Operations Management

 Operations Management - When we hear these two words, what comes to mind? For me, it is the management of a group and or entity for operations to meet the demands of products and services. Overseeing the process of transforming resources into goods and services. This role includes production planning, production control, and quality control. The transformation process was intriguing in terms of how a complex process can be broken down. When we actually look at where a product starts. We know it begins with an idea, then planning can go in so many directions but organization has to come into play for everything to come together.

I know that we read about facility layouts and it was interesting to learn how important the layout is for a manufacturer to have. This will allow products to be made efficiently and effectively when it comes down the line. Each of the (4) types of layouts works differently for each manufacturer. I thought all layouts were the same, I didn't know it made a difference in being able to deliver a product on time. I liked that we were able to read about the PERT and Gantt Charts. It assisted with understanding operations management for my next class. 

Case Analysis: Hank Kolb - In reading about this case, it was an interesting perspective in which quality control is important for this company. It can be overlooked if the products are returned for damage and inconsistencies. It was a great example in which new management was hired to come in and observe to find solutions for their current problems in productivity and operations. Hank was thorough in his observations and approaches that will assist the company in getting back on top. It was an overall straight forward case in how to improve quality control and reestablish lines of communication for each department and with management. 

• Compare and contrast three common types of production processes: make-to-order, make-to-stock, and mass customization. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Why are more companies devoting at least a portion of their operations to mass customization? Identify three goods that could probably be adapted to mass customization and three that probably couldn’t.

Make-to-order - used by businesses as print or sign shops that produce low volume, high variety goods according to customer specifications.

Make-to-stock - producing high volumes of identical goods at a cost low enough to price them for large numbers of customers. Goods are made in anticipation of future demand and kept in inventory for later sale. standardized goods ranging from processed foods to electronic appliances. Disadvantages - products are designed to accommodate individuals' tastes or needs but can still be bought at reasonable prices. 

Mass customization - combines the advantages of customized products with those of mass production. A company interacts with the customer to find out exactly what the customer wants and then manufactures the good, using efficient production methods to hold down costs. It wouldn't work for detergents or paper products. 

• You know that organizations adhering to the principles of TQM focus on three tasks: customer satisfaction, employee involvement, and continuous improvement. Think about the course registration process at your school. Does the process appear to be managed according to TQM principles? Is it designed to satisfy the customer (you)? Do employees in the registrar’s office, as well as others involved in the process, focus on customer satisfaction? Does anyone seem to be on the lookout for ways to do things better?

To understand Total Quality Management entails quality assurance, and all the steps that a company takes to ensure that its goods or services are of sufficiently high quality to meet customers' needs. In this general definition, we can understand for a prospective student applying for school is the first step, after admission the next step is to introduce the new student to how the school works. schedules, and meeting other departments. This creates a safe environment for a student to start and finish their education. I think they cater to each student and their individual circumstances. I can say that I've been able to witness the way I was treated from my first year to my senior year and I can say that it has been consistent throughout my education journey.