Case Study Assignment Feedback

1. Case: Operations at Whirlpool

Question (a)

The answer is required to focus on a critical discussion on the initiatives, and a discussion on how these initiatives helped Whirlpool to improve product availability, inventory and lead times.

The answer has covered relevant points.

2. Case: The Ford Production System

Question (a)

The answer is required to include an evaluation of how the production systems helped Ford gain recognition as an innovator in the automobile industry.

The answer has incorporated changes as indicated in the previous feedback. The resultant response addresses the intent of the question in an adequate manner.

However, the answer could have included an explanation regarding the necessity of change from the mass production to assembly line production system, the advantages of assembly line production etc. This would have rendered the answer more merit worthy.

3. Case: Toyota’s JIT Revolution

Question (a)

The answer is required to cover a brief introduction of Toyota, a detailed discussion on the concept of JIT and its advantages with reference to Toyota, and a brief explanation of the drawbacks of JIT and their solution.

The answer has discussed the advantages gained by Toyota after the implementation of JIT. While the answer has many relevant points, inclusion of the following advantages for Toyota is vital.

price flexibility,

quick response to customers’ demands,

high quality products at low cost,

customer satisfaction,

early detection of quality problems

Question (b)

The answer is required to cover a detailed explanation of the concept of Kanban used in Toyota, and a detailed discussion on the advantages of Kanban over the western manufacturing system.

The answer covers relevant points.