discuss the two topics below applying them to the case study: 1. Capacity & Demand Management 2. Location implications
Jeish_58
OSM_FAQs12.docxFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is this assignment an open case analysis?
The majority of job interviews you will do these days will ask you to do this type of task where you are asked to deliver a report or a presentation on a case brief. The employers will not provide a direct question, only a request that you apply your knowledge of the field into that example.
It is important you start training the ability to do this.
Therefore, this module provides you the opportunity to do it by training your ability to apply operations and supply chain management knowledge to this case study.
2. Where should I start my assignment?
· Read the assignment brief.
· Read the case study.
· Revise your notes from all tutorials where we applied each week the topics/theories to the assignment case study.
· Check the assignment marking grid (how many points you get)
3. How should I structure my assignment?
The assignment brief provides a suggested structure. It is not mandatory. It is suggested.
There is an indicative word count for each section of the report, but this is also not mandatory. Only a suggestion.
4. Do I provide a company background in the introduction?
No. Do not waste words with this. We already know very well the company background.
5. “Overview of topic” - What does it mean?
The assignment mainly focuses on 2 lectures: capacity & demand and location implications.
So you need to give an overview of those topics defining the main concepts/theories associated to that topic and explaining in your own words what they mean.
6. Do I need to use all concepts in a lecture topic?
No. you need to choose the main relevant concepts and then apply them to the case.
7. Can I write the theory with the analysis together?
Yes, you can.
Some people like to write an overview of theory first and then separately apply it to the case study. Other people prefer providing a definition+case application; another definition+case analysis, and so on.
Both ways of writing are correct, just choose one that suits you:
Writing style 1:
Overview of lecture topics (all concepts)
….
Case study analysis
…
Writing style 2:
Overview of lecture topic: concept 1
+ case analysis
Overview of lecture topic: concept 2
+ case analysis
Overview of lecture topic: concept 3
+ case analysis
Overview of lecture topic: concept 3
+ case analysis
And so on…
OR
8. Can I do my case study analysis and my recommendations together in the same paragraph?
Yes, you can. As mentioned above the structure is only suggested so if you want to group case analysis of each content and the recommendation together with that analysis that is also fine.
9. Can I use external literature?
You can use external literature as long as it relates to the argument you want to make and to the topic. Remember the objective of the assignment is to show you know and understand operations and supply chain management.
Any references used should strengthen your argument about operations and the suggestions you are making.
10. Can I refer to the industry and use related references?
Yes, you can do this as long as it fits with your argument.
11. Can I refer to competitors to compare them with the case study company?
Yes, you can if it aligns with the points you are trying to make.
12. Can I send you my draft through email?
No. We are happy to answer any of your queries but we will not be reading full drafts and providing comments through email.
13. Can I ask you questions through email?
Yes, you can ask us questions through email, but we will not provide you the answers to the assignment.
For example, if you ask “do they have a cost leadership strategy?” we cannot answer this type of questions because it is up to you to find out by applying the theory to the case study so we cannot give you the answers. Please make sure you revise the tutorials so that you have access to the possible positions and how they relate to the case study.
14. How do I reference the case study?
You do not need to worry about this, and you do not need to provide a full reference.
Just use within the text:
“the case study refers to…”, or “As found on page 3 of the case study..” or (page 3)
Please note that you do not need to provide a full reference for the case study at the end of the report.
15. Can I make assumptions?
Yes, you can make assumptions based on the case study. For example, saying:
“Because of X, we can say/assume that…” – but whatever the assumption justify why you assume that.
16. How do I reference the PowerPoint slides from lectures?
You can see details on how to reference lecture notes here: https://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/referencing/uwebristolharvard.aspx#lectures
17. Can I refer to other module topics in the recommendations?
Yes, you can but justify why you think they should do it.
For example, if you suggest they use JIT (lecture 9), justify why you think they should do it linked to your previous discussion.
Your recommendations need to make sense with the problems you have previously identified or the things you have previously mentioned/discussed.
18. When I use other module topics in recommendations, do I need to define them?
No, you do not need to provide definitions at that point. You just need to explain why you recommend doing it.
