Albatross Anchors Unit 3 Assignment
Unit six Written Assignment
MT435 Operations Management
Kaplan University
05/22/2013
Introduction Albatross is a family owned company that was opened in 1976 by just a few family members. Over the years the company has seen tremendous growth which seems to be causing a lot of issues their production and administrative areas. They haven’t taken much up with newer technologies which makes what they have disorganized and not meeting the standards of most other companies in their business. As the company has grown they have added many more new processes which have been put in to the limited production spaces they have which already seemed to be maxed out. When they first went into business their expertise was in the manufacturing of the bell/mushroom anchors. In the 80’s they made the decision to expand their product line to include the snag hook anchors. This company sells its products only at the wholesale level. Since that requires them to store more product the company really needs to rethink their overall processes and layout design of their facility. Once they can make decisions on this, it will help to give them a competitive advantage over other competitors in this market.
Question One
Carefully review the assignment scenario/case study. From the limited information in the scenario/case study, along with your answers to the unit three written assignment, identify at least three direct and specific long-term and three direct and specific short term operations changes that Albatross Anchor must make to gain a clear and sustainable competitive advantage (provide detailed information to validate and support each recommended change)
Long-Term Operational Changes
(01) The biggest thing I see is that the plant is very old and their technology is so outdated. Their administrative offices are to say the least a bit disorganized and run very inefficiently. There is no way they can be meeting the safety standards set by the US. To make sure they
MT435 Operations Management
Kaplan University
05/22/2013
Introduction Albatross is a family owned company that was opened in 1976 by just a few family members. Over the years the company has seen tremendous growth which seems to be causing a lot of issues their production and administrative areas. They haven’t taken much up with newer technologies which makes what they have disorganized and not meeting the standards of most other companies in their business. As the company has grown they have added many more new processes which have been put in to the limited production spaces they have which already seemed to be maxed out. When they first went into business their expertise was in the manufacturing of the bell/mushroom anchors. In the 80’s they made the decision to expand their product line to include the snag hook anchors. This company sells its products only at the wholesale level. Since that requires them to store more product the company really needs to rethink their overall processes and layout design of their facility. Once they can make decisions on this, it will help to give them a competitive advantage over other competitors in this market.
Question One
Carefully review the assignment scenario/case study. From the limited information in the scenario/case study, along with your answers to the unit three written assignment, identify at least three direct and specific long-term and three direct and specific short term operations changes that Albatross Anchor must make to gain a clear and sustainable competitive advantage (provide detailed information to validate and support each recommended change)
Long-Term Operational Changes
(01) The biggest thing I see is that the plant is very old and their technology is so outdated. Their administrative offices are to say the least a bit disorganized and run very inefficiently. There is no way they can be meeting the safety standards set by the US. To make sure they
References: Bos, Peter (April 19, 2010). How to Build a Profit Sharing Plan. Retrieved from: http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/04/profit-sharing-plan.html Cultrona, R.L. (2012). What Is the Meaning of Office Layout? Retrieved from: http://www.ehow.com/about_6598927_meaning-office-layout_.html Davidson, Ellis (2011). The Advantages of New Technology for Businesses. Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-new-technology-businesses-4047.html Pilley, Marjory (September 29, 2010). The Pros & Cons of Cross-Training Employees. Retrieved from: http://www.brighthub.com/office/human-resources/articles/89262.aspx