Assignment:
OPERATIONS IMPROVEMENT PLAN
For this paper you may choose a problem (improvement opportunity) from your current or past employer (names can be changed if anonymity is required). If you do not have any work experience on which to base a case example of your own, think about work you may have performed on a volunteer basis. If you are not able to come up with an example from these resources, contact your instructor for further review.
The improvement plan should be treated as a problem presented to you by the company’s top management for analysis and recommendations for improvement. Write a recommending report to the executives. The plan should demonstrate the qualities of thorough and relevant research, logically sound analysis, and focused professional writing. To complete the improvement plan, your paper should include the following elements:
1. Overview:
Describe the problem with adequate background information to provide the reader with a good understanding of the dilemma. Include an explanation of how you are familiar with the problem. The problem should focus on one or more of the following operational issues. Be sure to CLEARLY identify the issue(s) selected. Chose from the following:
a) Company (or organizational) strategy
b) Process design
c) Cost reduction
d) Quality management concerns
e) Resource planning
f) Supply chain management
g) Lean systems
h) Capacity issues
i) Constraint management
j) Facilities management
k) Workforce issues
2. Operational Issue Research
Conduct online research to locate a resource for the operational issue(s) selected above. Look for a resource that provides more thorough explanation, broader application, more examples, new information and/or a different perspective from what was covered in class.
Provide a synopsis of the resource selected for each the selected operational issue(s). Include your evaluation of the data, what was learned form the information or why you disagree with the data, as applicable. Include the web address for the resource(s) chosen.
3. Analysis and Plan
Your analysis of the problem should demonstrate your knowledge of the topic, ability to uncover the root cause and the quality of your research (including, and in addition to the above research, if applicable). Your analysis should demonstrate critical thinking skills. Provide a plan for improving the problem, addressing the operational issue(s) identified above. Be sure to include the techniques and tools that will be used in the improvement plan.
4. Summary
Provide a brief summary, including expected results.