1. Describe and explain the nature of operations management in company or organization.first identify the purpose and products or service of the organization; then use the four decision types to identify important operations decisions and responsibilities.

2. "Fidelio" is a designer and manufacturer of exclusive and highly individualized sweaters made of alpaca wool (an alpaca is a type of South American llama which produces very high quality, soft wool). The wool is sourced from Peru and the sweaters are produced in a factory in the UK with jobbing processes; you are the general manager of this factory. The sweaters are sold in 5 boutiques in upmarket locations in the UK and retail at a price upwards of 400. The boutiques have been owned and operated by the company for twenty years. Given the growing popularity of alpaca products and increasing recognition of the "Fidelio" brand name, the owner of the business, Josef Fernando, is now keen to invest in a major new initiative. The plan is to develop a new brand, to be known as "Fidelio Nuova", making the "Fidelio" brand accessible to a wider public. The new brand will offer a much narrower range of alpaca sweaters to high street stores, retailing at around 120. The garments will be made of alpaca but not necessarily sourced from Peru. Large department stores are already expressing an interest in the proposition. Josef Fernando has invited you to write a report on its operational implications.

a) Compare and contrast the operational performance objectives which are likely to be important for the two brands.

b) Discuss the implications for the management of the production process, and the supply network.

3.

a) Explain how implementing "Strategic Forecasting" and "Capacity Planning" can lead to Effective Demand Management in a manufacturing or service operation of your choice (start by briefly characterizing the nature of the operation)

b) Identify Forecasting Strategies and Capacity Planning Strategies for Operational Efficiency leading to Demand Management.

4.

a) What are some of the criticisms of work measurement, in general, and time study, specifically, that have caused its popularity to wane in recent years?

b) Compare the use of predetermined motion times for developing time standards instead of using time-study methods, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

5. Advised not to look at an entire company but instead may decide to focus on a particular business unit or operation. For example YOU may want to look at a large international company - but only have access to one part of the organization - it is perfectly acceptable. You might feel tempted to answer the questions based on common sense but the professor urges you not to do this. The professor encourages you to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes for the course. Please do keep this in mind and try to exhibit understanding and application of theory, tools and techniques covered during the lectures (and from directed reading).