Role
This strategic role involves minimising costs to gain competitive advantage in operations management.
Cost leadership
Influences acronym?
QT LEGGs CC
These are the three main transformed resources (think of the acronym MIC) used as inputs in operations processes.
Materials, information, and customers
Name performance objectives commonly targeted by operations strategies.
Fat Ducks Quack CCS
Apple’s operations rely heavily on these partners to assemble products like the iPhone.
Outsourced manufacturers (e.g., Foxconn)
Name one way that operations management helps to differentiate goods or services.
Good/service differentiation
This government aspect can influence operations via regulations that businesses must comply with.
Legal regulation
Name two transforming resources essential to the operations process.
Human resources and facilities
This supply chain strategy involves managing procurement, logistics, and e-commerce.
Supply chain management
Name one technology innovation Apple applies in its transformation processes.
Automated assembly or robotics
Operations management must work closely with these other key business functions to deliver value.
Marketing, finance, and human resources
Corporate social responsibility requires businesses to consider this difference in these two factors when making decisions.
Legal compliance and ethical responsibility
This tool helps businesses plan and schedule tasks and is used in transformation processes.
Gantt chart
Identify one advantage and one disadvantage of outsourcing in operations.
Cost savings (advantage) and loss of control (disadvantage)
How does Qantas use technology to improve its operations processes?
Qantas uses technology such as online booking systems, aircraft maintenance diagnostics, and digital check-in to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
This role of operations management focuses on...
overseeing efficient transformation of inputs into outputs.
This influence requires businesses to focus on reducing environmental impact within their operations.
Environmental sustainability
What type of analysis identifies the longest sequence of tasks to complete a project?
Critical path analysis
Name three inventory management methods used to control stock levels and an applicable business example for each.
FIFO (first-in-first-out), LIFO (last-in-first-out) and JIT (just-in-time)
What is a key supply chain challenge Apple faces when sourcing materials globally?
Managing risks from political instability, natural disasters, or supplier disruptions that can affect the supply of components.
In seeking sustainable competitive advantage, this syllabus dot point involves simultaneously optimising cost leadership and goods/service differentiation, often by leveraging innovation, supply chain efficiencies, and continuous process improvement.
Strategic role of operations management
This influence requires businesses to meet customer demands for better standards while managing costs and competition.
Quality expectations
Name two outputs in the operations process related to customer satisfaction.
Customer service and warranties
These three components form the basis of quality management in operations.
Quality control, quality assurance, and quality improvement
In what way does Qantas implement quality management within its operations?
Through regular safety audits, staff training, and strict maintenance schedules to ensure flight safety and service quality.