Create an appropriate causal loop diagram to capture the fundamental system behaviors, outcomes, and causes of the rubber contamination of the baking mixes at Benevento Foods. The diagram itself can be drawn by hand or with software. The diagram will be based on the following details: 

 

Causal Loop Diagram for Benevento Foods Rubber Contamination

Here is a causal loop diagram for the rubber contamination issue at Benevento Foods, created based on the information provided in the case study:

Reinforcing Loops:

• R1: Increased pressure to deliver on time -> Rush orders -> Increased weight discrepancies -> Quality control issues -> Customer complaints -> Increased pressure to deliver on time (leading to further rush orders)
• R2: Lack of preventative maintenance -> Machine breakdowns -> Production delays -> Pressure on operators -> Increased weight discrepancies -> Increased sifting -> Rubber contamination risk (from loose threads in totes)
• R3: Lack of training for bagging room operators -> Weight discrepancies -> Manual adjustments -> Longer bagging times -> Pressure on operators -> Increased weight discrepancies

Balancing Loops:

• B1: Quality control checks (weight, visual inspection) -> Identification of weight discrepancies -> Investigation -> Corrective action (e.g., re-weighing, adjusting weight) -> Improved accuracy -> Fewer customer complaints
• B2: Customer complaints -> Increased scrutiny of production process -> Improved maintenance -> Reduced machine breakdowns -> Reduced production delays -> Reduced pressure on operators -> Improved weight accuracy
• B3: Operator training -> Improved weight accuracy -> Reduced manual adjustments -> Reduced bagging time -> Reduced pressure on operators -> Improved weight accuracy

Additional factors:

• High customer demand: Creates pressure on production and leads to rush orders, increasing the risk of weight discrepancies and quality control issues.
• Complex product lines: Requires more frequent changeovers and cleaning, increasing the risk of contamination.
• Growing company: Leads to challenges in maintaining quality control standards and training new employees.
• BRC audit: Creates additional pressure to address quality issues before the audit.

This causal loop diagram highlights the complex system of factors that contributed to the rubber contamination issue at Benevento Foods. It also shows how addressing these factors through different interventions can improve quality and prevent future incidents.

Important notes:

• This diagram is a simplified representation of the real-world system and could be further elaborated upon with additional details and feedback loops.
• The specific placement of elements in the diagram is not meant to imply a specific sequence of events; it is intended to show the interconnectedness of factors.
• This diagram can be used as a tool for discussing and analyzing the root causes of the rubber contamination issue and for developing recommendations for improvement.

By understanding the system of factors involved, Benevento Foods can take steps to address the underlying issues and improve their quality control processes to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future