The Manufacturing Manager of New Technology Company Is Concerned About

question 60

Essay

The manufacturing manager of New Technology Company is concerned about the company's newest plant.When the plant began operations three years ago,it had modern equipment,well-trained employees,engineered work and assembly stations,and a controlled environment.During the first two
years,the evaluation results were very good with almost all cost variances being favourable.However,recently,things have turned negative.
Now everything seems to be operating in a crisis management mode.Although most cost variances remain favourable,the plant's segment contribution is declining and customers are complaining about poor quality and slow delivery.Several customers have suggested that they may take their business elsewhere if things do not improve.
The shop floor is in continual turmoil.In-process inventory is everywhere,production employees have difficulty finding jobs that need to be worked on,and scheduling has requested a larger computer to keep track of work-in-process.
The sales manager does not know where to begin with solving the customers' problems.It seems that everyone is working very hard and the plant has the best facilities and trained employees in the industry.
Required:
What is the nature of the plant's problems? What recommendation would you make to help improve the situation?
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Definitions:

Lewin's Field Theory

A psychological theory proposed by Kurt Lewin, positing that human behavior is determined by the dynamic interactions between personal and environmental factors, represented as a "field."

Initiations

The process of beginning something, such as a new project, relationship, or phase.

Selective Group

A specific group chosen based on designated criteria to serve a particular purpose or to conduct a study.

Nonexperimental Design

A research approach that lacks the manipulation of an independent variable, making it difficult to determine cause and effect relationships.