Possible sources of error in demand forecasts

1. In 3–4 paragraphs, identify a service process you come into contact with on a regular basis. The process might be one at your place of work or one that you encounter as a customer. Briefly describe the process. Where does this process fall on the Customer-Contact Matrix for Service Processes? Discuss specific aspects of how the process might be improved.
2. Capacity management requires demand forecasts. In 3–4 paragraphs, address the following:

* What are some possible sources of error in demand forecasts?

* As a manager, what are some approaches you can take to minimize forecasting errors?

C.

Every process has constraints. In 3–4 paragraphs, address the following:

* What are the biggest constraints you have identified in the process you have selected for your Process Improvement Plan assignment?

* How can you use the theory of constraints to reduce the bottlenecks in this process?

* As you think about your career development and potential job search, what are your own bottlenecks in pursuing the next opportunity inside or outside your organization? Where might your process of career development and job searching get held up? Assess the strengths of your professional network, career opportunities, resume, and LinkedIn profile and identify three things you will do between now and Unit 6 to improve whatever bottlenecks you may have in your own process. We will revisit this issue of career readiness in the Unit 6 discussion.

D.

In Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains, Krajewski, Malhotra, and Pitzman (2016) identify a number of characteristics of lean systems (p. 216). Based upon course readings and your experience, in 3–4 paragraphs, address the following:

* Which two characteristics are the most difficult for managers to implement and sustain?

* Which two characteristics do you believe can have the biggest impact on value creation? Why?

The following reading provides insight into this discussion:

* Krajewski, L. J., Malhotra, M. K., & Pitzman, L. P. (2016). Operations management: Processes and supply chains (12th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.

* Chapter 6: Lean Systems.

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