Week 3 -Bus Operations- Discussion post - Due by tomorrow at 5pm CST

Week 3 Discussion

Discussion 1: Impact of Lean Systems

This week, you read about implementing a lean system in an effort to reduce the waste of resources, time, and effort. In addition, the impact of implementing a lean system was highlighted in the video “Process System Improvement: Implementation Featuring Gortrac.” Consider what you have read about implementing a lean system. Reflect on the effects of a lean system on workers and managers as demonstrated in the video program.

Post by Day 3 a 250- to 300-word statement that addresses the following:

• What is the impact of implementing a lean system on the relationship between managers and employees?
• Do you believe lean systems have a positive or a negative impact on the relationships between managers and workers? Explain and support your response.

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 3 Learning Resources

This page contains the Learning Resources for this week. Be sure to scroll down the page to see all of this week's assigned 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 5, “Service Delivery System Design” (pp. 86–109)
    
    In this chapter, you will be introduced to the concept of service delivery system design, which focuses on how to improve the quality of service. The components of a service design and the role of customer and employee satisfaction are addressed. Also presented is the role of technology in the service field.
    
    Focus on understanding how a service matrix can be used to determine whether customer wants and needs are being adequately addressed. Review and think about the examples and anecdotes provided in the chapter that illustrates the major ideas being conveyed. Consider the different levels of customer contacts. What can be done when a service delivery failure has occurred?
  • Chapter 6, “Process-Flow Analysis” (pp. 110–133)
    
    Chapter 6 discusses process thinking, flowcharting to describe transformation processes, measuring process flows, and process redesign to improve operational efficiency. Organizations review the individual steps that are involved in the process of creating their product, and by carefully studying this sequence of steps using a process-flow analysis, it becomes easier to identify where problems occur and what improvements could be introduced.
    
    Focus on analyzing systems as interrelated elements or functions that transform or convert inputs (knowledge, energy, raw materials) into outputs (products and services). Pay particular attention to process redesign and business process reengineering to more efficiently and effectively meet customers’ needs and expectations.
  • Chapter 7, “Lean Thinking and Lean Systems” (pp. 134–159)
    
    Chapter 7 introduces you to the lean systems model for business. One of the goals of all businesses is to minimize waste in time, resources, and basically anything else that does not contribute value to the product. Chapter 7 provides specific suggestions for how to implement a lean system in an organization. The chapter also presents the seven most common ways waste may occur in a business.
    
    Examine how the Kanban system may be used to assist in meeting the master assembly schedule. Review and think about the examples and anecdotes provided in the chapters that illustrate the major ideas being conveyed. Consider the impact that lean thinking could have on how business is conducted. Ask yourself what areas, or functions, in an organization typically waste time or resources?

Media

• McGraw-Hill. (2013). Video clips. In Operations management in the supply chain: Decisions and cases. Retrieved from http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073525243/student_view0/chapter7/video_clips.html
  
  Gortrac, a manufacturing company, implemented a program of “lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.” They discuss their reasons for switching to this type of system and explain both the process and benefits.
  
  Focus on the strategies they used with the employees when implementing this system. What other benefits was Gortrac looking for, besides reducing waste, when they implemented lean manufacturing?

Optional Resources

• Schroeder, R. G., Goldstein, S. M., & Rungtusanatham, M. J. (2013). Operations management in the supply chain (6th ed.). Retrieved from
  http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073525243/student_view0/index.html