Operations Management: Similarities and Differences Between Manufacturing and Services

Competitive Priorities in Service Organization and the Role of Operations Manager

1.    Outline the similarities and differences between manufacturing and services in terms of operations management.                                                                                    

2.    Identify the competitive priorities (CSFs) in a service organization of your choice. What is the role of the operations manager in ensuring that these CSFs are achieved in the organization?                                                                                                     
3.    Does your organization emphasize time – based competition? What are the advantages and disadvantages of time – based completion for your organization?              

4.    Identify the daily beliefs and guiding beliefs for your organization. Provide three examples of each. How do these beliefs compare with reality?                        

5.    Investigate the types of qualitative forecasting techniques used in your organization. How do senior managers identify the appropriate forecasting technique to use in different circumstances? Do you think these techniques are used appropriately in your organization?                                                                                                          

6.    Describe the basic layout types for both manufacturing and service facilities, and identify when each is best used.                                                                                           
7.    What criteria are used for purchasing decisions of key components in the supply chain in your organization (or one with which you are familiar)                                         

8.    What do you see as an opportunity to improve the planning process in your organization?