Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you:

1. Determine the types of inventories these companies currently manage and describe their essential inventory characteristics.

2. Analyze how each of their goods and service design concepts are integrated.

3. Evaluate the role their inventory plays in the company's performance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

4. Compare and contrast the four (4) different types of layouts found with each company; explain the importance of the layouts to the company's manufacturing or service operations.

5. Determine at least two (2) metrics to evaluate supply chain performance of the companies; suggest improvements to the design and operations of their supply chains based on those metrics.

6. Suggest ways to improve the inventory management for each of the companies without affecting operations and the customer benefit package. Provide a rationale to support the suggestion.

7. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

· Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

· Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the professor's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

· Evaluate the processes used in designing and producing goods and services.

· Determine four layout patterns and when they should be used.

· Utilize the concept of supply chain management.

· Employ the concept of capacity management.

· Evaluate the management of inventories and resources.

· Use technology and information resources to research issues in operations management.

· Write clearly and concisely about operations management using proper writing mechanics.