Operations Management SBS MBA
Answer any five (5)from the following questions. Each question carries 12 marks.
Question 1: Outline the similarities and differences between manufacturing and services in terms of operations management. 
From the perspective of operation management, manufacturing and service operations have both similarities and differences. For example, they both establish vision and mission statements on how the organization will achieve its set objectives and fulfill the needs of the customers. Secondly, both the manufacturer and the service providers want to be the leaders in their industries. Manufacturing and service operations seek to increase their profitability by controlling costs. Manufacturing operations would like to get raw materials from the suppliers offering the lowest price. Similarly, the service operations seek to incur the lowest indirect cost in the bid to increase their profit.
In as much as there are common aspects between the two operations, each answers a different question, and thus they formulates different strategies during the planning and operational management. The studies show that differences between the services and manufacturing operations supersede the similarities (Zhou, Park, & Yi, 2009). The first difference can be examined based on the characteristics of the two operations. Manufacturing operations end products are tangible goods. Secondly, manufacturing operations can be divided into process and discrete manufacturing. Process manufacturing produces goods by using specific ingredients and formulas. Discrete manufacturing involves producing goods from particular parts like automobiles, appliances, and electronics. While manufacturing operations involves the production of tangible products, service operations entail production of intangible services. Examples of service operations include industries like hospitality, insurance, consultancy, advertising, and banking.
Question 2: Identify the competitive priorities (CSFs) in a service organization of your choice. What is the role of the operations manager in ensuring that these CSFs are achieved in the organization?
Question 3: Does your organization emphasize time – based competition? What are the advantages and disadvantages of time – based completion for your organization?
Question 4: Identify the daily beliefs and guiding beliefs for your organization. Provide three examples of each. How do these beliefs compare with reality?
Question 5: Investigate the types of qualitative forecasting techniques used in your organization. How do senior managers identify the appropriate forecasting technique to use in different circumstances? Do you think these techniques are used appropriately in your organization?
Question 6: Describe the basic layout types for both manufacturing and service facilities, and identify when each is best used.
Question 7: What criteria are used for purchasing decisions of key components in the supply chain in your organization (or one with which you are familiar)
Question 8: What do you see as an opportunity to improve the planning process in your organization?