Choose an operation of one of the following types and analyse it as an operation: i.e.
this is not an exercise in marketing or management of people.
h A factory producing clothing, ceramics or glass, or
h an airport.
You should choose an operation based at a single site. You should not attempt to visit
the operation or interview employees during the course of the assignment. Instead,
use online resources to find out the types of processes that are likely to take place.
You should be able to find web sites showing the site layout, for example. And there
are many ‘how it’s made,’ ‘factory tour’ and airport videos that should let you see
details of the process. If you cannot find some detail, you may discuss the likely
choices or rely on your own experience.
Your report should include an analysis of:
h the volume, variety, variation and visibility (4 vs) characteristics of the operation;
h the type of process, its layout, and how it uses of process technologies;
h the relative importance of each of the five performance objectives to the operation and how layout and process technology contribute to achieving those
objectives;
h either
h any changes you would recommend to improve the operation; or
h why the things you have observed are entirely appropriate for that operation.
When describing the 4 vs, make sure you get the characteristics right. For example,
variety is about variety of processes and visibility is about the extent to which cus
Sample Solution