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
business; however, the final report shall be constructed as a theoretical (fictitious) company. Break even analysis including fixed and variable costs, potential revenue, and selling price Break even analysis including fixed and variable costs, potential revenue, and selling priceThe type of organization that I would like you to focus on this semester for your operations strategy is a big box, home improvement store. The obvious example home improvement retailers that would serve as good examples would be Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, etc. 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. Note: You do not need to list/identify individual products in your report. Simply use product families or categories typically found in home improvement stores such as Appliances, Flooring, Plumbing, Lumber, etc. All sales, costs, inventory, forecasting, etc. should be estimated to the best of your ability. 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, and proofreading as needed.
