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.
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