To give students an opportunity to synthesize topics discussed in the course, each student will develop the operations plan for a theoretical company competing in a predefined segment of the market/industry. Each student will develop a 5-6 page executive summary report (double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font) that outlines the operations plan for the company. This is a theoretical scenario, but the report, and the analysis/data included within the report, should be realistic. While not required, the project could be enhanced by benchmarking an existing business that competes in a similar market/industry to assess the operations of the existing business; however, the final report shall be constructed as a theoretical (fictitious) company. In order to earn the opportunity to receive full credit for the project, the report should include (in some form), but is not limited to, the relevant topics in the outline below. Please use the outline below as headings in your report. a. Introduction of the theoretical firm. Firm name, slogan, logo, mission statement, and vision statement, along with any other relevant information about the firm. b. Description of the products and/or services provided c. Operations Strategy d. Location(s) of the firm (including any warehouses, distribution centers, etc if needed) e. Productivity, Forecasting, Capacity, Inventory Mgmt. and Quality Control considerations f. Break even analysis including fixed and variable costs, potential revenue, and selling price Grading for the project is based on the following: Extent to which the Executive Summary is Complete, Appropriate, Thorough, Accurate, Realistic, etc. The type of organization that I would like you to focus on this semester for your operations strategy is a quick serve restaurant (fast food) that competes with national burger chains like, McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, etc. You can choose to structure your project on a large, global chain like McDonald’s, or you can scale it down to a small mom & pop shop. Either way, please limit the scope of your project to one location or no more than a few restaurants clustered relatively close together. Please refer to the project description in the syllabus for information about the outline of topics that should be included in the report in addition to formatting, length, structure, etc. This project is based on a hypothetical firm and situation, but please make sure that the operations strategy is grounded in competitive reality. Please note that you should prepare an “operations strategy” in the form of an executive summary – not an entire business plan. Please provide as much detail as possible, but realize that an executive summary should be clear and concise. There is no set format for the executive summary as I am open to anything; however, you can find countless examples of executive summaries with a quick internet search. The library and/or writing center can also help with formatting, editing, proofreading, etc. as needed. Please do not hesitate to reach out for help if you are unsure how to proceed.
