.com/PPE_Equipment.html. Mayhew, R. (2013). Chron: The Importance of Cross-training in Improving Team Performance. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-crosstraining-improving-team-performance-33216.html. OSHA. (n.d.) U.S. Department of labor: Ergonomics. Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/. Russell, R. S., & Taylor, B. W., III. (2011) Operations management: Creating value along the supply chain, 7th ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.