Assignments:

The owner of an organisation that you are familiar with, one that you work for or have worked for in the past has heard that you are studying for a Degree in Business and has asked you for advice in relation to the operational aspect of his/her business. Following a two week review of the business you have come to the conclusion that the owner of the business has absolutely no idea of ‘operation' in a business context.

You have decided to draft a document that you hope will put into context the importance of managing operations efficiently.

Task 1:

1.1 Explain the importance of operational management

To achieve a Pass you must provide a definition of operations management. You must also identify and discuss the four types of advantages that operations management contributes to various organisations. All definitions, theories, concepts and techniques must be referenced in accordance with the Havard Referencing System.

To achieve a Merit you must also evaluate the importance of operational management to an organisation of your choice.

To achieve a Distinction you must critically evaluate the importance of operational management to your chosen company and suggest ways that operations management may further enhance the organisation.

Task 2:

1.2 explain the need to produce safely; on time; to cost; to quality and within the law

To achieve a Pass you must explain what it means for an organisation to produce safely; on time; to cost; to quality and within the law.

Discuss why firms must produce to these standards.

To achieve a Merit you should, in terms of an organisation of your choice, evaluate the need to produce safely; on time; to cost; to quality and within the law.

To achieve a Distinction you must critically evaluate the current operations management process in terms of terms of safety; on time; to cost; to quality and within the law and make recommendations as to improving these.

Task 3:

1.3 explain the link between operations management and strategic planning

To achieve a Pass you must provide a definition of strategy and outline the the four perspectives on operations strategy.

To achieve a Merit you must also examine the order-winning, qualifying and less important competitive factors and apply the perspectives and competitive factors to your organisation.

To achieve a Distinction you must critically evaluate the perspectives and competitive factors in relation to your organisation and recommend which competitive factors could be improved upon.

Task 4:

1.4 produce a systems diagram to illustrate a typical business

To achieve a Pass you must provide a definition and diagram of a systems diagram.

To achieve a Merit you must evaluate the current systems diagram as it applies to the organisation that you have chosen to study.

To achieve a distinction you must evaluate other areas of business that the firm may enter using its current systems diagram.