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    FACULTY OFENGINEERING

    THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIESST. AUGUSTINE

    THE EXPENDABLES VALUE CONSULTANTS LIMNITED

    PHASE 2 INVESTIGATION OF BSAP COMPANY LTD.

    BURTON ORR 97030002

    TIMMY ALI 02724627

    SEON CHARLES 04707759

    ANTHONY

    HUTCHINSON809001943

    COLIN GREENE 04702931

    SHAM RAMGARIB 04745587

    BRENDON MUNROE 03770078

    PRMG6012 VALUE ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

    Professor Kit Fai Pun

    of

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    ii

    Letter to the Managing Director

    The Expendables Value Consultants Ltd.#2 Serpentine Rd.

    CaroniTrinidad

    [email protected] November 2010

    Managing DirectorBSAP Company Ltd.

    Dear Mr. E.S. Chan,

    The members of The Expendables Value Consultants Ltd. would like to

    express our gratitude towards your company for being hired to conduct a

    Phase-2 investigation into the issues your company is currently facing. It has

    been a pleasure working with you and our staff was glad to have contributed

    to the future success of your company.

    The attached report contains a detailed diagnosis of the problems, feasible

    solutions for the problems, focal areas for further investigation in the final

    phase and recommendations on design, implementation and monitoring of

    an improvement programme.

    The staff of The Expendables Value Consultants Ltd. can assure you that the

    recommended solutions will definitely improve the success of your company

    and establish a culture of value within your organization.

    In the event of any further consultation, please feel free to contact us.

    Yours respectfully,

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    iii

    I.E. ManLead VM ConsultantThe Expendables Consultants Limited

    Table of Contents

    Letter to the Managing Director.......................................................................................ii

    List of Figures...................................................................................................................v

    List of Tables..................................................................................................................vii

    1 .0 Introduction................................................................................................................. 8

    2 .0 Diagnosis of Main Problem and Identification of Causes..........................................9

    2.1 Cause and Effect Diagram Showing Main Problem and Possible Causes.............11

    2.1.1 Evidence of Causes......................................................................................... 11

    2.2 Short Term versus Long Term Concerns............................................................... 20

    2.3 Operational versus Corporate Concerns................................................................ 21

    2.4 Diagnosis of Situations.......................................................................................... 21

    2.4.1 Market Share................................................................................................... 21

    2.4.2 Quality Standards for CALBILD.................................................................... 27

    2.4.3 Compensation Costs........................................................................................ 29

    3 .0 Possible Solutions to the Problem............................................................................30

    3.1 Sensitivity Analysis of Options............................................................................. 363.1.1 Projected Proportions of Production among Options Generated....................37

    3.1.2 Raw Material Cost Per Square Metre of CALBILD Board............................ 38

    3.1.3 Conversion factor............................................................................................ 38

    3.1.4 Raw Material Total Costs per Tonne of CALBILD Board.............................39

    3.1.5 Procedures Adopted........................................................................................ 39

    3.1.6 Compensation Practice Approach................................................................... 41

    3.1.7 Uplifting Approach......................................................................................... 41

    3.2 Assumptions and Constraints ................................................................................43

    3.2.1 Assumptions.................................................................................................... 43

    3.2.2 Constraints...................................................................................................... 44

    4 .0 Focal Areas for Further Investigation in the Final Phase.........................................46

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    iv

    5 .0 Recommendations on Design, Implementation & Monitoring of a Improvement

    Programme....................................................................................................................... 49

    5.1 Establishment of a Value Management Framework .............................................49

    5.2 Value Management Policy..................................................................................... 52

    5.3 Value Management Programme............................................................................ 52

    5.3.1 Hiring a Value Manager.................................................................................. 54

    5.3.2 Value Management Study.............................................................................. 54

    5.4 Value Management Training................................................................................. 55

    5.5 Value Management Tools and Methods................................................................ 56

    6 .0 Conclusion................................................................................................................ 58

