MT435 A4

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Written Assignment

As a representative and consultant for KU Consulting firm your task is to use your expertise in Operations Management to assist Albatross Anchor.

Write a report answering all the questions posed regarding the case study of Albatross Anchor. Demonstrate your understanding of course content by using concepts and principles from your textbook and from academic quality research to solve these challenges.

All necessary materials for these Assignments are available below as well as in Doc Sharing. Submit your W ritten Assignment by the end of Unit 4 to the "Unit 4 Assignment" Dropbox. For help

on accessing the Dropbox, see the Dropbox Guide link located in the Academic Tools tab. Unit 4 Assignment Questions

Question 1

Based on the information presented in the scenario/case study discuss Albatross Anchor’s competitiveness in relation to:

(a) Cost (i.e., consider cost of production, economies of scale in material purchasing, cost of raw materials, and finished goods sitting idle in the warehouse). (b) Speed of manufacturing process from order to finished product.

(c) Flexibility in filling order(s) (d) Technology (e) Capacity and facilities. The current floor plan is inefficient. Please tell what about the

current floor plan makes it inefficient and give recommendations for improvement. W hat type of factory would be best for mixed model manufacturing? (f) Service to customers (what types of services would an anchor company provide to marine

wholesalers?) Be sure to address all items in the list (above) and provide support for your conclusions.

Question 2

There are many ways that mushroom/bell anchors may be manufactured. Albatross Anchor is considering two new manufacturing processes (Process A and Process B) to reduce costs. From the available information below determine which process has the lowest breakeven point (this validates the process is more cost effective) and report your analysis and supporting conclusion.

Assignment: Case Study 1

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For each process the following fixed costs and variable costs are identified below:

Based on the above information identify:

(a) The total fixed costs per anchor for Process A and Process B

(b) The total number of anchors needed to break even for Process A and for Process B.

Enter your answers into the chart below.

(c) From your calculations identify whether you would recommend Process A or Process B for

adoption (select only one). Please make sure to explain how you arrived at your conclusion.

MT435 Unit 4 Assignment: Albatross Anchors Case Study 1

Content (50%) 30 pts. (4 Full Pages of Content)

Points

Possible

Points

Earned

For Question 1: Discuss the company’s competitiveness using six assigned

factors: ● Cost ● Speed of manufacturing

● Flexibility in filling orders ● Technology ● Capacity and facilities

● Service to customers

15

For Question 2:

 Fixed Cost Calculations

 Break-even determination for Process A and Process B

 Recommendation to select either Process A or Process

B based on calculated data, with supported explanation of selection

15

Analysis (30%) 18 pts.

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W ork demonstrates synthesis of concepts, research, and experience.

6

W ork demonstrates the student’s ability to tie relevant information to real life applications.

6

Analysis exceeds basic comprehension to demonstrate higher order thinking. (Including math)

6

Writing (20%) 12 pts.

Correct use of APA 6th edition format, all sources used to

support the paper are referenced, 4 references minimum. 4

Sentences are clear, concise, and direct; tone is appropriate. 4

Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are correct. 4

Total 60