Operation management

Do You Think Marco Van Hopen Understands the Importance of Operations to His Business? Marco Van Hopen understands the importance of operations as he notes that the company is experiencing a considerable growth but there are a number of issues which can be handled when the company will become â€Å"organized† (as cited in Chambers Johnston, 2009, p. 29).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Operation management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The company was founded in 1999 and it was a small organization. However, the company has grown into an organization with sixteen full-time employees and more than twenty part-time employees. Van Hopen notes that it is difficult to predict the costs and profit, which is inappropriate for such a big company. Van Hopen also claims that they have developed trustful relationships with their clients and it is crucial to meet their clients’ expectations. Remarkably, Mar co Van Hopen is enthusiastic about the change, though he still does not know how to plan and implement the change. For instance, he understands that production services are more profitable, but he is still indecisive as for the development of this part of the business. On the one hand, he claims that this area has a great potential as more and more clients need these services. On the other hand, equipment hire and sales is more predictable and, hence, it is a safer area. Therefore, he does not want to change the major focus of the company. He also states that the company needs certain restructuring which will enable employees cooperate more efficiently (Chambers Johnston, 2009). This collaboration will help the company reduce costs and potentially increase profits. What Contribution Does He Seem to Expect from His Operations? Firstly, Van Hopen wants to take control over the costs. Thus, he states that reorganization of certain processes can help reduce the costs, â€Å"by working together more we could increase our ability to take on more work without increasing our cost base† (as cited in Chambers Johnston, 2009, p. 29). Notably, costs reduction is one of the key elements of operation management (Slack, Chambers Johnston, 2010). Marco Van Hopen expects to get larger revenues as a result of the operations management. He notes that improvement of their operations will lead to new contracts and, as a result, to larger revenues. Admittedly, this is one of the core goals within operations management (Greasley, 2007). Finally, Van Hopen expects that they will be able to achieve the goals mentioned above without large investment, though he understands that certain amount of funds will be spent to carry out the change. Nonetheless, Van Hopen seeks for ways to reduce costs and increase revenues with minimum investment. One of possible ways (according to Van Hopen) is restructuring the organization. This is quite a cost-effective way to make the organization more efficient and competitive.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Supply Network for AAF and AAF’s Position within It To consider the supply network for the company, it is possible to exploit the principle of three levels of operations management analysis, i.e. the level of supply network, operation and individual process (Leseure, 2010). It is possible to note that there are two major operations, i.e. production services (installing equipment, design, etc.) and equipment hire and sales (see Fig. 1). The operations are somewhat intermingled as customers often order equipment as well as production services from the company. There are different suppliers to the company. These are often other companies providing equipment hire services and selling equipment. Remarkably, AAF keeps close relations with these companies and often supplies them with certain equipment or pr ovides some services. This collaboration is very important as it helps the company remain competitive. Fig.1. Supply Network As far as customers are concerned, the company provides services to other production companies as well as to end clients. Thus, Van Hopen notes that production companies often address AAF and order certain equipment which is further sold to end clients (Chambers Johnston, 2009). The company has recently started cooperating with end clients that find it easier to work with AAF directly as the latter provides equipment as well as production services now. What Are the Major Processes within AAF, and How Do They Relate to Each Other? It is possible to point out major processes within AAF, i.e. production services and design, equipment hire and sales, and administration (see Fig.2.). Notably, the process of production and design services are closely connected with the process of equipment hire and sales. This link can be explained by the fact that customers who o rder equipment tend to order design, installation and maintenance of the equipment (Chambers Johnston, 2009). Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Operation management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Fig.2. Operational Level It is possible to analyze these processes with the help of the 4 Vs of the company’s processes (see Fig. 3). The process of equipment hire and sales is characterized by high volume as the company provides a wide range of products and services in this area. It is necessary to note that AAF tries to use only advanced and up-dated equipment (Chambers Johnston, 2009). Therefore, the variety of this process is quite high. Notably, variation is not very high as the process of placing orders is similar even though different products may be provided. Finally, visibility of the process is rather low as it is quite difficult to predict the number of contracts in this area (compared to the number of contracts for installation which can be foreseen as many company’s clients request installation services along with equipment). As for design, this process is characterized by low volume as these services are only becoming popular (Chambers Johnston, 2009). Since every project is unique, variety of design is very high. However, variation is lower as these services are ordered by clients who get equipment from the company. This is why visibility of this process is high. Thus, it is easy to predict how many contracts there can be as in the vast majority of cases the number of design orders depends on the contracts on equipment supplies. Fig.3. 4 Vs of the Company Production services are very similar to design process as these two processes are often interrelated. At this point, it is necessary to note that theatrical groups are often the company’s clients. Equipment and especially design and production play a very important role in the creation of a performance (St uart Tax, 2004).