    References....................................................................................................................... 60

    ........................................................................................................... 61

    Appendix......................................................................................................................... 61

    Appendix A. Normal Distributions for Options Generated.........................................62

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    v

    List of Figures

    Figure 2.1: Cause and Effect Diagram Showing Main Problem and Possible Causes....11Figure 2.1: Cause and Effect Diagram Showing Main Problem and Possible Causes....11

    Table 2.1: Fibre Glass Content 2005 - 2009....................................................................17

    Table 2.2: Short Term versus Long Term Concerns........................................................20

    Table 2.3: Operational versus Corporate Concerns.........................................................21

    Table 2.4:Sales Data for CALBILD................................................................................22

    Figure 2.2: Graph showing BSAP CALBILD Market Sales...........................................26

    Figure 2.2: Graph showing BSAP CALBILD Market Sales...........................................26

    Figure 2.3: Normal Distribution of Quality Standards for CALBILD............................27

    Figure 2.3: Normal Distribution of Quality Standards for CALBILD............................27

    Table 2.5: Analysis of Quality Control Records form Machine 2 (29-01-10 to 18-02-10)

    ..........................................................................................................................................27

    Figure 2.4: Normal Distribution of CALCEIL samples..................................................28

    Figure 2.4: Normal Distribution of CALCEIL samples..................................................28

    Figure 2.5: Normal Distribution of CALBILD samples..................................................28

    Figure 2.5: Normal Distribution of CALBILD samples..................................................28Figure 2.6:Graph showing the relationship of Compensation Costs and Average %

    Fibreglass with time.........................................................................................................29

    Figure 2.6:Graph showing the relationship of Compensation Costs and Average %

    Fibreglass with time.........................................................................................................29

    Figure 3.7: Cause and Effect Diagram Showing Feasible Solutions...............................30

    Figure 3.7: Cause and Effect Diagram Showing Feasible Solutions...............................30

    Table 3.6: Feasible Options.............................................................................................34

    Table 3.7: Projected Proportions among Options Generated...........................................37

    Table 3.8: Raw Material Costs Per Square Metre of CALBILD Board..........................38

    Table 3.9: Raw Material Total Costs Per Tonne of CALBILD Board............................39

    Table 3.10: Compensation Practice Approach.................................................................41

    Table 3.11: Uplifting Approach.......................................................................................41

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    Figure 3.8: Graphs showing variations in Gross Profits for Compensation Practice &

    Uplifting Approach..........................................................................................................42

    Figure 3.8: Graphs showing variations in Gross Profits for Compensation Practice &

    Uplifting Approach..........................................................................................................42

    Figure 5.9: Illustration of Value Management Framework within an Organization.......51

    Figure 5.9: Illustration of Value Management Framework within an Organization.......51

    Figure 5.10: Expertise/Knowledge Overlap of VM Study Team for BSAP Company...55

    Figure 5.10: Expertise/Knowledge Overlap of VM Study Team for BSAP Company...55

    Figure A. 1: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 1.....................................................62

    Figure A. 2: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 2.....................................................62

    Figure A. 3: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 3.....................................................63

    Figure A. 4: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 4.....................................................63

    Figure A. 5: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 5.....................................................64

    Figure A. 6: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 6.....................................................64

    Figure A. 7: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 7.....................................................65

    Figure A. 8: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 8.....................................................65

    Figure A. 9: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 9.....................................................66

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    vii

    List of Tables

    Table 2.1: Fibre Glass Content 2005 - 2009....................................................................17Table 2.2: Short Term versus Long Term Concerns........................................................20

    Table 2.3: Operational versus Corporate Concerns.........................................................21

    Table 2.4:Sales Data for CALBILD................................................................................22

    Table 2.5: Analysis of Quality Control Records form Machine 2 (29-01-10 to 18-02-10)

    ..........................................................................................................................................27

    Table 3.6: Feasible Options.............................................................................................34

