In an approximately 550-word response, address the following issues/questions:
• Critically evaluate the strategic nature of becoming world class. What are the most valuable operations strategies for any organisation developing their strategic operations? In your evaluation, include specific reference on how organisations in which you have worked (or are familiar with) may or may not have applied those strategies effectively.
In formulating your Key Concept Exercise, consider the following questions:
• What are the necessary elements of an operations plan?
• What is critical to strategic operations for gaining competitive advantage?
• What are the strategies for becoming world class?
5 – 6 References should be used from the learning resources.
Learning Resources
Module text
Bamford, D.R. & Forrester, P.L. (2010) Essential guide to operations management: concepts and case notes. London: Wiley.
• Chapter 11, ‘Making it all work!’ (pp. 207-210)
Journal
Chiarini, A. & Vagnoni, E. (2015) ‘World-class manufacturing by Fiat: comparison with Toyota Production System from a strategic management, management accounting, operations management and performance measurement dimension’, International Journal of Production Research, 53 (2), pp. 590-606.
Journal
Elg, U. & Hultman, J. (2011) ‘Retailers’ management of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their supplier relationships – does practice follow best practice?’, The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 21 (5), pp. 445-460.
Kara, S., Ibbotson, S. & Kayis, B. (2014) ‘Sustainable product development in practice: an international survey’, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 25 (6), pp. 848-872.
Laudal, T. (2010) ‘An attempt to determine the CSR potential of the international clothing business’, Journal of Business Ethics, 96 (1), pp. 63-77.
Lazonick, W., Mazzucato, M. & Tulum, Ö. (2013) ‘Apple’s changing business model: What should the world's richest company do with all those profits?’, Accounting Forum: The Apple Business Model: Value Capture and Dysfunctional Economic and Social Consequences, 37 (4), pp. 249-267.
Muda, S. & Hendry, L. (2002) ‘Proposing a world-class manufacturing concept for the make-to-order sector’, International Journal of Production Research, 40 (2), pp. 353-373.
Providing world-class infrastructure and service (2011) African Business, 379, p. 66.
Sheldon, D.H. (2006) World class sales and operations planning: a guide to successful implementation and robust execution. Ft. Lauderdale, FL: J. Ross Publication [Electronic Book].
Format:
1.0 Introduction
2.0 What are the necessary elements of an operations plan?
3.0 What is critical to strategic operations for gaining competitive advantage?
4.0 What are the strategies for becoming world class?
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Reference (Harvard only)
Sample Solution