#1 Productivity in the service sector has been problematic for quite some time. Discuss the reasons productivity is hard to improve in the service sector.
#2 Operations management can be an important element in strategy planning. How can operations management assist in attaining a competitive advantage according to Michael Porter?
#3 Two current trends in operations management are mass customization and rapid product development. Compare and contrast these two trends. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of each.
#4 Identify how changes in the external environment affect the OM strategy for a company. Include a discussion of (1) major increases in manufacturing costs (e.g. oil prices), (2) new water and air-quality legislation, (3) shortage of trained/skilled personnel, (4) economic inflation nationwide, and (5) legislation on required employer provided health insurance for all employees.
#5 Allison produces “Welcome to UNOH” packages for resale by her sorority. She is currently working a 5- hour workday to produce 100 packages. a. What is Allison’s productivity. Allison thinks she can increase her productivity to 125 packages per 5-hour workday through redesign. What will be her new productivity?c. What will be the increase, if any, (in %) in productivity if she redesigns the packages?
#6 Identify how changes in the internal environment affect the OM strategy for a company. Include a discussion concerning: (1) the maturation of a product, (2) technological innovation in the manufacturing process, and (3) changes in product design.
