Part A-
DQ 1 - Research the definitions of various production and operations management terms used in Lecture 1. Perform a literature search on one of these terms. Discuss how this term can impact the ability for an operation to be competitive in the 21st century. Do not use a term posted by another student.
DQ 2 - Describe the differences between productivity and its subcomponents (total measure productivity, partial measure productivity, and multifactor measure productivity) related to production and operations management success.
Part B-
DQ 1 - Discuss an example of a work-related project that is able to be broken down into structure, tasks, subtasks, and work packages, and why project management in the form of a CPM/PERT chart would be cost effective.
DQ 2 - What are two reasons project management is not well done in corporations? Why? What are some specific examples?
Part C-
DQ 1 - Describe the various types of time-series and associative forecasting models. Which types of organizations are each of these most applicable to, and why?
DQ 2 - Why is forecasting important in organizations, especially as related to understanding the relevant time horizon to develop a forecast against? What are some examples from industry?
Part D-
DQ 1 - Describe the similarities and differences between TQM and Six Sigma quality-management techniques.
DQ 2 - Discuss the aspects of Total Quality Management (TQM) and how they apply in service- and product-based businesses.
Part E-
DQ 1 - Discuss the four types of process strategies and give an example of each. Also, please share any personal industry experiences (if any) with each process strategy.
DQ 2 - Discuss the differences between utilization and efficiency as measures of system performance. Which (if any) is the most useful measure for an operations manager? Why?
Part F-
DQ 1 - Discuss the key factors that impact location decisions. As an example, if locating a facility in India, what location decisions would a fast-food chain have to consider as compared to the location decisions of a software company?
DQ 2 - Discuss the strategic importance of layout decisions. How important as these decisions in terms of a company's long-term profitability goals? What are some examples?
Part G-
DQ 1 - Evaluate various supply chain strategy considerations for managers moving products or services to the consumer.
DQ 2 - Discuss the advantages of using work sampling to understand how employees allocate their time among work activities.
Part H-
DQ 1 - Discuss several advantages of linear programming; clearly explain the reasons for your choices.
DQ 2 - Discuss several disadvantages of linear programming; clearly explain the reasons for your choices.