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 or services
• Markets and customers
• Suppliers, vendors, and supply chain partners
• Facilities (e.g., plants, distribution centers, and so on)

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.