Functional Area Plan: Production and Operations Essay

Part 1: Production and Operations Manager Composition The ultimate goal for the company is to foster growth and expansion by becoming the foremost provider in quality products and customer service. In order to reach this goal and experience 100% growth over the next five years, the Production and Operations department (â€Å"Productions†) must streamline its manufacturing and restructure inventory processes. At present, the current facility operates at maximum capacity. Adding second and third shifts will enable the company to meet consumer demand and to provide the right product for the right price. Duties and Responsibilities Operations management generally entails the maintenance and control of activities within an organization in producing its goods and services, (Foster & Ogden, 2008). As plastic is both versatile and economical, Productions recommend its continued use in the manufacturing of the special ball-bearing sliding mechanism. Another concern is the reduction of downtime. Productions will work hard to cultivate the talent within so there is necessary support for completion of all projects. Over the past few years, great strides have been made to optimize the efficiency of the units while continuing safe operation of all equipment. This includes having only highly skilled technicians to oversee product development in areas of plastic injection molding, thermoforming and paper conversion. Such expertise is imperative because these three functions are commonly selected for flexibility in the process of manufacturing plastic products, (â€Å"R&d engineering plastic,† 2009). Further, as Productions is responsible for the manufacturing of its signature coffee cup, it should remain abreast of any industrial changes to the raw materials or equipment used in making the product. Training and New Equipment In addition to the purchase of raw materials needed to manufacture the cup, there is sufficient capital to invest in new state-of-the-art equipment. The new software and technologies will enable greater efficiency and inventory control. Training of the new technologies and/or software tools and equipment will be mandatory. As permissible, there will be on-the-job training for qualifying workers to perform the heavier tasks to avoid delays in production due to absenteeism. Productions will recommend that potential managers attend webinars and related workshops sponsored by the Productions and Operations Management Society (POMS), to remain alert of new trends and innovations in this specific area of interest. Collaboration With Other Departments Besides the traditional overseeing of day-to-day operations, improving manufacturing activities through customer service falls within this scope as well (operations management, 2009). The Marketing Department (â€Å"Marketing†) has presented its strategies to draw new customers and double production figures. Through its core values of continuous improvement and accountability, Productions will accommodate Marketing by insisting on quality, but not at the expense of safety. This will require changes to its inspection procedure so that shoddy merchandise is not released. Based on data from Marketing’s research, there is strong reason to believe profits will continue. However, an independent report from Accounting and Finance (â€Å"Accounting†) indicates a new facility is not cost-efficient at this time. This notion has been shelved in favor of adding second and third shifts. Warehouse space will be acquired to house and inventory the raw materials. This will lead to several job openings in shipping and receiving. Other positions include quality assurance inspectors to examine the finished products as well as equipment maintenance. Productions will work closely with Human Resources (â€Å"HR†) to ascertain whether it will be apropos to hire a department liaison to handle internal customer-related issues. Code of Ethics All employees are expected to engage lawfully and professionally as they perform their duties at all times. Employees are not given authorization to engage fellow employees or customers in any illegal or unethical acts or behaviors. Any violations or suspicious activity must be reported promptly. A failure to comply may result in suspension or termination, (U.S. Bank code, 2011). Part 2: Production and Operations Manager Executive Summary Through high quality customer service and innovative products, the Productions and Operations Functional area is committed to superior product development. By hiring experienced technicians and providing on-the-job training of qualified workers, it will accommodate the company’s goals for excellence. A second and third shift will eliminate the need for unnecessary overtime. Webinar training and coaching sessions will likewise keep all workers abreast of current trends and changes in the industry.