[Solved] Explain how to plan and manage an operations function and report on the optimum layout for specific types of process work

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[Solved] Explain how to plan and manage an operations function and report on the optimum layout for specific types of process work flows and process technologies.

214LON – Assignment 2 Brief

Module Title:             Supply Chain and Operations Management        

The assessment for this module comprises of two separate assignments.

Individual Assignment - Rationale:

During the study of this module, we have discussed a variety of topics within the domain of operations and supply chain management, including operations strategy, performance evaluation, project management, process design, service/product design, supply chain network design, layout design, supply chain management, to name a few.

In learning these topics, we have taken different activities, such as case studies, group presentations, problem-solving exercises, field observations, and simulation games to help us not only to understand the concepts and theoretical frameworks in the book, but more importantly, to be able to think independently and critically, and apply the theories from books to real-life problems.

This individual assignment is designed to provide you an opportunity to demonstrate just that – your capability as a critical and independent thinker. You may also want to take this opportunity to demonstrate to the examiners your great understanding in the topics, abilities to apply the theories to real businesses, and conduct research on your own.

Requirements:

Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Some of the key statements on the company’s website are ‘We are in it for the long haul for our customers and for our world. Our customers can be found in virtually every corner of the earth, and we realize our success comes directly from helping our customers be successful’.

The Caterpillar Foundation, founded in 1952, is helping to make sustainable progress possible around the world through support of environmental sustainability, access to education and fulfilment of basic human needs.

The company has a long history of innovation and using leading edge technology to provide customer solutions. Whether they are researching ways to move more dirt with less fuel, developing products that generate fewer emissions or exploring autonomous vehicle solutions, their strength is integrating customer feedback with ideas and actions to ensure our customers` success now and in the future

You are a new operations manager at Caterpillar and you are required to apply methodologies that will assist with the management of change within the organisation as globalisation has destabilized Caterpillars market shares. You are now tasked with writing a plan in the form of a report to the Caterpillar board of Directors/Executives highlighting the following:

1. Formulate and illustrate an operations strategy that will integrate with the resource requirements and marketing functions for Caterpillar.
2. Critically assess managerial skills and competencies required for management of supply chain and operations in a rapidly changing commercial and technological environment for the company.
3. Explain how to plan and manage an operations function and report on the optimum layout for specific types of process work flows and process technologies.
4. Evaluate and make appropriate recommendations to the board in your plan methodologies that will assist with the management of change within operations management in order to improve quality and lean management of operations and also improve the overall competitiveness of the business, .

The report should be written following a logical structure, with an introduction section at the beginning and a summary/conclusion section at the end, followed by references (compulsory) and appendix (optional). You should ensure the information acquired from various sources are critically evaluated and appropriately referenced.