    Table 3.7: Projected Proportions among Options Generated...........................................37

    Table 3.8: Raw Material Costs Per Square Metre of CALBILD Board..........................38

    Table 3.9: Raw Material Total Costs Per Tonne of CALBILD Board............................39

    Table 3.10: Compensation Practice Approach.................................................................41

    Table 3.11: Uplifting Approach.......................................................................................41

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    8

    1 .0 Introduction

    The BSAP Company limited has been experiencing problems relating to the quality of the

    CALBILD product produced by the No. 2 machine. The symptoms arising from this situation

    that this company is most concerned with are increased complaints, higher compensation costs,

    lower market share, lower competitive power, lower revenue and lower competitive power. The

    Expendables Value Consultants has been hired by the Managing Director to carry out a Phase-2

    investigation into this problem. The objectives that are to be achieved in this investigation

    consist of the following:

    Detailed diagnosis of main problem(s) and identification of causes

    Feasible solutions for the problem(s)

    Focal areas for further investigation in the final phase, and

    Recommendations on design, implementation and monitoring of a improvement

    programme.

    This report attempts to discuss the findings from the investigation carried out and present

    any necessary recommendations.

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    2 .0 Diagnosis of Main Problem and Identification of Causes

    After comprehensive analysis of the BSAP Case, the Expendables Value Consultants

    identified the overarching problem to be that ofPOORproduct quality of the CALBILD product

    where significant batches fail to meet the B.S. strength specification of 86 Kgm.

    A review of the memoranda provided by BSAP Company Limited has revealed the following

    symptoms of the overarching problem of poor product quality. These symptoms are listed below.

    SYMPTOMS:

    The following symptoms have been identified:

    Increase in complaints

    Higher compensation costs

    Lower market share

    Lower competitive power

    Lower revenue

    Poor company image

    CAUSES:

    The causes of these symptoms can be categorized into five major sections and

    represented in the cause and effect diagram shown below.

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    10

    The categories of the causes of the symptoms are as follows:

    Communication

    Personnel

    Quality Control

    Strengthener Material

    Equipment

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    11

    2.1 Cause and Effect Diagram Showing Main Problem and Possible

    Causes

    Poor Product Qualit

    (CALBILD)

    Strengthener Material

    Quality Control

    Equipment

    PersonnelCommunication

    Increase in MachineNo. 2 variability from

    2005 - 2010

    Poor staffattitude

    towards quality

    Large Variations inproduction quality

    control

    Chaos between

    quality controlof 2 products

    Mixing of quality

    control recordsprovided

    Failure of staff toaccept responsibility

    Absence ofStandards

    Insufficient inter-

    departmentcommunication

    Lack of inf ormaldiscussion

    Lack ofmaintenance

    Lack ofinvestment

    Old / Substandardmachine

    Low fibre glasscontent

    Increase incost of fibre glass

    Absence ofalternative materials

    to chose from

    Increase in complaints

    High Compensation Costs

    Lower Market Share

    Lower competitive power

    Lower revenue

    Poor Company Image

    Figure 2.1: Cause and Effect Diagram Showing Main Problem and Possible Causes

    2.1.1 Evidence of Causes

    Reference is made to the memoranda and data collected from BSAP as evidence to the

    causes of the problems arising.

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    12

    COMMUNICATION

    i. Lack of Formal discussions

    Memorandum No. 2 clearly indicates that the Production Director was upset that the

    Sales Director raised the problem of outgoing quality at the Board Meetings without

    consulting him first. The memorandum seems to suggest that the Production Directors

    style of communication is personal and informal, while the Sales Director communication

    style is more formal and objective as can been seen in Memo No. 1 & 4. The Managing

    Director responded almost two weeks after the Board meeting held on the 25th February

    2010 on the findings of the Sales Director. This shows that managers are not

    communicating in a timely manner to solve the companys numerous problems.