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, these clients are often involved in the four processes of the organization. The process of production services is characterized by low volume as the services are quite new to the company. The variety and variation are high as each project is unique (though variation is a bit lower since customers often order equipment, design and production). Visibility is also very high due to the points mentioned above. Administration is the last process to be discussed with the help of the 4 Vs dimensions. It is necessary to note that administration process is rather difficult to analyze within this framework. The process is of high volume as each client may get a variety of services and lots of invoices can be sent. Administration is also characterized by high variety and variation as each invoice and each operation as well as service can be different. Finally, visibility of this process is quite low as the growth of the company has led to certain obscurity. For instance, Van Hopen cl aims that it is essential to improve the processes within the company (Chambers Johnston, 2009). It is possible to take a closer look at the administration process within AAF (see Fig.4). The administration includes storage, workshop, design employees and the crew. Van Hopen stresses that the employees do not cooperate close enough. In other words, there is little understanding of the processes and the goals set. More so, there is almost no cooperation among the parts of the organization. There should be more cooperation between the employees as this will help them complete more complex tasks within reduced time spans. This is vital as the company is growing and more employees will be hired. There is a need in a specific structure with certain communication channels. Fig.4. Process Level Analysis of Administration In conclusion, it is possible to note that administration processes require restructuring. AAF has grown into a big company that has loyal clients. These clients expect high-quality services within the allotted period. This will become possible if the company will have a well-structured administration processes. Reference List Chambers, S., Johnston, R. (2009). Operations and process management: Principles and practice for strategic impact. Essex, UK: Pearson Education. Greasley, A. (2007). Operations management. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. Leseure, M. (2010). Key concepts in operations management. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. Slack, N., Chambers, S., Johnston, R. (2010). Operations management. Essex, UK: Pearson Education. Stuart, F.I., Tax, S. (2004). Toward an integrative approach to designing service experiences: Lessons learned from the theatre. The Journal of Operations Management, 22(1), 609-627. This essay on Operation management was written and submitted by user Larry Riddle to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Operation management

Free Essays on If Beale Street Could Talk

Book Review: If Beale Street Could Talk James Baldwin was born on August 2, 1924. His first novel, Go Tell it on the Mountain, received good reviews, but more importantly, it opened a new voice in literature. Baldwin stated, â€Å"Mountain is the book I had to write if I was ever going to write anything else.† The appearance of his next novel in 1963, The Fire Next Time, appeared when the civil rights movement was expanding in the South. This story consisted of American’s refusal to face their own history. If Beale Street Could Talk is controversial in many ways, but when judging its value in a classroom setting, it proves to be essential. James Baldwin addresses issues that are only age-appropriate for mature students in high school, but probably more beneficial for the college student. Most of the criticism that this book received is from its graphic description of racism, and its graphic language and sexual display. Although there are many reasons and qualities that this book should receive praise. For instance Beale Street shows strong qualities of honesty, family, survival, and love. This book has an important message that could be taught to students who are also facing racism or to educate the students who are not so familiar with the issue of racism. These qualities include showing insight, understanding, and awareness of racism in today’s society, although the subject of racism has come a long way since the 1960’s and 1970’s, it still has a long way to go. Beale Street is based on a young black couple who lives in the 60’s and 70’s in the ghetto of New York. Since Fonny and Tish were little, they grew up together and their relationship began to develop into more than just friendship. As they are developing their relationship, they see how cruel and unjust society is against blacks. The police arrest Fonny for rape on a night that he never left his apartment. The victim identifies Fonny in a line-up, but he ... Free Essays on If Beale Street Could Talk Free Essays on If Beale Street Could Talk Book Review: If Beale Street Could Talk James Baldwin was born on August 2, 1924. His first novel, Go Tell it on the Mountain, received good reviews, but more importantly, it opened a new voice in literature. Baldwin stated, â€Å"Mountain is the book I had to write if I was ever going to write anything else.† The appearance of his next novel in 1963, The Fire Next Time, appeared when the civil rights movement was expanding in the South. This story consisted of American’s refusal to face their own history. If Beale Street Could Talk is controversial in many ways, but when judging its value in a classroom setting, it proves to be essential. James Baldwin addresses issues that are only age-appropriate for mature students in high school, but probably more beneficial for the college student. Most of the criticism that this book received is from its graphic description of racism, and its graphic language and sexual display. Although there are many reasons and qualities that this book should receive praise. For instance Beale Street shows strong qualities of honesty, family, survival, and love. This book has an important message that could be taught to students who are also facing racism or to educate the students who are not so familiar with the issue of racism. These qualities include showing insight, understanding, and awareness of racism in today’s society, although the subject of racism has come a long way since the 1960’s and 1970’s, it still has a long way to go. Beale Street is based on a young black couple who lives in the 60’s and 70’s in the ghetto of New York. Since Fonny and Tish were little, they grew up together and their relationship began to develop into more than just friendship. As they are developing their relationship, they see how cruel and unjust society is against blacks. The police arrest Fonny for rape on a night that he never left his apartment. The victim identifies Fonny in a line-up, but he ...

The Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s - Essay Example The war, however, was frustrating for both parties, with a victory that was decisive eluding them both. Various factors relating to the regime changes in both countries led to a full-blown war between Iraq and Iran, and a proxy war between Iran & the US. The premise of this paper is to analyze this war and the role the US had to play in it. 2. Iraqi army and Iran troops In 1979, Saddam Hussein, a Sunni Muslim, took over power in Iraq, and set out to make Iraq the leading state in the Middle East (Kilborn 79). While Saddam and most of his supporters were Sunnis, the majority of Iraqi’s were Shia’s. Saddam did not trust them. Iran a neighbour to the east was predominantly Shia. In 1979, the Iranians, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, also overthrew their government, which had been under the Shah, a treasured ally of the US and Israel, and this led to an enmity brewing between these two entities. The revolution in Iran also marked the first time that clerics of Islam had harnesse d the authority of religion to overthrow a modern and secular state with a theocracy (Jacek 39). 3. Saddam Hussein’s personality The most potent catalyst for the Iraq-Iran war was Saddam Hussein’s personality. Repeatedly, he aggressed against the Iranians, and it was only a matter of time before war broke out. A number of reasons were to nudge Saddam into starting a war. These were longstanding issues like access to the gulf of Persia by the Iraqi’s, & a few recent ones like the mistrust that the Iraqi’s felt towards the Iranians and their new government (Phythian 71). The Iraqi has historically claimed the oil rich province of Khuzestan, which had a large Arab population of non-Persian population, with historical ties to Iraq. A few small islands in the gulf of Persia, which were militarily occupied by Iran, were also laid claim to by Iraq. There was also the Shatt al-Arab waterway, which was disputed by both countries. 4. Diplomatic ties between Iraq an d Iran Tensions between Tehran and Baghdad heightened in 1980. A group sponsored by the Iranians attempted to assassinate the foreign minister of Iraq, while Iraq captured and hanged Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, the grand Ayatollah, and a staunch, public defender of the Islamic Revolution (Phythian 79). Diplomatic ties were cut, with minor skirmishes along the border. Iraq, in September, declared Shatt al-Arab waterway as their territory, before invading Iran on the 22nd. The invading Iraqi’s were remarkably successful at first, managing to gain large swathes of territory, including Khuzestan. However, their march began to lose steam, due in large part to the ferocity with which the Iranian public responded, and the bravery of the Air Force of Iran. In January of 1981, the Iranians mounted a counteroffensive, which was unsuccessful & led to a stalemate period (Kilborn 91). 5. United States’ Contributions During the war, both countries attacked oil tankers bound for each oth er’s nation, in an attempt to cripple their foreign exchange sources. As the stalemate dragged on, neutral vessels were attacked with increasing regularity in the middle 1980s. This was especially a paramount concern for Western oil importing countries. After Iranians attacked Kuwait’s vessels, the United States’ president, Ronald Regan, gave the green light for Kuwaiti vessels to fly under the US flag, placing them under the patronage of the US, and giving the US the right to strike back if these ships were attacked