Operations And Supply Chain Management For Mbas 7th Edition Pdf
Are you an MBA student or professional looking to enhance your knowledge about operations and supply chain management? Look no further than the 7th edition of Operations and Supply Chain Management for MBAs.
The textbook, written by Dr. Jack R. Meredith and Scott M. Shafer, covers essential concepts, principles, and practices in the operations and supply chain management field. The book offers practical insights and frameworks for effective decision-making in various industries and sectors.
In this article, we will explore the key topics covered in the 7th edition of Operations and Supply Chain Management for MBAs, their significance, and how they can help you in your career. Let's begin!
Chapter 1: Introduction to Operations and Supply Chain Management
The first chapter of the book provides an overview of operations and supply chain management, its evolution, and how it is essential for businesses to improve productivity, quality, and customer service. The chapter defines the key terms and concepts such as value chain, operations strategy, and lean operations.
The chapter also covers the importance of aligning the operations and supply chain strategy with the overall business strategy. It discusses how operations and supply chain management can impact various stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, employees, and society as a whole.
Chapter 2: Operations Strategy
In chapter 2, the authors delve deeper into operations strategy and its role in achieving competitive advantages. The chapter discusses how an organization can develop an operations strategy that aligns with its goals, capabilities, and resources.
The chapter covers the five competitive priorities of operations strategy, which are cost, quality, delivery speed, delivery reliability, and flexibility. The authors provide examples of companies that have excelled in each of these priorities, such as Walmart for cost, Toyota for quality, and Amazon for delivery speed and reliability.
Chapter 3: Product Design and Process Selection
Chapter 3 focuses on product design and process selection, which are critical decisions that affect the cost, quality, and speed of operations. The authors discuss the different types of product design, such as modular design, platform design, and mass customization.
The chapter also covers the various factors that influence process selection, including the volume of production, the variety of products, and the degree of customization. The authors describe the different types of processes, such as job shop, batch, assembly line, and continuous flow.
Chapter 4: Process Analysis and Improvement
Chapter 4 deals with process analysis and improvement, which are essential for enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing customer satisfaction. The authors introduce various tools and techniques for analyzing processes, such as process maps, flowcharts, and value stream mapping.
The chapter also covers different approaches to process improvement, such as lean operations, Six Sigma, and total quality management. The authors provide case studies of companies that have successfully implemented these approaches, such as Toyota for lean operations, Motorola for Six Sigma, and Xerox for total quality management.
Chapter 5: Capacity Planning and Facility Location
Chapter 5 focuses on capacity planning and facility location, which are critical decisions that impact the cost, flexibility, and responsiveness of operations. The authors discuss the different types of capacity planning, such as lead strategy, lag strategy, and match strategy.
The chapter also covers the various factors that influence facility location, such as proximity to customers, suppliers, and transportation. The authors describe different methods for evaluating facility location, such as factor rating, center of gravity, and transportation method.
Chapter 6: Supply Chain Management
Chapter 6 deals with supply chain management, which is the coordination of activities involved in producing and delivering products and services to customers. The authors discuss the different players in the supply chain, such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and customers.
The chapter covers various topics related to supply chain management, such as supplier selection, supplier relationships, inventory management, and transportation. The authors provide examples of companies that have implemented effective supply chain management practices, such as Walmart for inventory management and Zara for fast fashion.
Chapter 7: Inventory Management
Chapter 7 focuses on inventory management, which is the process of managing the flow of goods and materials in and out of an organization. The authors discuss the costs and benefits of holding inventory, such as holding costs, ordering costs, and shortage costs.
The chapter covers various inventory management techniques, such as economic order quantity, reorder point, and just-in-time. The authors provide case studies of companies that have implemented effective inventory management practices, such as Walmart for efficient replenishment and Dell for build-to-order.
Chapter 8: Forecasting
Chapter 8 deals with forecasting, which is the process of predicting future demand for products and services. The authors discuss the different types of forecasting methods, such as qualitative, time series, and causal.
The chapter covers various topics related to forecasting, such as forecasting accuracy, forecasting error, and forecasting challenges. The authors provide examples of companies that have implemented effective forecasting practices, such as Amazon for demand forecasting and Boeing for sales forecasting.
Chapter 9: Operations Planning and Control
Chapter 9 focuses on operations planning and control, which is the process of implementing the operations and supply chain strategy. The authors discuss the different types of plans and schedules, such as master production schedule, material requirements planning, and capacity planning.
The chapter covers various topics related to operations planning and control, such as lead time, order quantity, and safety stock. The authors provide examples of companies that have implemented effective operations planning and control practices, such as Procter & Gamble for demand planning and FedEx for package tracking.
Chapter 10: Quality Management
Chapter 10 deals with quality management, which is the process of meeting or exceeding customer expectations for products and services. The authors discuss the different dimensions of quality, such as performance, features, reliability, conformance, and serviceability.
The chapter covers various quality management techniques, such as total quality management, Six Sigma, and statistical process control. The authors provide case studies of companies that have implemented effective quality management practices, such as Motorola for Six Sigma and Ford for statistical process control.
Chapter 11: Project Management
Chapter 11 focuses on project management, which is the process of planning, executing, and controlling projects to achieve specific goals and objectives. The authors discuss the different phases of project management, such as initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing.
The chapter covers various project management tools and techniques, such as Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and earned value analysis. The authors provide examples of companies that have implemented effective project management practices, such as Boeing for aircraft development and Bechtel for civil engineering projects.
Chapter 12: Operations Analytics
Chapter 12 deals with operations analytics, which is the process of using data and analytical methods to improve operations and supply chain performance. The authors discuss the different types of analytics, such as descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive.
The chapter covers various analytics techniques, such as regression analysis, forecasting, and optimization. The authors provide examples of companies that have implemented effective operations analytics practices, such as UPS for route optimization and Procter & Gamble for demand forecasting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Operations and Supply Chain Management for MBAs 7th Edition is an essential resource for MBA students, professionals, and anyone interested in enhancing their knowledge about operations and supply chain management. The book covers a wide range of topics, including operations strategy, product design, process improvement, supply chain management, inventory management, quality management, project management, and operations analytics.
The authors provide practical insights and frameworks for effective decision-making in various industries and sectors. The case studies and examples of companies that have implemented effective practices add to the book's relevance and applicability.
Whether you are pursuing a career in operations and supply chain management or looking to enhance your skills as a business leader, I highly recommend this book. It will undoubtedly help you gain a competitive advantage in today's dynamic and ever-changing business world.
