Production Capacity Requirements

Research a manufacturing organization of your choice, and describe its strategic manufacturing policy. (Note: You may choose a private sector or public sector organization; however, more information will be available for a private sector, publicly traded company). Your description should consider long-term issues (1–5 years), and include a discussion of the following topics:

Products/services

Markets and customers

Suppliers/vendors/supply chain partners

Facilities (plants, distribution centers, etc.)

Describe the following characteristics to be included in the strategic planning process:

Alignment of manufacturing strategy with corporate/business-level strategy

Product/process alternatives (make-to stock, make-to order, etc.)

Inventory policies (service levels, order quantity/frequency, etc.)

Capacity planning alternatives (chase, level, etc.)

Long-range forecasting techniques (quantitative and qualitative)

Make or buy decisions (outsourcing, etc.)

Interfaces/coordination with other business functions (marketing, etc.)

Initiatives to improve operations (continuous improvement, lean/agile, TOC, etc.)

Metrics to measure manufacturing performance

Cost

Quality

Speed

Reliability/dependability

Flexibility

Productivity/efficiency/utilization

Sustainability

Other metrics

Finally, what manufacturing strategy improvements would you suggest for this organization?

Prepare a research paper of 8–10 pages (excluding title page, abstract, references page, and appendices) in APA format presenting the items listed above. A minimum of five (5) peer-reviewed academic or professional references must be used in the paper.