Operations strategy and management

Project description
Please read the following instructions carefully:
1. Please choose 1 company to focus on for all the questions. (Manufacturing company would be best)
2. This is a management report to be completed with Appendices
3. 2250 Word Limit is split into 4 segments (10 marks and 30 marks x3). I have included word limit for each question beside marks for each individual question.

Choose an organization that you have been a customer of, are familiar with, or one you would like to research. Write a management report that analyses the operations strategy under the following questions:

1. From the perspective of the supply chain manager, describe the wider supply network of which this organisation is part. Describe the components that comprises this network and describe the flows, both physical and informational, between these components.
A diagram of the wider supply network should be offered. 10 marks (225 words)

2. a. From the perspective of the operations manager, with the use of appropriate symbols, draw a process map of the operation to illustrate the steps/activities that make up the operation with clear indication of the process flow. Symbols used must be clearly defined.

b. Provide a narrative for the diagram including vital details such as time taken to complete each step and how important each step is to the entire operation (i.e. value added or non-value added?). 30 marks (675 words)

3.a. Using a product/service or a family of products/services produced by your chosen organisation, define the concept, package and process of such product(s)/service(s).

b. Analyse the operations within this organization using the Four Vs. What are the order winning and the order qualifying factors? 30 Marks (675 words)

4.Identify any potential wastes (muda) within that operation and suggest possible changes that can be made to improve the operation performance. Is there anything you would do differently if you were the operations manager?
Draw a new process map that incorporates your suggested improvement. 30 marks (675 words)

The recommended word length is 2250 words (not including appendices and list of references, which should be in Harvard format) and your answer should be written in the style of a management report. You are expected to apply Operations and Systems theories and concepts to your chosen organisation in order to answer the questions posed. Use of diagrams and supporting examples from your chosen case is vital. Provide a little background information about the organisation as an appendix to your report.