    In Memorandum No.3 the Sales Director stated that he found the previous meeting was

    non-productive and there seemed to be disagreement on certain issues. It is also inferred

    in Memorandum 1 Memo 2 that there is a lack of properly setting and circulating an

    agenda before a meeting, which adds to the inefficiency of a meeting.

    ii. InsufficientInter-department Communication

    It also appears that the Sales and Production departments are disconnected when in fact

    they are supposed to be closely communicating because decisions made in both

    departments have company-wide impact.

    Poor communication can also be seen through the difficulty of one department to attain

    data from another department. If there were suitable communication tools and methods in

    place and employees were trained in using these tools and methods this would result in

    timely and accurate distribution of information needed.

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    PERSONNEL

    i. Poor Staff attitude towards quality

    Memorandum No. 1 outlines the statements made by the Sales Director concerning the

    working attitude of sales department. He stated that there seems to be a great deal of

    slackness in the selling operation. The Sales representatives are far too prone to making

    unrealistic delivery promises and reporting of customer visits are sloppy. This is all due

    to their clear lack of directive as to what is expected of them. If the sales representatives

    do not understand the uses or differences in CALCEIL and CALBILD they can sell the

    wrong product to customers who would in turn lead to increased customer dissatisfaction

    and resulting in increase compensation cost poor company image, and decreased market

    share.

    In Memo No. 4, the Sales Director aired his belief that a great deal depends on the

    personal attitudes of the Production Managers concerned. In Memo No. 11, the Sales

    Manager stated that he believes all problems would disappear if the Production people

    were to roll up their sleeves and introduce procedures to meet quality specifications.

    In Memo No.9, the Works Manager does not see a problem with quality variability as he

    believes it is comparable to that achieved by the main competitors.

    It can also be inferred that employees may be dissatisfied with their compensation

    packages and in turn this is represented in their lack of devotion to their jobs. It also

    seems that top management is not trained in management skills and practices. There

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    seems to be an overall lack of professionalism needed at the executive level of the

    company.

    ii. Mixing of quality control records provided

    In memorandum No. 4, the Sales Director indicated to the Board of Directors that some

    exploratory work in my department has revealed a number of serious problems in the

    quality. He believes that unless the problems are dealt with, the companys ability to

    compete will be placed in jeopardy and future profitability endangered.

    He indicated that quality standards on our many products vary enormously from one

    product to another and was unable to ascertain why the quality specifications for other

    products are not met. It is inferred that a great deal seems to depend on the personal

    attitudes of the production managers concerned.

    The mixing of the records were discovered where the control records provided in Memo4

    represented both CALBILD and CALCEIL products. The mixing of records can create

    misconceptions and be misleading to management.

    iii. Failure of Staff to accept responsibility

    Memorandum No. 4 seeks to infer that the Sales and Production departments appear to be

    disconnected when in fact they should operating as an integrated unit because decisions

    made in both departments have company-wide impact. Neither department is willing to

    take ownership of the problems. It also seems that employees of BSAP Ltd. are not held

    accountable for their mistakes and no proper evaluation system is in replace to ensure

    training and re-training of employees in their various roles.

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    QUALITY CONTROL

    i. Absence of Standards

    In Memo 1, the Sales Director informed the Managing Director that he has initiated a

    series of meetings with the area sales managers and they have already made significant

    progress in working out new procedures and methods, which hopefully, will lead to more

    aggressive selling. This statement seems to imply that there is a need to develop and

    implement new procedures and methods. Due to the lack of clearly outlined procedures,

    there is no system to guide consistency and support company performance. This can be

    seen by the Sales department inability to set delivery times and stick to them and

    reporting of customer visits which was deemed as being sloppy by the Sales Director.

