Process Management and Productivity
Create a service business from the choices below and develop a company around it. Keep the focus narrow so that you will be able to apply the course concepts in-depth. Do not use an existing business.
In each module’s SLP, you will analyze issues/challenges regarding Operations Management topics; and discuss, devise, and apply solutions.
NOTE: if the submitted work is found to be based on previously submitted assignments or published work, the assignment will receive a zero with no resubmission permitted and an official academic integrity violation posted to your academic record.
Business Creation and Analysis
Choose one type of service organization from the– Business List or another business type with Instructor Approval by the end of Week 1. Do not base the project on an existing company. Even though your enterprise is not real, you will treat it as if it is.
Two types of research are required for SLPs in class:
- General research on topics in operations management which may be found in course readings, the library, or online.
- In order to better understand the field, research will conducted on real companies engaged in the type of business that you have chosen. Even if you work in the industry chosen, research beyond what you know is required to provide a broader perspective.
SLP Assignment
Company Overview
Provide an overview of your company.
- Company name
- Location (can be virtual)
- The type of business. Keep the concept simple and focused on one thing. Be specific.
This section should be no longer than ½ page.
Workflow and Key Process
Create a Workflow Diagram for one Key Process for your Business. Be sure it is the main process that supports the type of company chosen.
What work is being done to provide services to customers? Consider processes of obtaining materials, supplies, etc., and moving them through the company via processes to generate the service/product being sold.
Generate a graphic. Use a free online tool, components within Microsoft Office or draw by hand (scan or take a picture of the drawing) and include it in your submission. Include an in-depth written description of each step in the process including rationale for the steps.
Check out examples of Service Process Diagrams. Here is a video of a Real Estate Process Flowchart and a Demo Workflow for Automated Loan Processing.
Workflow will cover 1 page.
The written description should be 1 page in length.
Process Improvement
What are some problems or issues that you might encounter as you attempt to change the processes? How could you overcome these problems/issues?
Discuss tools and techniques that can be used to analyze the Key Process and improve it. Consider concepts and ideas from process improvement and lean thinking.
This section should be 1 ½ pages in length. Research is required.
Productivity
What are some possible ways that these processes could be improved for productivity? Consider how you can produce more output and/or reduce the inputs so that you can increase productivity.
Research and discuss at least three productivity issues that this company faces. Include productivity ratios (key performance indicators) that are used for assessment. Include tools and techniques that can be applied to improve productivity.
This section should be 1 ½ pages in length. Research is required.
Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite and reference the sources in APA format. The paper should be written in third person; this means words like “I”, “we”, and “you” are not appropriate. For more information see Differences Between First and Third Person. The excessive use of quotes or unoriginal content will directly impact performance since it suggests lack of comprehension and indicates that a student may not have mastered the concepts.
Module 1 SLP Background Readings
Service Process Diagrams
How to create a Process Flowchart for the Real Estate Industry (Video 4:56) 2017
Demo Workflow for Automated Loan Processing
Workflow Analysis Fixes the Holes in Your Business Processes (2019)
What Is a Workflow? (2019)
Process Mapping (2017)
What Workflow Mapping Can Teach You About Efficiency (2019)
Which Process Improvement Methodology Should You Use? (2017)
Productivity – 6 areas of focus to improve productivity (video 1:04) (2019)
SLP Assignment Expectations
Use the attached APA-formatted template (OPM500 SLP1) to create your submission.
Your submission will include:
- Trident University International’s cover page
- The body will be 4 ½ to 5 pages with APA citations (plus Workflow Graphic) (2- to 3-sentence introduction, body, 2- to 3-sentence conclusion)
- The reference list page in APA format
