Effective Business Operations Management for Primark UK: A Soft Systems Methodology Approach

Part 1: Evaluate existing business processes by applying appropriate concepts, theories and methods

Part 1 (Evaluate existing business processes by applying appropriate concepts, theories and methods

Using the specific operations performance objectives it can be argued that Primark UK is focussed on satisfying its customers’ requirements for fast and dependable services at a reasonable market price, through strategic partnerships that assist its customers to improve the services they offer (value for customers). Specifically you should:

• Outline the essential components for ‘effective business operations management’ (creating value for the customer) for Primark’s operation within the UK.

• Use a soft systems methodology to evaluate the issues Primark UK might face if they decide to introduce hybrid facilities to allow their customers to continue shopping in store, as well as ‘order goods online and have these delivered to the door’ to compete in the market place. Support your discussion with appropriate business operations and business process models (i.e. the five operation objectives and the Four Vs (volume, variety, variation and visibility), customer value, the service gap model etc.).

• You should compare and contrast different operations models used by the sector in which Primark UK operates and recommend appropriate solutions to continue being competitive in the market, make easier for customers to select and buy their products (issues to consider centralised/decentralised inventory and delivery chain, customer value chain, cost implications, sustainability and business ethics etc.).

• Comparison of different solutions with costing and choose one solution to take forward with reasoning. Business process issues to consider: What are the main elements of the service concept, and are these of equal importance to all customers? What trade-(Balanced scorecard charts are not included in (BPP not included in the word count) offs have had to be made in the design to deliver a quality service package to all of Primark’s customers.

• Keep in mind the nowadays enterprises’ sustainable operations expected by consumers and other stakeholders in the UK society (keeping in mind the possible technological and environmental (CO2) impact and the parcel conundrum).
    
Part 2 (Redesign existing process to achieve well-reasoned benefits)

For the new system you should include Root Definition, CATWOE and produce a detailed “Rich Picture” (hand drawn) to fully illustrate your answer. Your rich picture must indicate the problems well as the solution.

By means of a Business Process Plan (BPP) illustrate the changes including “AS IS” and “TO BE”. Brief explanations of both plans are required and support your discussions with relevant literature. You must follow the Business Process Management (BPM) standards covered in the class. Part three is the implementation of the new process (“TO BE”); failure not to include the BPP may result in marks not awarded for part three.