Assignment

The discussion this week is again designed to give you opportunity to become familiar with an analytical technique that is often useful in cases and assignments and thereafter in the comp exam.

Slack et al set out the supply network perspective as a means of 'setting an operation in the context of all the other operations with which it interacts'. I should like each of you to work through the chapter using your own organization or an organization with which you are very familiar as the context. Then, as a basis for comparison between the various organizations represented within the group I should like you to provide:

1. An equivalent diagram to given Figure. Remember, there is no need to draw the diagram electronically if you do not want to. It is just as acceptable to draw it by hand and post a picture of the hand-drawn diagram.

2. A description of how it is configured now, including identification of the 'significant links'.

3. Identify and explain one aspect of the current configuration that works very well

4. Identify one aspect of the current configuration that could be improved. Explain why have you chosen that aspect and suggest ways in which it could be improved.

Once the responses to the above have been posted, look across the various postings and try to identify any commonalities or significant differences between them.

At the end of the week (Sat or Sun) can you please identify something you have learnt this week that you think gives you a new insight into your organization or you role or your working practices or a technique you have learned that will help you in your future work activities. Please explain why it is particularly relevant to you and what difference you expect it to make.