Module 1 Discussion
Industry Operations 2020 and Beyond
The Industrial Revolution of the 18th century saw a shift in economy from agriculture to industry. Farm laborers populated urban areas and became factory workers and changed society. Inventions like the cotton gin, transcontinental railroad, and availability of electricity, fostered in the Technological Revolution of the late 19th and early 20th century. Its rapid advancements in production technology continued to transform industry. The current era or Fourth Industrial Revolution harnesses biotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence, changes in process and workforce.
Week 1 Discussion Background Readings
What is BPM (Business Process Management)?
What is BPM (Business Process Management) in 3 Minutes (Video)
How the Second Industrial Revolution Changed Americans’ Lives
Everything you need to know about the Fourth Industrial Revolution
What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution? | CNBC Explains (Video 4:17)
Science Time: Industrial Revolution 4th (Video 4:47)
WEEK 1 DISCUSSION POST
Select an industry that employs technology or automation. Choose the industry based on your current profession, career goal or other preference. How has technology changed BPM (Business Process Management) and industry productivity over the last 5 to 10 years? Next week’s discussion will focus on how the modern workforce in your chosen industry has changed.
This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” for Quality of Initial Posting, Critical Thinking and Reference to Supporting Readings/Information Literacy on the grading rubric.
WEEK 1 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES
1st Interactive Response:
- Analyze one student’s industry examination of BPM and compare/contrast it to your post.
2nd Interactive Response:
- Analyze another student’s coverage of productivity and compare/contrast it to your post.
Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive in nature. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses but it is not required.
Week 2 Discussion Background Readings
The Future of Work: 5 Important Ways Jobs Will Change in the 4th Industrial Revolution
7 Key Skills that will help you succeed in the future (Video 3:30)
World Bank- The Future of Jobs and the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Business as Usual for Unusual Business
Meet the Demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Through Workforce Readiness and Skills Testing
WEEK 2 DISCUSSION POST
The proliferation of technology and automation often mean job losses and new positions for those with diverse skills. Using the industry from Week 1’s Discussion, research the types and classification of lost jobs in the industry and new positions created to support the technological advances.
This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” for Quality of Initial Posting, Critical Thinking and Reference to Supporting Readings/Information Literacy on the grading rubric.
WEEK 2 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES
1st Interactive Response:
- Analyze one student’s job loss assessment and compare/contrast it to your post.
2nd Interactive Response:
- Analyze another student’s new job creation information and compare/contrast it to your post.
Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive in nature. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”, specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses but it is not required.
In your own words, respond to the discussion and comments of classmates. Grades will be based on effectual, concise, and interactive feedback. The excessive use of quotes or unoriginal content will directly impact performance since it indicates lack of comprehension and indicates that a student may not have mastered the concepts.
Module 2 Discussion: Quality
The Value of Quality
Focusing on consumer perception is essential for continued long-term success. Quality exists on a continuum which factors in comparative price of a product or service.
- Consumers who pay a premium for high-quality goods/services have elevated expectations.
- On the opposite end of the spectrum, less expensive items or services carry lower consumer expectations.
To illustrate the point: a T-bone steak from a steakhouse with white tablecloths compared to a T-bone that comes from a diner where the meal will cost one-quarter of the price. The diner’s quality expectation is very different for grade of meat, how it is cooked, served and the eatery’s atmosphere because of the price differences.
Week 1 Discussion Background Readings
Total Quality Management TQM (Video 1:00)
What is Total Quality Management (TQM)?
Quality Management for First-Class Product Quality and Customer Satisfaction (Video 3:30)
WEEK 1 DISCUSSION POST
Conduct an internet search of news articles focused on quality issues. Select one recent article (within the last month) that describes a quality concern of a manufactured product. Provide an overview of the situation and then check out social media, news reports or websites to see what consumers or experts are saying about the implications of the poor quality merchandise.
This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” for Quality of Initial Posting, Critical Thinking and Reference to Supporting Readings/Information Literacy on the grading rubric.
WEEK 1 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES
1st Interactive Response:
- Read one student’s scenario and explain how TQM could have prevented the situation described. (Research in TQM required)
2nd Interactive Response: - Share your feelings as a consumer regarding another scenario and how it will affect your view of the product or brand in the future.
Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive in nature. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”, specify why and be detailed in your explanation. Research support is required for one reply.
Week 2 Discussion Background Readings
What is TQM? A company-wide strategy for customer satisfaction
Quality management technology trends for 2019
Investigating Customer’s Perspective of Service Quality Management
WEEK 2 DISCUSSION POST
Social media has given everyone the opportunity to be widely heard. Facebook rants, inappropriate tweets or Instagram “fails” sometimes go viral and are picked up by global media outlets. Search social media for #badservice or company-specific tags like #”company name” #fail or search online news for complaints about a company that started on social media. While the airline industry has found itself in the crosshairs with video of passengers being dragged off of planes, consumers can take out their wrath on other companies.
Describe a customer complaint on social media that became a larger story in the last year. Explain what the company can do from a TQM or Service Quality Management (SQM) perspective to make sure it does not happen again.
This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” for Quality of Initial Posting, Critical Thinking and Reference to Supporting Readings/Information Literacy on the grading rubric.
WEEK 2 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES
1st Interactive Response:
- Assess one student’s solution from a TQM/SQM perspective. (Research required)
2nd Interactive Response: - Share your feelings as a consumer regarding another scenario and how it will affect your view of the product or brand in the future.
Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive in nature. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”, specify why and be detailed in your explanation. Research support is required for one reply.
