Running Head: Operation Technology And Management Plan

Running Head Operation Technology And Management Plan

Provide an operation, technology, and management plan for a company focusing on its facilities, equipment, personnel, technology infrastructure, and organizational structure. The plan should describe the company's operational setup, technology requirements including software and hardware, management hierarchy, and strategies for quality control, expansion, and efficiency improvements.

Paper For Above instruction

The operational, technological, and managerial framework of a company forms the backbone of its ability to deliver quality products efficiently and sustainably. In this comprehensive plan, details about the company's physical facilities, equipment needs, technological infrastructure, and organizational management structure are elaborated to ensure clarity in operational execution and strategic growth.

Operational Plan

The company will leverage its existing facility, which is sufficiently large to accommodate current equipment and future expansion. The operational focus centers on utilizing essential machinery such as the Mixer Beverage Filling machine, crucial for filling bottles with the company's beverages, followed by capping and labeling. To support these operations, the company requires two capping machines, a labeler, printer, four vehicles, three computers, and graphic software. Future expansion plans include leasing additional equipment such as a second labeling machine, printer, and doubling existing vehicle fleet, capping machines, and computers. These investments are aimed at scaling production capacity to meet increased demand and streamline operations.

Personnel requirements are minimal due to automation, consisting of a CEO, a computer expert, a master mixer and creator, a foreman, and a consultant—all of whom are already in place. Additional staffing involves hiring two production line foremen, establishing two shifts for the projection workforce, and two shifts for maintenance. These shifts facilitate continuous operation, essential for meeting production targets and ensuring quality. Expenses anticipated include utilities, maintenance, waste management, and other operational costs, all contributing to operational efficiency.

The use of machinery significantly reduces human error and accidents, notably in repetitive processes such as capping, which could lead to injuries if performed manually. Machines operate continuously without shifts, increasing productivity and reducing downtime, which is supported by studies indicating that automation enhances safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness (Jeston & Nelis, 2014). This automation provides the company's main competitive advantage—offering alkaline water with health benefits—a niche exploited by few competitors.

The distribution strategy incorporates wholesalers, retailers, and online platforms, expanding market reach. Ensuring product quality necessitates strict process monitoring to identify and rectify unfavorable variances promptly, maintaining consistent product standards. Financial goals include achieving sales totaling $1 million, underpinned by efficient operations and effective marketing.

Technology Plan

The company's current technological infrastructure includes graphic design software, with a pressing need for a comprehensive Business Intelligence (BI) solution. Implementing a cloud-based BI system will facilitate management oversight of operational metrics, sales, and financial data, enabling data-driven decision-making. To support this, the company must double the number of computers to accommodate more employees and enable robust data access through networking and Wi-Fi deployment.

The internet connection is vital for various operational needs, including online sales monitoring, supplier communications, and virtual meetings with distributors and stakeholders. Maintaining technological infrastructure will require outsourcing IT maintenance services to reduce costs and ensure expert support for troubleshooting and system updates. Employee training on the new BI software is critical, underscoring the importance of hiring specialized temporary personnel in IT support and training roles (Jacobs, Chase & Chase, 2010).

Management Plan

The leadership structure centers around the CEO, who is anticipated to serve in this role for at least five years, leveraging an MBA background for strategic oversight. Key personnel also include Melinda Cates, responsible for product creation and holding the patent; Ian Glass, a retired industry veteran assisting with production management; and Mary Cates, a federal trade expert providing advisory input on regulatory and consumer protection matters.

The company's governance comprises a board including the CEO, Melinda Cates, and potential investors after venture capital funding, with advisory roles held by Mary Cates and Ian Glass. Organizational hierarchy includes a Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and a Lead Foreman responsible for daily production oversight. Supporting roles include a comptroller handling accounting and procurement activities. Streamlining employee numbers is essential due to startup constraints, with management responsible for hiring decisions aligned with operational needs.

Overall, this management structure aims to balance strategic leadership with operational efficiency, fostering growth, innovation, and quality assurance as the company expands in the competitive health beverage industry.

References

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