Discussion #1

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 1: Introduction to Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Chapter 2: Operations and Supply Chain Strategies.

Chapter 2, Section 2.3, covers customer value, value index, and the four performance dimensions. Remember: operations and supply chains provide products or services that someone values. Most customers evaluate products and services based on multiple performance dimensions such as quality, delivery speed, after-sales support, and cost.

Assume you are going to make a major purchase for your home, such as a major remodeling, new roof, carpeting, or furniture purchase. Select one of these projects and then research two suppliers that will provide this product and service.

Next, create a value index for each supplier using the table below. Rate the importance of each of the dimensions listed above on a scale from 1 (‘completely unimportant”) to 5 (“critical”) and determine the values for each supplier. Post your table in the discussion forum and explain your value index concisely.

Finally, explain how applying a value index can add value to you in your personal and professional lives.

Calculating the Value Index for Two Alternative Suppliers

Performance: 1 = "poor" to 5 = "excellent"

Importance: 1 = "completely unimportant" to 5 = "critical"

Discussion #2

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 4: Business Processes, and Chapter 5: Managing Quality.

Read Billy’s Hamburger Barn problem thoroughly, which can be found in Chapter 4, Section 4.2, Problem 1.

Next, complete Part A and Part B. In Part A, you will be mapping the current process and determining the minimum cycle time and the longest cycle time. In Part B, you will be evaluating a scenario where Billy’s Hamburger Barn redesigns their process and adds another attendant. 

Guided Response: Review several of your classmates’ posts and respond to at least two of your peers. You are encouraged to post your required replies early during the week to promote more meaningful and interactive discourse in this discussion.

Discussion #3

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 14: Managing Projects, and .

At the end of Chapter 14, complete Discussion Question 3: What are the main advantages of using a network-based approach to project management rather than a Gantt chart? Under what circumstances might a Gantt chart be preferable to a network-based approach?

Discussion #4

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 3: Process Choice and Layout Decisions in Manufacturing and Services, and Chapter 6: Managing Capacity, paying close attention to Sections 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3, reviewing the concepts of capacity, three common capacity strategies, methods of evaluating capacity alternatives, and decision trees.

Example 6.3 will provide you with two examples of decision trees (Figures 6.4 and 6.5). Next, at the end of Chapter 6, consider the two capacity options for Arktec manufacturing from Problem 2 and the three possible demand scenarios from Problem 4. First, draw the decision tree for Arktec Manufacturing. When drawing your tree, assume that managers must select a capacity option before they know what the demand level will actually be. Then, calculate the expected value for each decision branch. Which option would you prefer and why?