Assignment
Research a manufacturing organization of your choice, and describe its strategic manufacturing policy. (Note: You may choose a private sector or public sector organization; however, more information will be available for a private sector, publicly traded company). Your description should consider long-term issues (1-5 years), and include a discussion of the following topics:
Products/services
Markets and customers
Suppliers/vendors/supply chain partners
Facilities (plants, distribution centers, etc.)
Describe the following characteristics to be included in the strategic planning process:
Alignment of manufacturing strategy with corporate/business-level strategy
Product/process alternatives (make-to stock, make-to order, etc.)
Inventory policies (service levels, order quantity/frequency, etc.)
Capacity planning alternatives (chase, level, etc.)
Long-range forecasting techniques (quantitative and qualitative)
Make or buy decisions (outsourcing, etc.)
Interfaces/coordination with other business functions (marketing, etc.)
Initiatives to improve operations (continuous improvement, lean/agile, TOC, etc.)
Metrics to measure manufacturing performance
Cost
Quality
Speed
Reliability/dependability
Flexibility
Productivity/efficiency/utilization
Sustainability
Other metrics
Finally, what manufacturing strategy improvements would you suggest for this organization?
Prepare a research paper of 8-10 pages.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.