One Stop Car Repairs

One Stop Car Repairs is a very popular mechanic shop that caters for Japanese, American and European vehicles. It is located on the outskirts of the capital where the level of economic activities is fairly high. At the garage, mechanics replace vehicle parts, change oils, wash engines, clean the interior align wheel, repair transmissions etc. The garage stocks parts that are used in its operations on a regular basis. This has its advantages and disadvantages to the business. The Operations Manager has to ensure that not too much of the companys funds are tied up in stock. Therefore, it is very important that the most accurate forecasts are done. The company collects data on the actual demand for its services and uses this data to make forecasts. The actual number of transmissions that were repaired for the last ten periods are as follows:- Period Transmissions repaired 1 36

2 33

3 40

4 41

5 40

6 55

7 60

8 54

9 58

10 61 The Operations Manager makes a number of Operations Management (OM) decisions on a regular basis. Some decisions are done more regularly than others. These decisions are based on the following:- 1. Product 2. Location 3. Quality 4. Supply Chain 5. Maintenance 6. Process 7. Layout

With the introduction of new technology in the vehicular industry, One Stop Car Repairs is finding it more and more challenging to fulfil the needs of its customers and remain profitable. Thus, it becomes necessary for management to plan strategically to serve customers better and overcome the competition. An important part of the strategic planning process is to formulate mission and vision statements and operational strategies for the garage. These can have long-lasting effects of the success of the business.

QUESTIONS 1. Differentiate between a mission and strategy. [2 marks] 2. Formulate a mission statement for One Stop Car Repairs. You must include at least 4 components of good mission statements in the mission that you formulated above. [5 marks] 3. Describe two strategies that can be used to achieve the mission formulated above. [4 marks] 4. Describe three Operations Management decisions NOT mentioned in the case that must be taken at One Stop Car Repairs. 6 marks] 5. Should One Stop Car Repairs stock parts for vehicles? [4 marks] 6. Why is it important for One Stop Car Repairs to forecast demand for its services? [3 marks] 7. Using the trend projection manual method, forecast demand for transmission repairs for periods 11 and 12 [14 marks] 8. With the aid of a well labeled diagram, describe the transformation process at One Stop Car Repairs. [4 marks] 9. Is One Stop Car Repairs a service facility or a manufacturing facility? [3 marks]