Part A- Questions

Question 1:

DQ 1 - Research the definitions of various production and operations management terms used in Lecture. Perform a literature search on one of these terms. Discuss how this term can impact the ability for an operation to be competitive in the 21st century. Do not use a term posted by another student.

DQ 2 - Describe the differences between productivity and its subcomponents (total measure productivity, partial measure productivity, and multifactor measure productivity) related to production and operations management success.

Question 2:

DQ 1 - Discuss an example of a work-related project that is able to be broken down into structure, tasks, subtasks, and work packages, and why project management in the form of a CPM/PERT chart would be cost effective.

DQ 2 - What are two reasons project management is not well done in corporations? Why? What are some specific examples?

Question 3:

DQ 1 - Describe the various types of time-series and associative forecasting models. Which types of organizations are each of these most applicable to, and why?

DQ 2 - Why is forecasting important in organizations, especially as related to understanding the relevant time horizon to develop a forecast against? What are some examples from industry?

Question 4:

DQ 1 - Describe the similarities and differences between TQM and Six Sigma quality-management techniques.

DQ 2 - Discuss the aspects of Total Quality Management (TQM) and how they apply in service- and product-based businesses.

Question 5:

DQ 1 - Discuss the four types of process strategies and give an example of each. Also, please share any personal industry experiences (if any) with each process strategy.

DQ 2 - Discuss the differences between utilization and efficiency as measures of system performance. Which (if any) is the most useful measure for an operations manager? Why?

Question 6:

DQ 1 - Discuss the key factors that impact location decisions. As an example, if locating a facility in India, what location decisions would a fast-food chain have to consider as compared to the location decisions of a software company?

DQ 2 - Discuss the strategic importance of layout decisions. How important as these decisions in terms of a company's long-term profitability goals? What are some examples?

Question 7:

DQ 1 - Evaluate various supply chain strategy considerations for managers moving products or services to the consumer.

DQ 2 - Discuss the advantages of using work sampling to understand how employees allocate their time among work activities.

Question 8:

DQ 1 - Discuss several advantages of linear programming; clearly explain the reasons for your choices.

DQ 2 - Discuss several disadvantages of linear programming; clearly explain the reasons for your choices.

Part B- Assignment: Christian Worldview/Operations Management Integration Paper

Details:

For this assignment, you will discuss how Christian principles can be applied to an operations management dilemma:

Select one of the ethical dilemmas below from the text:

1. Managing Quality

2. Process Strategy

3. Layout Strategy

4. Supply Chain Management

5. Inventory Management

Briefly summarize the issue. Note that only a small portion of your paper's content should be devoted to summarizing the issue.

Respond to the following question(s) in the text:

How can this issue be addressed from a Christian worldview? In other words, what guidance from a Biblical perspective could be applied to understand and possibly resolve the dilemma?  The following GCU websites may be helpful: Doctrinal Statement (http://www.gcu.edu/About-Us/Doctrinal-Statement.php) and Mission and Vision (http://www.gcu.edu/About-Us/Mission-and-Vision.php.)

In addition to addressing the questions, the student may also optionally frame the issue using ethical theories (Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, Distributive Justice, Virtue ethics and Covenantal ethics). Note however that the questions provided must be addressed.

Use external citations. Your paper should have at least six external citations (in additional to any Biblical citations) to help frame the issue. No Wikipedia citations are allowed.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

Format: use Times New Roman (font size: 12) with 1-inch margins.