Operations, Technology, Management, And Social Respon 446154 ✓ Solved
Operations, Technology, Management, and Social Responsibility Plan (With Financials)
In this assignment, you will focus on these sections of your business plan: · Operations. · Technology. · Management. · Social Responsibility. · Financials. You will revise the Operations, Social Responsibility, and Financials sections based on the feedback you received in the discussion threads and any changes you want to make to your business plan. The Technology and Management and Organization sections are new. You have not worked on these sections in your discussion threads. The assignment consists of two parts: 1. The business plan (an MS Word document). 2. Business plan financials (using the Business Plan Financials Excel Template). To successfully complete this assignment, you must attach both documents to the submission area as separate files and then click Submit.
Reminders and Notes · Your chosen company will operate in a 100-mile radius from your home address. Your goal is to reach $1 million in sales by the end of the second year. · Be sure to follow the guidelines, whether you use the snack food company scenario or the company of your choice: . Company of Your Choice Guidelines [DOCX]. · You are not starting this assignment from scratch. You have already worked on these sections of your business plan in the weekly discussions: . Operations (Week 5 discussion). . Social Responsibility (Week 6 discussion). . Financials (Week 7 discussion). Part 1: Business Plan Write a 4–8 page paper, in MS Word, in which you provide the specified information in each section.
Operations Section (1–2 pages) Notes: · Chapter 11, “Operations,” pages 195–218, provides information about developing an operations plan. The chapter also provides a sample operations plan. You've already read this chapter in Week 5. Refer to it on an as needed basis as you work on this section of your business plan. · Assign a dollar amount to each operational cost you find; you will need these figures for your financials (Business Plan Financials Excel Template). · If you are working with the snack food company scenario, be sure to use the information and costs provided in the Snack Food Company Guidelines. · Revise your post and the feedback you received on it in the Week 5 discussion thread to create your operations plan. Instructions: · Create an operations plan for your selected company expanding on each of these topics: . Facilities. 1. Consider questions such as these regarding facilities: 1. Will you rent or buy your facilities, or will you outsource production to an existing company? 1. If you are renting or buying your facilities, what utilities will be required to run the operation? 1. What will be the costs associated with any necessary utilities? . Production Process or Description of How Your Business Will Operate If Retail or Service Company. 2. Include any equipment you plan to use, if applicable. 1. Research needed equipment, such as machines, refrigerators, burners, ovens, and so on. 1. Will you rent or buy needed equipment? 1. How will you maintain and clean the equipment? 1. How will you ensure quality control? 1. What capacity do you intend to reach? 1. If you have a retail or service business, consider any equipment you might need in your process. 2. Explain your approach to inventory, as applicable. 2. Where do your supplies come from? 2. What is your turnaround time to produce your product once you have received an order? . Research and Development. 3. How will you stay abreast of new developments in the industry? 3. What new products or services are in development? . Personnel Needs in Operations. 4. How many operations employees do you plan to have? 4. What will their roles be? Management and Organization Section (1–2 pages) Notes: · Chapter 13, “Management & Organization,” pages 235–258, provides information about developing a management and organization plan. The chapter also provides a sample management and organization plan. This chapter was part of the assigned reading for this week. Refer to this chapter on an as needed basis as you work on this section of your business plan. · Be sure to include the salary costs associated with the management personnel; you will need these figures for your financials (Business Plan Financials Excel Template). Instructions: · Create a management and organization plan for your selected company expanding on each of these topics: . Key Management Employees. 1. List key management team members along with a several sentence description of each person’s relevant business background and responsibilities. . Advisors. 2. List any people you will use as advisors for your business; include a several sentence description of these individuals’ areas of expertise and their expected contribution to the business. . Management Hierarchy. 3. Outline your company’s management hierarchy using the flow charts on page 248 of your text as a guide. 3. Import/include all charts or diagrams into the MS Word document. Social Responsibility Section (1–2 pages) Notes: · Chapter 14, “Social Responsibility & Sustainability,” pages 259–270, provides information about developing your social responsibility plan. The chapter also provides a sample social responsibility and sustainability plan. You've already read this chapter in Week 6. Refer to it on an as needed basis as you work on this section of your business plan. · Revise your post and the feedback you received on it in the Week 6 discussion thread to create your social responsibility plan. Instructions: · Create a social responsibility plan for your selected company expanding on each of these topics: . Impact on Stakeholders. 1. Describe the ways your chosen company will impact stakeholders, such as employees, customers, suppliers, and the community. This is the people section of the triple bottom line. 1. What types of benefits (such as health care, flexible work hours, and opportunities for advancement and education) will your company offer employees? 1. What types of opportunities (such as classes, sponsored events, and assistance to causes and charities) will your company offer the community? . Environmental Impact. 2. Explain how your company’s activities will affect the environment. 2. Identify the steps you will take to mitigate any negative impacts. 2. How will you minimize your ecological footprint in your operations? Consider energy usage, waste disposal, recycling, using recycled materials, et cetera. Formatting Format your assignment according to these requirements: · This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. · Typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides. · You must include headings in your paper for each major topic. · Include a cover page containing the assignment title, your name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length. · Include a source list page. All sources used must be listed in your source list page and have a corresponding in-text citation. Citations and references must follow SWS format. The source list page is not included in the required page length. . Note: There is no minimum requirement for the number of resources used in this assignment. Part 2: Business Plan Financials Revise the Business Plan Financials Excel Template based on feedback from the Week 7 discussion thread and changes you make to your business plan. · Be sure the numbers in the Business Plan Financials Excel Template match any numbers included in the Operations, Technology, and Management and Organization sections of your business plan narrative. · Remember that the guidelines, whether for your own startup company or for the snack food company scenario, provide helpful information on completing the worksheets within the Business Plan Financials Excel Template. . Company of Your Choice Guidelines [DOCX] . Learning Outcomes The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is: · Create an operations, technology, and management plan for a company, including considerations for ethics and social responsibility and business financials.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
The comprehensive development of a business plan requires meticulous planning across various interconnected sections, including operations, technology, management, social responsibility, and financials. This paper illustrates a detailed business plan for a hypothetical company, “EcoFit Sportswear,” that specializes in sustainable athletic apparel, tailored to meet the criteria outlined in the assignment instructions.
