Assignment:
operations management Final Project
The purpose of this project is to have students explore, in modest depth, the operations function of an existing service organization of their choosing. On completion of the project students should:
• understand how a service is generated and delivered to the customer using one service delivery system; and
• have explored in depth the operations management activities in the organization.
In order to achieve these goals, each group is expected to select a service organization (a firm, the service function in a manufacturing organization, government entity, health service organization, and so on.) and complete the following activities:
• Document current operations. Using flowcharts, job analyses, job descriptions, verbal explanations, or similar methods, explain the operations activities and technology for the firm. Specifically, the various inputs, transformation processes, and several outputs must be identified.
• Detail OM activities. Carefully and in depth, describe how the 6 out of 10 OM activities are performed in the firm.
• Identify a problem. For at least one of the activities discussed above, identify at one operating problem in the firm. Document this problem. Describe the problem as is currently understood; attach any company literature or documentation of the problem.
• Propose a solution. Suggest one or more tentative solutions to the problem. Provide detailed explanation so that a reader will gain a basic understanding of what is proposed.
• Prepare a written report.
Guidelines for Report Preparation
General Format
• The report must be typed, Single-spaced.
• Use subheadings within the report when appropriate.
• A table of contents page is necessary.
• Plan the report carefully to develop an organized and non-redundant report. It should be organized and assembled as a continuous report and should not appear to be several independent segments bound together.
Tentative Outline of the Report
• Executive abstract. The report must begin with a one- to two-page abstract that orients the reader as to the contents as well as to the major sections of the report. The abstract, by itself, must provide enough information about the project so that the reader can judge simply by reading this portion if he or she wants to read further.
• Introduction. This first segment should present a brief history of the organization and its local operations. Be brief and succinct, but make sure that the reader can obtain a perspective of the organization.
• Environmental background. In this section, discuss the following two aspects. First, briefly outline the nature of the organization's external environment, examining the critical factors influencing its operations and policies as well as its overall operations strategy. Second, in more detail, examine the firm's internal environment. This involves consideration of customers, suppliers, distributors, and competitors that comprise the industry.
• Organizational analysis. This part of the report should focus on Activities 1 and 2 as outlined in the description of the term project. In particular, be specific when writing this section. Do not make open-ended statements.
• Problem identification and solution. In this segment of the report, each team should focus on Activity 3 in the description of the term project. When identifying a problem, be specific, and make sure the problem relates to the activities that you are to study. Further, when developing a solution(s), do not be open-ended. If you are recommending changes in the current method(s), you need to estimate the costs, if any, of such changes. As before, be thorough about solutions that are proposed; that is, make sure that you consider all aspects of the problem.
• Summary. In two to three pages, you must summarize your project, including what you did, how you did it, the major problems, and the solutions proposed.
• Exhibits, tables, and figures. All calculations, figures, and other graphical or numerical information should be summarized in this section. Additionally, any appendix, exhibit, table, and/or figure attached to the report must be typed and referred to in the report.