Operations management

Q2a) The objective of location strategy is to maximize the benefit of location to the firm. Global markets continue to expand, and the global nature of business is accelerating. Undoubtedly, one of the most essential strategic decisions made by many companies, including, is where to locate their operations. The location decision often depends on the type of business. Manufacturing supply chain performance is impacted by several factors beginning with the plant location decision. Identify and describe at least seven dominant factors that manufacturing firms must consider in their location decision strategies Q2b) A supplier to the electric utility industry in the UAE produces power generators; the transportation costs are high. One market area includes Abu Dhabi and Ajman. More than 600,000 tons are to be shipped to eight major customer locations as shown below: Customer location Tons Shipped X, y Coordinates Abu Dhabi-1 5,000 (7, 13) Abu Dhabi-2 92,000 (8, 12) Abu Dhabi-3 70,000 (11, 10) Abu Dhabi-4 35,000 (11, 7) Abu Dhabi-5 9,000 (12, 4) Ajman-2 227,000 (13, 11) Ajman-3 16,000 (14, 10) Ajman-3 153,000 (15, 5) Determine the center of gravity for the electric utilities supplier