Modern Material Inc Case Study
Contents Objectives 1 Company Background 2 Introduction of Supply-Chain-Management 2 Key Individuals and their Effectiveness 3 Companies Involved 5 Organizational Issues: 6 Business Processes Impacted 7 Management Takeaway 10 Areas of Agreement 10 Areas of Disagreement/Concerns 11 Recommendations: 12 Lessons Learnt 16 References 17
Objectives
(What do you think the author is trying to demonstrate or bring out in the case?)
* A company’s competitive position and profitability can be improved through the use of Supply Chain Management System (SCMS) which if successfully implemented will lead to exemplary customer service. (Oz, 2009) * System requirements should be clearly defined and the necessary processes analyzed and agreed upon by all key players/groups before software is coded to avoid reworks and unnecessary spending. * Cohesiveness, coordination, communication and leadership should be evident between stakeholders and management for the successful implementation of a project. * Information systems strategy must be in alignment with business strategy and processes to ensure business continuity.
Company Background
Modern Materials, Inc. (MMI) was established in 1927 and grew through a series of small mergers and acquisitions ultimately earning its name in 1991, when it took over a major competitor and subsequently broadened its product line. MMI manufactures products that are used as raw materials by large manufacturers and the construction industry and was described as one of the giants in the manufacturing industry with two of its facilities producing basic products with special properties and shapes.
However, due to difficulties being faced by the manufacturing industry such as overcapacity, foreign competition and reduced profits; spiralled by a depressed manufacturing economy, the company came under immense financial pressure. Ultimately, the company lost money in two of five years and downsized in 1998
Objectives
(What do you think the author is trying to demonstrate or bring out in the case?)
* A company’s competitive position and profitability can be improved through the use of Supply Chain Management System (SCMS) which if successfully implemented will lead to exemplary customer service. (Oz, 2009) * System requirements should be clearly defined and the necessary processes analyzed and agreed upon by all key players/groups before software is coded to avoid reworks and unnecessary spending. * Cohesiveness, coordination, communication and leadership should be evident between stakeholders and management for the successful implementation of a project. * Information systems strategy must be in alignment with business strategy and processes to ensure business continuity.
Company Background
Modern Materials, Inc. (MMI) was established in 1927 and grew through a series of small mergers and acquisitions ultimately earning its name in 1991, when it took over a major competitor and subsequently broadened its product line. MMI manufactures products that are used as raw materials by large manufacturers and the construction industry and was described as one of the giants in the manufacturing industry with two of its facilities producing basic products with special properties and shapes.
However, due to difficulties being faced by the manufacturing industry such as overcapacity, foreign competition and reduced profits; spiralled by a depressed manufacturing economy, the company came under immense financial pressure. Ultimately, the company lost money in two of five years and downsized in 1998
References: Gulla, J. (2012, February ). Seven Reasons IT Projects Fail. Retrieved October 28, 2012, from www.ibmsystemsmag.com: http://www.ibmsystemsmag.com/power/Systems-Management/Workload-Management/project_pitfalls/?page=3 Oz, E. (2009). Management Information Systems - 6th Edition . Massachusette, USA: Course Technology . Solutions, H. G. (2007, October ). How to prepare a business recovery plan. Retrieved November 6, 2012, from www.hostway.com: http://www.hostway.com/newsletter/2007/08/