Homework: Innovation, Six Sigma & Sustainability
Prepare an analysis on your current or an organization that you have recently worked for or have insider knowledge of. This paper will be 4 pages long (excluding title page and references) and is addressed to a specific CEO of a specific company (you DO NOT have to send this paper to the CEO but write it as if you would).
Look at your current or past organization. Consider the informal or formal supply chain for your organization. Create 3 to 5 recommendations based upon the book for a supply chain that has a specific intention of creating ROI through innovation, sustainability, and Six Sigma efforts. Write this paper as if you're submitting to the CEO of the organization. Write this as if you're looking for a promotion! You might want to have your major headings be: Introduction, Analysis, Conclusions, and Recommendations. Your subheadings might be: Innovation, Sig Sigma, Sustainability.
In essence, you are presenting a proposal to the CEO seeking the CEO's approval of recommendations that you have made upon your analysis and the impact the recommendations will have on ROI based upon what you have learned so far in the course.
Key questions and things to consider for this paper:
I. Identify the organization - if you have any questions contact your instructor for approval. This graduate level analysis can be performed on large companies or small companies; you choose but ensure you can get enough information to make quality analysis and practical suggestions. Consider the core competencies of this organization. Can you help to make something better they are already doing? OR do other in their industry have an innovation in sustainability that they do not have yet? (cite, cite).
II. Consider what you have read and include independent research on the Supply Chain, Operations, Innovation, Sustainability and Six Sigma. If you are going to recommend Six Sigma explain why and who else in their industry is using if. If you are not going to recommend Six Sigma then cite why (could it be too expensive, not fit the needs of the core competencies...)? These are all broad topics, and yet demonstrate to your CEO and you have an ability to include these topics, if even in a small way, in your recommendations. Always reference and cite your research. Cite all statements of facts.
III. Know your target - this paper is to be written to the CEO or someone in the organization that would consider your recommendations. If you actually know the person, or think you could get your recommendations to them then great - write with the person with authority in mind and once you have had your paper graded you might want to actually submit this paper to them. You don't have to give this paper to the CEO, but it should be the quality of work that you might consider giving it to her or him.
IV. Remember this is an academic paper - you must use APA, citations and all that is important in graduate level writing. There should never be even one typo or grammatical error in a graduate level paper.
V. Use the textbook and independent research (and cite). Graduate level recommendations are normally backed up on data not hunches or the experience of one person. Use the specific analytics that are available in your textbook to make your recommendations.
VI. Remember to include a recommendation for both innovation and sustainability. You will be graded on including information from both of those fields.
VII. Charts, graphs and visual recommendations are required for A papers. A picture is worth a 1000 words. It is often best if the graph shows how the process is currently working and then another graphic showing how it would work with your suggestion.
Criteria Requirements
Key Insights
Provides accurate and clear descriptions of the supply chain that is being evaluated. Accurately and comprehensively discusses a valid and researched recommendation to a specific (and researched) CEO. Provides a clear picture of the context for the opportunity and/or option for a specific company within a specific industry for innovation, six sigma and/or sustainability.
Application
Clearly identifies and discusses specific recommendations based upon graduate level sources, research and analysis. Clearly describes how the context and trends within the industry and the process will enhance or detract for the implementation of a recommendation for innovation, sustainability or Six Sigma (why or why not). Shows a clear application and understanding of the tools available in supply chain and operations
Critical Analysis
Consistently employs critical analysis in discussing the key insights about the industry, company and the process under review. Accurately links theory and course concepts with analysis, and application. Uses the textbook and at least four other business sources.
The proposal to CEO is clear and uses data driven decision making and graduate level resources. Includes a graphic of what "is" and what is "recommended."
Writing Mechanics
The paper is logical, well written, and the required length. Spelling, grammar and punctuation are accurate. Consistently uses sources (textbook and assessments) to support discussion and analysis. APA formatting standards are followed; citations and reference page is correct.
Textbook
Swink, M., Melnyk, S. A., & Hartley, J. L. (2020). Managing operations across the supply chain. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
ISBN: 978-1260442892
Format your homework 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 includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, 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.