W1 Assignment-2
********Discussion Question 1
OM is defined as “the set of activities that creates value in the form of goods and services by transforming inputs into outputs.”
(Heizer, J., & Render, B. [2008]. Operations management. Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson Education.)
Within an organization, OM is often seen as a cost center that does not generate revenue. As such, it is often difficult for a manager to justify investments within the OM function. If you were the operations manager, what kind of investments would you recommend to make your OM practice effective? Why? How would you justify these investments?
Justify your answers with examples and reasoning. Comment on the postings and views of at least two peers.
**********Discussion Question 3
Productivity is measured by the ratio of outputs to inputs. Some organizations use a partial measure of productivity to measure actual operations, such as a restaurant using number of customer meals per labor hour.
Assume that you are the operations manager of a local restaurant. You currently measure the following data:
• Labor hours
• Raw materials
• Customer meals
• Capital investments
Based on the above information, how would you measure productivity at the restaurant? Be sure to include single-factor and multifactor measures. What are some simple ways you would use to improve productivity? As an operations manager, why is productivity important to you?
Justify your answers with examples and reasoning.