    Lack of clear standards has also resulted in a lot of money being spent to compensate

    customers as indicated in Memorandum No. 4.

    ii. Chaos between quality control of two products

    In Memorandum No. 7, the Technical Development Officer stated that he was puzzled by

    the frequency distribution of strength that was presented from No.2 machine. He stated

    that this data may refer to CALCEIL, another product containing fibreglass strengthener

    but not intended for the same application as CALBILD. A conclusion can de deduced

    that due to human error, the quality control records that were presented by the Sales

    Director were mixed up, as the data provided showed that both products were

    manufactured using the same machine.

    The quality control records from Machine No.2 revealed that 57% of the data was

    referring to the correct product, CALBILD and 43% of data collected was referred to

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    another product type, CALCEIL, which was attributable to one of the main causes for the

    high variability problem in product strength.

    iii. Large Variations in Production Quality Control

    Close examination of CALBILD samples revealed that the mean strength is still

    approximately 1.7 Kgm below the British Standard (BS) specification of 86 Kgm; and its

    standard deviation is 2 kgm greater than that of the initial level of 6 kgm that was

    achieved five years ago, when the machine was first commissioned.

    The Sales Director disclosed that the quality standards on many products vary

    enormously from one product to another. He also stated that he was unable to discover

    why the quality specifications for other products are not met.

    The Technical Development Officer stated that he understands what the company could

    stand to gain by reducing the variability. He believes increase investment is needed on

    No.2 machine in order to achieve this lower variability. We were also informed that the

    quality inspectors are told to reject a batch if the strength falls below 78 kgm. However

    batches with strengths in the range 70-78 kgm are sold as seconds. Batches lower that 70

    kgm are scrapped. In this case 16 % of material are scrapped or sold as seconds. 40 % of

    accepted product will lie below the B.S specification of 86 Kgm.

    STRENGTHENER MATERIAL

    i. Increase in the cost of fibre glass

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    Memorandum No. 7 indicates clearly, as stated by the Technical Development Manager

    that there has been a 10% increase in the cost of fibre glass, the second rise in the last

    twelve months.

    The Sales Manager stated in Memo No. 11 that they do not have data in the right form to

    show how the cost of customer complaints has varied with the proportion of fibre glass

    strengthener. He went on to explain that, some idea of the effect can be seen by

    displaying the cost of compensating the customer alongside the average % fibre glass for

    each of the years 2005-2009.

    Table 2.1: Fibre Glass Content 2005 - 2009

    Year Average % Fibre Glass Compensation Cost($)

    2005 47.8 100, 0002006 46.2 140, 0002007 41.8 260, 0002008 39.3 320, 0002009 37.5 400, 000

    Overall, there has been a decrease of 10.3 % in fibreglass from 2005 to 2009.

    In Memo 12, the Works Manager stated that BSAP Ltd. made the decision to deliberately

    decrease the fibreglass content over the years to cut production costs. However, BSAP

    Ltd. needs to determine whether lowering the fibreglass content is worth diminishing the

    companys image and paying high compensation cost. This has resulted in decreased

    market share for the period 2006 2009.

    Although BSAPs market share has decrease from 2006, it appears that sales have

    increased (See Table in Memorandum No. 8). This indicates an increase in the local

    market due to expansion of the construction industry. This resulted in increased sales

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    revenue for BSAP Ltd. It is to quite notable as well to observe that as the fiberglass

    content increases, the cost of wood flour and resin decreases (See Table 2 in

    Memorandum No. 7), thereby mitigating some of the increase in total unit price.

    ii. Low fibreglass content

    The Production Director informed the Board that the B.S specification of 86 Kgm can be

    achieved for CALBILD quite easily by introducing more fibreglass strengthener. There

    needs to be a minimum amount of Fibreglass strengthener used in the manufacturing

    process for CALBILD for the product to meet the specifications. In Memorandum No.

    11, the Sales Director provided an estimate of the change in fibreglass content for the

    period 2005 2009. This is shown in the table below.

