Individual Assignment

REQUIRED

Gap Analysis and Benchmarking for Anthony's Orchard

In the media piece for this unit, Anthony's Orchard Director of Operations Allison Sinclair expressed concern over the lack of successful efforts to measure organisational quality. Recall the following quote from her discussion of this issue:

As a family-owned business with a history of success, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that we do things properly almost by default-the ‘we've always done it this way' and ‘if it ain't broke don't fix it' arguments. The danger with that line of thinking is what if it is broken? What if the way we've always done things is good but ignores some best practises that could lead to even better performance?

We are now at a point where we are ready to commit to a strategy of continuous improvement and quality management. This is a big step forward for us. But taking the next step is not so easy. Developing and implementing a process is new to us and will require careful analysis. In short, we know where we would like to be but are unsure how best to get there.

In this Individual Assignment, you will suggest an approach to address these concerns. You will propose strategies the company could implement to move from its current status towards its goals for 2015 using the processes of gap analysis and benchmarking.

To prepare for this assignment:

Review the media in the unit resources.

To complete this assignment:

1. Conduct a gap analysis for Anthony's Orchard. This should include:

- A statement of where the organisation wishes to be by 2015 (use financial data for this, such as targeted revenues and/or profit)
- A comparison of the current financial state of the organisation and the desired state by the end of fiscal year 2015
- Your suggestion for ways the company can bridge the gap identified in your comparison above

Devise a benchmarking review for Anthony's Orchard. To do this, discuss recommended strategies and measures that will be useful to measure progress towards the objective in your gap analysis.

Readings

REQUIRED

Tan, K., V. Kannan, & R. Narasimhan, (2007) 'The Impact of Operations Capability on Firm Performance', International Journal of Production Research, 45(21) pp.5135-5156.

This article proposes that a firm's operations capability is manifested through its new product design and development, just-in-time, and quality-management efforts. Survey data is used to independently calibrate and validate a model linking operations capability to firm performance.

Mark as complete

Gurumurthy, A., & R. Kodali, (2009) 'Application of Benchmarking for Assessing the Lean Manufacturing Implementation', Benchmarking: An International Journal, 16 (2) pp.274-308.

In recent times, many organisations have attempted to implement or have already implemented lean manufacturing (LM). Some companies have implemented a few tools/techniques/practises/procedures (i.e. ‘elements' in short) of LM, while others have implemented a whole spectrum of LM elements. This paper seeks to determine the current status of benchmarking in the field of LM.

Mark as complete

OPTIONAL

Ewert, R., & C. Ernst, (1999) 'Target Costing, Co-ordination and Strategic Cost Management', European Accounting Review, 8(1) 23-49
Davila, A., & M. Wouters, (2004) 'Designing Cost-Competitive Technology Products Through Cost Management', Accounting Horizons, 18 (1) pp.13-26

Hibbets, A., T. Albright, & W. Funk, (2003) 'The Competitive Environment and Strategy of Target Costing Implementers: Evidence from the Field', Journal of Managerial Issues, 15 (1) p.65

Maiga, A., & F. Jacobs, (2008) 'Assessing JIT Performance: An Econometric Approach', Journal of Management Accounting Research, 20,pp.47-59

Media

REQUIRED

Laureate Education, Inc., (2012a) Anthony's Orchard Case Study, [Media], Baltimore: Laureate Education, Inc.

Anthony's Orchard is the case study organisation that you will use throughout this module. Note the financial data and other information presented here.

Mark as complete

Laureate Education, Inc., (2012d) Interview with Anthony's Orchard DOO Allison Sinclair, [Media], Baltimore: Laureate Education, Inc.

Anthony's Orchard Director of Operations Allison Sinclair discusses company pitfalls due to not having effective benchmarking systems. With this as a backdrop, you will develop a plan that addresses these pitfalls by suggesting some benchmarking system that can be implemented.