Operations Management

Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you:

1. Evaluate two to four (2-4) weaknesses that are evident in Apple’s product life cycle. Generate a new product design and process selection, and then determine three (3) strategies that Apple needs in order to strengthen the operation. Provide support for the rationale.
2. Determine the key components of supply chain management for Apple. Determine three (3) major issues that could affect the structuring, sourcing, purchasing, and the supply chain of Apple. Provide a solution to each issue.
3. Develop a total quality management tool that identifies and analyzes any future issues. Provide a rationale for developing the selected tool.
4. Analyze three (3) advantages in employing the just-in-time philosophy in Apple. Evaluate three to five (3-5) means in which the philosophy could potentially impact quality assurance. Provide specific examples to support your response.
5. Determine a qualitative and quantitative forecasting method for your operation. Next, create a table in which you identify the characteristics of the operation that relate to each method. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each method.
6. Use at least three (3) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not quality as academic resources.