In your own words, respond to the discussion and comments of classmates. Grades will be based on effectual, concise and interactive feedback. The excessive use of quotes will directly impact performance since this indicates a lack of comprehension and shows that you may not have mastered the concepts.
Module 3 Discussion: Role of Purchasing in Effective Supply Chains
Week 1 Discussion Background Readings
What is the Future of Supply Chain Management? 16 Experts Share Their Insights (2019)
How Ecommerce is Transforming Today’s Supply Chain (2019)
Everything Commerce: the past, present and future of business on the internet (2019)
CIPS: Digitalisation in Procurement and Supply 2019 (2019)
Five common pitfalls for Supply Chain Digital Transformation (2019)
Walmart tells leafy-green suppliers to start using blockchain (2018)
ARE YOU READY FOR THE FUTURE OF SUPPLY CHAIN AND PROCUREMENT?
Supply chain management is crucial to company success. It is a specialized field that is rapidly changing with technology.
WEEK 1 DISCUSSION POST
- Research supply chain management and share one best practice or standard that is popular with retailers. Provide background; include pros and cons from the buyer side and the seller’s point of view.
This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” for Quality of Initial Posting, Critical Thinking and Reference to Supporting Readings/Information Literacy on the grading rubric.
WEEK 1 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES
1st Interactive Response:
- Select one student’s supply chain best practice post and assess if there is parity in what the buyer and seller get out of the relationship. Does it benefit one side more than the other?
2nd Interactive Response:
- Compare your post to that of another student.
Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive in nature. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses but it is not required.
Week 2 Discussion Background Readings
Procurement is about strategic sourcing (2019)
Procurement today – more complex but more interesting (2019)
Importance of Procurement
CIPS Modern Slavery Statement
WEEK 2 DISCUSSION POST
Procurement in the 21st century is different than in past decades. This evolution represents a shift from “clerical, order-taking role to a strategic role.” Companies like Walmart and Amazon work with suppliers and third-party vendors.
- Research procurement and share one best practice or standard that is popular with retailers. Provide background; include pros and cons from the buyer side and the seller’s point of view.
This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” for Quality of Initial Posting, Critical Thinking and Reference to Supporting Readings/Information Literacy on the grading rubric.
WEEK 2 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES
1st Interactive Response:
- Select one student’s procurement best practice post and assess if there is parity in what the buyer and seller get out of the relationship. Does it benefit one side more than the other?
2nd Interactive Response:
- Compare your post to that of another student.
Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive in nature. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses but it is not required.
In your own words, respond to the discussion and comments of classmates. Grades will be based on effectual, concise, and interactive feedback. The excessive use of quotes will directly impact performance since this indicates a lack of comprehension and shows that you may not have mastered the concepts.
Module 4 Discussion: Just-in-Time Systems
Customers Want it NOW
Last century, consumers waited 8-10 weeks for product deliveries from catalogs or television ads. Now: two-day delivery is not fast enough; next day, same day and two-hour delivery are changing operations. We looked at logistics last module; over the next two weeks, we will explore how inventory planning decisions support operations.
Week 1 Discussion Background Readings
Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory Management (2019)
Warehouse vs Distribution Center – What’s the Difference?
The Connected Distribution Center | Honeywell Intelligrated (Video 3:03) (2018)
Case Study: adidas | Honeywell Intelligrated (Video 4:28) (2018)
Why Amazon warehouses are called fulfillment centers
WEEK 1 DISCUSSION POST
The online food delivery market was valued at $84.6 Billion globally and $17.5 billion in the United States in 2018. U.S. grocery delivery more than doubled from $12 billion in 2016 to $26 billion in 2018. Global ecommerce is expected to continue growing. Select a company that has traditional outlets or stores and also makes deliveries. Research how it gets products to the consumer. (Amazon cannot be used for this post). Be sure to include if product comes from a store, warehouse or distribution center and how much the consumer is charged for the service.
This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” for Quality of Initial Posting, Critical Thinking and Reference to Supporting Readings/Information Literacy on the grading rubric.
WEEK 1 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES
1st Interactive Response:
• Analyze one student’s delivery examination and compare/contrast it to your post.
2nd Interactive Response:
• Share your feelings as a consumer regarding charges for delivery. What are you willing to pay for products to arrive at your home or office?
Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive in nature. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”, specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses but it is not required.
Week 2 Discussion Background Readings
The Future of Retail: Autonomous Drivers, Conscious Consumers and AI-Powered Everything (2019)
The ‘Amazon Effect’: How Ecommerce Will Change in 2019 and Beyond (2019)
WEEK 2 DISCUSSION POST
How will ecommerce change the operations management industry in the decade ahead? Research and share at least one trend that will be crucial in the coming years in operations.
This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” for Quality of Initial Posting, Critical Thinking and Reference to Supporting Readings/Information Literacy on the grading rubric.
WEEK 2 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES
1st Interactive Response:
• Select one student’s discussion and assess how important you believe it will be in to 2020s.
2nd Interactive Response:
• Select another student’s trend and analyze how it will change consumer expectations of ecommerce in the next decade.
Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive in nature. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”, specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses but it is not required.
In your own words, respond to the discussion and comments of classmates. Grades will be based on effectual, concise and interactive feedback. The excessive use of quotes will directly impact performance since this indicates a lack of comprehension and shows that you may not have mastered the concepts.
Module 5 Reflective Discussion
As our study draws to a close, it is important to step back and reflect on new levels of understanding, skills, and knowledge that you developed as a result of your efforts throughout this course.
Reflect on what you are taking away from the class and ways you might measure the future effects of what you have learned in this course for your future progress/improvement personally and professionally.
No replies to classmates required.