    Year Average % Fibre Glass % Change in FibreGlass Content

    2005 47.8 02006 46.2 - 1.62007 41.8 - 4.42008 39.3 - 2.52009 37.5 - 1.8

    As the company started to lower the % Fibre glass in an attempt to reduce production costs it was

    in fact leading to the a decrease in the product quality and hence increased customer complaints .

    iii. Absence of alternative materials to choose from

    Inference is made in the memoranda since the Works Manager made a deliberate

    decrease in the fiberglass content to maintain production costs. It is also inferred that

    there may either be a sole supplier or a regulated industry price for this raw material to

    the Company since the cost of glass fiber has increased twice within the last 12 months.

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    EQUIPMENT

    i. Lack of investment

    The Technical Department Manager believes investment is needed on No. 2 machine to

    lower variability however he is not sure if the economic climate would allow.

    The Works Manager stated in Memo 13 that the decrease in fiberglass content over the

    years was to cut production costs.

    ii. Lack of maintenance

    Lack of maintenance is inferred in the case by the increasing variability or increasing

    standard deviation of the machine. This can be a combination of lack of maintenance, use

    of substandard parts, or lack of applicable knowledge in repair and maintenance of the

    machine. The cumulative effect of this over the 5 year period substantiates the sentiments

    expressed by the Technical Department Manager in the above point about investment

    being needed.

    iii. Old/Substandard Machines

    Evidence of use of old equipment in BSAP Ltd. is seen by the Works Manager being

    unable to keep an appointment because he had to attend an urgent meeting on the

    difficulties that Production is experiencing with No.4 machine. In Memo 10 the

    Technical Department Manager stated that he believes increase investment is needed on

    No.2 machine in order to achieve this lower variability.

    It appears that the company is experiencing major problems with its production machine

    lines, mainly machine 2 and 4. These problems contribute to the product strength

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    variability which in turn contributes to wastage, higher compensation cost and customer

    dissatisfaction.

    iv. Increase in Machine No. 2 Variability from 2005 2010

    The Technical Director, in Memorandum No. 10 indicated that a critical analysis was

    done into the query about the variability in strength of test samples of CALBILD from

    No.2 machine (See Table in Memorandum No. 4). It revealed that there is agreement that

    the standard deviation of 8 Kgms for these results is high compared with tests made when

    the machine was installed five years ago. According to records, the standard deviation

    achieved about five years ago was 6 Kgms. The Technical director stated that he sees no

    reason why this variability could not be achieved again with adequate control of the

    process. He also believes that the company could gain by reducing the variability even

    further since quality specifications could be achieved with lower fibreglass content. There

    is doubt however as to whether this lower variability could be achieved by improving

    quality control over and above that needed to reduce variability to the level in 2005. The

    lower variability, he believes could be achieved if investment on No.2 machine is done,

    however in the present economic climate he does not see this justifiable.

    2.2 Short Term versus Long Term Concerns

    The following table shows the short term versus long term concerns of the BSAP Company.

    Table 2.2: Short Term versus Long Term Concerns

    Short Term Long Term

    Machine Variability Decreased Market Share

    Customer Complaints Undesirable Organization Culture

    Poor Quality Control Poor Company Image

    Higher Compensation Costs Decreased Competitive Power

    Alternate Materials/Suppliers

    Total Quality Management

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    2.3 Operational versus Corporate Concerns

    The following table shows the operational versus corporate concerns of the BSAP Company.

    Table 2.3: Operational versus Corporate Concerns

    Operational Corporate

    Lack of machine maintenance Lack of capital investment into MachineNo. 2

    Increased variability of Machine No. 2 Poor Company Image

    Poor Quality Control Lower Revenue

    Ownership of Responsibility Lower Market Share

    Inefficient Meetings Lower Competitive Power

    Poor Communication betweenDepartments

    High Compensation Costs

    Reduced Fibreglass Content Increased Customer Complaints

    2.4 Diagnosis of Situations

    Using the data provided in the memorandums, the following situations were analyzed in an

    effort to diagnose the main problem.