Operations Plan
The operations plan for EcoFit Sportswear emphasizes location, facility management, production processes, and inventory control. The company will lease a 5,000-square-foot manufacturing facility located in an eco-industrial park to minimize environmental impact and benefit from proximity to raw material suppliers. Utilities such as electricity, water, and waste management services are projected to cost approximately $2,500 per month. The production process involves sourcing organic cotton, recycled polyester, and eco-friendly dyes. Equipment includes sewing machines, cutting tables, and packaging stations, which will be purchased outright to ensure long-term utilization.
Quality control will be maintained through regular inspections and certifications aligned with environmental standards. The capacity goal is to produce 10,000 units annually in the first year, with potential scalability as demand increases. Inventory management relies on just-in-time strategies to reduce excess stock and storage costs. Supplies are procured from certified sustainable suppliers in the region, with a typical turnaround time of two weeks from order placement to production start. R&D efforts are focused on integrating new biodegradable fabrics and exploring innovative dyeing techniques, ensuring the company stays at the forefront of sustainable fashion.
Production staff will include 15 full-time workers, including seamstresses, machine operators, and supervisors. Staff will be trained quarterly on quality standards and safety protocols to sustain operational excellence.
Technology Plan
The technology infrastructure involves implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to synchronize inventory, sales, and supply chain management, with a projected annual cost of $15,000. Hardware needs encompass computers, barcode scanners, and servers, estimated at $10,000 in total. Telecommunications involve reliable high-speed internet, VoIP phone systems, and cloud-based communication tools, totaling approximately $1,200 annually. Technology personnel will be outsourced to ensure expert management of software integrations and cybersecurity concerns, costing about $5,000 annually.
Management & Organization
EcoFit Sportswear's management team comprises a CEO with over ten years in sustainable fashion, a COO overseeing daily operations, and a CFO with extensive experience in supply chain finance. Advisors include sustainability consultants and marketing strategists. The management hierarchy is structured with the CEO at the top, supported by departmental managers, with clear reporting lines to ensure efficient communication and decision-making, illustrated through a comprehensive organizational chart.
Social Responsibility Plan
The company's commitment to social responsibility manifests through stakeholder engagement and environmental stewardship. Employees are provided with health benefits, professional development opportunities, and flexible work schedules. Community engagement includes sponsoring local environmental clean-up events and donating a portion of profits to environmental charities. Environmentally, EcoFit Sportswear aims to reduce its carbon footprint by utilizing solar energy and recycling waste fabrics. A dedicated sustainability coordinator monitors compliance and reports on environmental impact, with steps taken to implement eco-friendly production techniques and reduce water and energy consumption.
Financials
The financial forecast projects initial startup costs of approximately $500,000, covering facility leasing, equipment, initial inventory, and operational expenses. Revenue streams are derived from online and brick-and-mortar sales, projected to reach $2 million in year one with a 20% growth rate, aiming for $5 million by year three. Key financial indicators include gross margin, net profit margin, and breakeven analysis, all aligned with industry benchmarks. The detailed projections are documented in the Excel financial template, ensuring consistency with the narrative sections of the business plan.
Conclusion
Developing a comprehensive business plan involves integrating operational efficiencies, technological infrastructure, effective management, social responsibility, and accurate financial planning. The hypothetical EcoFit Sportswear illustrates how strategic planning can lead to sustainable growth while adhering to ethical standards and social responsibilities.
References
- Acumen, S. (2020). Sustainable Business Strategies. Green Publishing.
- Brown, T. (2019). Managing Operations for Green Enterprises. EcoPress.
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- Lee, A., & Carter, S. (2018). Organizational Management in Developing Markets. Business Horizons, 61(4), 453-461.
- Miller, U. (2020). Social Responsibility in Modern Business. Corporate Ethics Quarterly, 12(2), 101-118.
- Nelson, P. (2019). Integrating R&D into Business Strategies. Innovation Journal, 55, 22-30.
- O’Connor, J. (2022). Environmental Impact and Corporate Responsibility. Sustainability Today, 10(1), 15-25.
- Patel, R. (2019). Business Model Innovation. Strategic Management Journal, 40(7), 987-1004.
- Sullivan, K. (2020). Business Planning for Startup Success. Entrepreneurial Press.
- Walker, D. (2021). Effective Leadership in Family-Owned Businesses. Leadership Quarterly, 32, 54-66.