Company XYZ is a manufacturing firm that produces electronic devices. The company has been facing challenges in its operations, resulting in increased costs, delayed delivery times, and poor customer satisfaction. As a newly appointed operations manager, you are tasked with identifying and addressing the key issues to improve the overall performance of the company. After conducting a thorough analysis, you have identified five potential problems. Select the option that represents the most critical issue that needs immediate attention and propose a solution to address it. Options: A) Inefficient Supply Chain Management: The company's current supply chain management system is plagued with inefficiencies, resulting in delays in sourcing raw materials and components. As a result, production schedules are frequently disrupted, leading to increased costs and missed delivery deadlines. Propose a plan to streamline the supply chain and improve coordination with suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of materials. B) Poor Quality Control: The company has been experiencing a high rate of defective products, leading to customer complaints and returns. This not only damages the company's reputation but also incurs additional costs for rework or replacements. Develop a quality control strategy that focuses on preventing defects, implementing rigorous inspections, and fostering a culture of quality throughout the production process. C) Ineffective Production Planning: The company currently lacks a robust production planning system, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation, overproduction, and underutilization of equipment. Design an effective production planning framework that aligns with demand forecasts, optimizes resource allocation, and reduces lead times, ensuring a smooth flow of production and minimizing excess inventory. D) Underutilization of Technology: Company XYZ has been slow in adopting technological advancements in its operations, resulting in outdated equipment and manual processes. This hinders productivity, increases costs, and limits the company's ability to compete in the market. Propose a technology adoption plan that identifies suitable automation and digitalization solutions to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance overall performance. E) Lack of Employee Engagement and Training: The company's workforce lacks motivation and adequate training, leading to low productivity, high turnover rates, and a subpar work environment. Develop an employee engagement and training program that focuses on enhancing skills, providing career development opportunities, and fostering a positive work culture to improve employee satisfaction and productivity.