Improving operations through technology

[vce4life]

Quick question:

If we get a question that says, for example, 'Identify and describe an operations management strategy in relation to the management of quality.'

Do you think it would be wise to focus on Automation as a whole and include Robotics, CAD, CIM etc in my answer, or focus on just one of those in detail?

On my SAC I focused solely on robotics but I've noticed others have written about Automation or Computerisation in their entirety.

Thanks in advace

[_avO]

I think automation would be a nice way to describe how organisations are changing at first, then go on to talking about CAD/Robotics (etc.) will show that you also know the details of technology use in operations management.

[vce4life]

Cheers avo, I think that's what I'll do.

Also I'm struggling a little bit with POLC. According to my notes the planning stage consists of 'setting goals, analysing the sitation, developing strategies to achieve goals, implementing strategies and then monitoring and review results' (SADIM).

However the Controlling stage is 'Monitoring the systems that have been implemented as well as the financial and non-financial processes. Managers must ensure that the outcome is a desired one and that plans and work deadlines are achieved' - which seems exactly the same as the last step of planning.

Are they essentially the same, so 'controlling' is effectively a more detailed explanation of the last stage of planning?

[burbs]

I wouldn't. That's technology an whilst it can improve quality, it's not specifically a quality strategy. Use quality control, qa or tqm

[jayna]

Isnt Technology a seperate thing for Operations Strategies? F&D Layout, Technology, Quality Management, Material Mngt are the four strategies?

[_avO]

Yes, essentially all plans will be implemented and ultimately will be reviewed and evaluated. That's where controlling comes in (monitoring systems to ensure org. objectives are being met) as planning is the process of deciding the direction of where the business wants to head to and with controlling, planning can be achieved.

'Identify and describe an operations management strategy in relation to the management of quality.'

I wouldn't. That's technology an whilst it can improve quality, it's not specifically a quality strategy. Use quality control, qa or tqm

My bad I didn't read that question was just looking at the technological strategies

[vce4life]

I wouldn't. That's technology an whilst it can improve quality, it's not specifically a quality strategy. Use quality control, qa or tqm

Sorry, I meant to say technology.

[jackson1234]

The actual strategy is called the "Extensive use of Technology"