Evaluate different plans for producing custom-ordered shirts.
Use the following discussion questions to guide your analysis (please ignore the questions provided at the end of the HBR case).
1) Prepare a process flow diagram for the current process. Compute the basic performance metrics (processing rate, cycle time, WIP, throughput time) for each stage of the process and the process as a whole.
2) Do the same for both of the newly recommended plans (Mike’s and Ike’s). (Note: Different batch sizes may be used at different production stages.)
3) Which plan would you recommend? Would you recommend any modifications to that plan, or some hybrid plan of your own? (You may need to make assumptions about some aspects of the company’s operations or proposed plans to complete the analysis. Please clearly state all your assumptions in the report.) Keep your write-up to about 3 typed pages, plus any appendices (spreadsheets, etc.) needed to illustrate your recommendations.