This is my final paper for this class. Instructions have to be followed. If this is not something you’re experienced in, please don’t bid on this assignment. The template to use is attached, so please use it. 

Assignment Instructions – Unit 5

Research a manufacturing organization of your choice, and describe its strategic manufacturing policy. (Note: You may choose a private-sector or public-sector organization; however, more information will be available for a private-sector, publicly traded company). Your description should consider long-term issues (1–5 years), and include a discussion of the following topics:

· Products or services

· Markets and customers

· Suppliers, vendors, and supply chain partners

· Facilities (e.g., plants, distribution centers, and so on)

Describe the following characteristics to be included in the strategic planning process:

· Alignment of manufacturing strategy with corporate/business-level strategy

· Product/process alternatives (make-to stock, make-to order, etc.)

· Inventory policies (service levels, order quantity/frequency, etc.)

· Capacity planning alternatives (chase, level, etc.)

· Long-range forecasting techniques (quantitative and qualitative)

· Make or buy decisions (outsourcing, etc.)

· Interfaces/coordination with other business functions (marketing, etc.)

· Initiatives to improve operations (continuous improvement, lean/agile, TOC, etc.)

· Metrics to measure manufacturing performance

· Cost

· Quality

· Speed

· Reliability/dependability

· Flexibility

· Productivity/efficiency/utilization

· Sustainability

· Other metrics

Finally, what manufacturing strategy improvements would you suggest for this organization?

Prepare a research paper of 8–10 pages (excluding title page, abstract, references page, and appendices) in APA format presenting the items listed above. A minimum of five (5) peer-reviewed academic or professional references must be used in the paper.

Running head: (NAME OF ORGANIZATION BELONGS HERE)

(NAME OF ORGANIZATION BELONGS HERE) 6

(

Name

of Organization Belongs Here)

Name

Unit 5 – Individual Project

MGMT465

Submission Date

American InterContinental University

(Name of Organization Belongs Here)

Your paper should include an introduction for the customer. The introduction is the best

opportunity to convince your audience that you have something worthwhile to say (one solid paragraph). An introduction can accomplish this by fulfilling five important responsibilities:

1.

Get the audience’s attention

2. Introduce the topic

3. Explain its relevance to the audience

4. State a thesis or purpose

5. Outline the main points

Include a discussion of the following topics:

1. Products/services

2. Markets and customers

3. Suppliers/vendors/supply chain partners

4. Facilities (plants, distribution centers, etc.)

Link the four topics to the different sections below.

Strategic Planning Process

Suggestions; I would define the strategic planning process in this section and then lead into the components below.

Alignment

Complete the task below.

1. Describe alignment of manufacturing strategy with corporate/business-level strategy

Product/Process Alternatives

Complete the task below.

1. Describe product/process alternatives (make-to-stock, make-to-order, etc.).

Inventory Policies

Complete the task below.

1. Describe inventory policies (service levels, order quantity/frequency, etc.)

Capacity Planning Alternatives

Complete the task below.

1.

Describe capacity planning alternatives (chase, level, etc.)

Long-range Forecasting

Complete the task below.

1. Describe long-range forecasting techniques (quantitative and qualitative)

Quantitative.

Qualitative.

Make or Buy Decisions

Complete the task below.

1. Explain make or buy decisions (outsourcing, etc.)

Interfaces/Coordination

Complete the task below.

1. Explain interfaces/coordination with other business functions (marketing, etc.)

Initiatives

Complete the task below.

1. Describe initiatives to improve operations (continuous improvement, lean/agile, TOC, etc.)

Metrics

Complete the tasks below.

1. Describe metrics to measure manufacturing performance

Cost.

Quality.

Speed.

Reliability/dependability.

Flexibility.

Productivity/efficiency/utilization.

Sustainability.

Other metrics.

Conclusion

Your paper should include a summary of what manufacturing strategy improvements

would you suggest for this organization?

References