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 (excluding title page, abstract, references page, and appendices) in APA format presenting the items listed above. A minimum of five (5) peer-reviewed academic or professional references must be used in the paper.