Assessing Theories and Frameworks for Business Operations

This is the first assessment in the Advanced Operations Management course.  You will write a detailed report that examines and discusses theories based on the models/frameworks/conceptual ideas from Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 of the textbook by Slack & Lewis.  Read carefully the models/frameworks/concepts in the following Figures and Tables from the textbook by Slack & Lewis and apply each one of them on a new situation/example/case to complete this Assignment.

Course learning outcomes

LO1: Identify issues in the design and improvement of products and processes

Task 1 (1,000 words): Four perspectives on operations strategy Critically analyse and discuss, using examples, the four perspectives on Operations Strategy: top-down; bottom-up; operations resources; and market perspectives. Your discussion should include both ‘how’ and ‘why’ these perspectives enable the development of operations strategy and the  circumstances each of these perspectives are most suited for by comparing their advantages/ disadvantages, strengths and weaknesses, and the unique factors of each and how they interact together.

Task 2 (500 words): Apply the “market requirements and operations resources” framework of operations strategy to a suitable New Zealand business and relate how this framework could be used in the development of operations strategy.”

Task 3: (500 words) Performance Objectives Model Prepare a Performance Objectives Model chart for any TWO New Zealand businesses in New Zealand.  Then critically analyse and compare how these two companies differ in each of the performance objectives of Quality, Speed, Dependability, Flexibility, and Cost.  Explain the meanings of performance objectives in the context of your selected companies.

Task 4: (400 words) Operations Strategy Matrix Create an operations strategy matrix for ONE of the Companies you chose in task 2 or 3 (200 words) Critically analyse and explain the information presented in your chart - the interrelationship between the intersections (cells) of the matrix is important to understand (300 words). Finally Briefly comment on how this information could be used by the CEO or managers to development an effective operations strategy for each company.  (100 words)

Task 4: (400 words) Operations Strategy Matrix Create an operations strategy matrix for ONE of the Companies you chose in task 2 or 3 (200 words) Critically analyse and explain the information presented in your chart - the interrelationship between the intersections (cells) of the matrix is important to understand (300 words). Finally Briefly comment on how this information could be used by the CEO or managers to development an effective operations strategy for each company.  (100 words)