Competency 1: Evaluate data-driven processes and approaches of an organizations operations.

This reflection activity is comprised of two sections, collectively totaling a minimum of 500 words. Complete your reflections by responding to all prompts.

Operations Management

Explain the role of the operations manager (OM) in your organization or an organization you are familiar with.

Describe key operational decisions the OM makes to match supply with demand.

Determine how to improve process efficiency by off-loading a bottleneck or how to balance a process by relocating work from one step to another.

Requires a process flow chart

Measure the flow thorugh the process

Identify the bottleneck

Identify the solution to off-load the bottleneck

Evaluate the Lean Philosophy

Choose one (1) of the following questions to discuss:

What is the Lean concept and why is it important to study?

How can Lean be applied to manufacturing and service processes? Will Lean work in service environments? Why or why not?

Discuss ways to use Lean to improve one (1) of the following: a pizza restaurant, a hospital, or an auto dealership.

Why is Lean hard to implement in practice

Explain the relationship between quality and productivity under the Lean philosophy.