Discussion 1: Operations Strategies

The focus of this week has been on operations management and operations as a process. Operations is a major function in every organization and, as the course text states, is responsible for supplying the products or services of the organization. Because operations are a function of the organization, every decision is actually a cross-functional decision involving marketing and finance.

To prepare for this Discussion, consider the following:

Review Table 1.1 in the course text. Based on your reading for this week and using newspapers, magazines, and the Internet, find examples of operations strategies used by an organization. Identify evidence regarding the organization’s:

• Operations strategy model
• Supply chain
• Cross-functional decision-making process

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 a 250- to 300-wordstatement that includes a description of the organization you chose, where you found the information, and the evidence you found regarding the organization’s strategy model, supply chain, and cross-functional decision-making processes.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Respond by Day 6 to two or more of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

• Ask a probing question.
• Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Make a suggestion.
• Expand on your colleague’s posting.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you learned and the insights you gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.

Be sure to support your work with specific reference citations from the Learning Resources and any additional sources you consulted. All references must be cited in APA format in an alphabetized list of references at the end of your summary post.

Week 1 Learning Resources

Required Resources

Readings

• Schroeder, R. G., Goldstein, S. M., & Rungusanatham, M. J. (2013). Operations management in the supply chain: Decisions and cases(6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
  • Chapter 1, “The Operations Function” (pp. 2–20)

    In this chapter, you will be introduced to the importance of operations management within a business. You will learn about the types of decisions that must be made in operations, how these decisions affect other key decision areas, and the processes involved in converting inputs into outputs.

    Review and think about the examples and anecdotes provided in the chapter that illustrate the major ideas being conveyed. Consider the contemporary themes that recur in the field of operations. Ask yourself what additional operations management skills managers need to be successful in today’s global economy.

  • Chapter 2, “Operations and Supply Chain Strategy” (pp. 21–41)

    Chapter 2 introduces the operations strategy model, the importance of operations objectives and policies, and the supply chain strategy. The role of operations in expanding a business, including global expansion, is also discussed.

    Review and think about the examples and anecdotes provided in the chapter that illustrate the major ideas being conveyed. Consider the different components of the operations strategy model and the role of each. Ask yourself, what is the importance of developing a distinctive business competence, and how does expanding internationally impact the decisions that must be made?