    2.4.1 Market Share

    Using the sales data for CALBILD (Memorandum 8), the following market share figures

    were calculated.

    Constraints and Assumptions

    The assumption made in this calculation is that the BSAP sales presented represent both

    First and Second batches.

    One constraint is that the BSAP sales for the second quarter of 2010 along with the

    annual local sales are estimated figures.

    The following table displays the sales data along with the market share figures.

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    2.4.1.1 Analysis of Given DataTable 2.4:Sales Data for CALBILD

    Year

    Quarter

    BSAP Sales(Tonnes)

    Annual Local Sales(Tonnes)

    Market Share

    2006

    1 230

    6,000

    2 390

    3 540

    4 380

    2007

    1 260

    7,100

    2 440

    3 520

    4 410

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    Year

    Quarter

    BSAP Sales(Tonnes)

    Annual Local Sales(Tonnes)

    Market Share

    2008

    1 290

    8,300

    2 503

    3 505

    4 490

    2009

    1 350

    8,800

    2 560

    3 540

    4 460

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    Year

    Quarter

    BSAP Sales(Tonnes)

    Annual Local Sales(Tonnes)

    Market Share

    2010

    1 390

    9,600

    2 600

    Calculation of Market Share

    The BSAP market share for each year was found using the following calculation:

    Sample Calculation:

    The market share for 2006 was calculated as follows:

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    These results are presented graphically below.

    Figure 2.2: Graph showing BSAP CALBILD Market Sales

    From the graph shown in Figure 2.2, it can be seen that BSAP recorded a gradual decline in

    the market share between the period 2006 to 2009. This was then followed by an acute, steady

    decline from 2009 to 2010. This trend suggests that a problem exists with the CALBILD

    product. It is also known that the fibre glass content of the CALBILD product has decreased

    during 2005 to 2009 (Memorandum 11). Therefore, it can be deduced that the poor quality of the

    CALBILD product is indirectly responsible for this decrease in sales further resulting in a

    decline in the market share. This decline in sales creates a poor company image, lowers the

    competitive power and generates lower revenue.

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    2.4.2 Quality Standards for CALBILD

    BSAPs existing standard accepts all products with strengths greater than 78 kgm. Batches

    with strengths between 70-78 kgm are considered seconds and those that are lower than 70 kgm

    are scrapped. This is shown in the following diagram.

    Figure 2.3: Normal Distribution of Quality Standards for CALBILD

    Table 2.5: Analysis of Quality Control Records form Machine 2 (29-01-10 to 18-02-10)

    Order No. B.S. Standard Sample size Mean strength(kgm) StandardDeviation (kgm)

    824* Not given 43 64.9 7.1

    825* 86 kgm 57 83.3 7.3

    Sample Calculations

    Mean =

    Standard Deviation =

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    Figure 2.4: Normal Distribution of CALCEIL samples

    Figure 2.5: Normal Distribution of CALBILD samples

    As shown in figure 2.5 above, out of the 57 samples of CALBILD, more than half of the

    population (63%) failed to meet the B.S. specified strength of 86 kgm. Additionally,

    approximately 41% of the samples lie within one standard deviation of the required mean (78-86

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    kgm) and this would have been sold as first second. This area is also where most of the

    customer complaints and compensation are generated. Just about 10% of the samples would fall

    in the seconds category and the remaining 11.5% would have been scrapped.

    2.4.3 Compensation Costs

    The actual relationship between compensation costs and the proportion of fibreglass

    strengtheners is not available (Memorandum 11) but an approximation of their relationship was

    obtained dividing the annual output by the annual fibreglass usage to compute the raw material

    cost and plotting it against the yearly compensation costs. This is shown in the following

    diagram.

    Figure 2.6:Graph showing the relationship of Compensation Costs and Average % Fibreglass with time

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    3 .0 Possible Solutions to the Problem

    The following diagram illustrates some possible solutions to the problem that BSAP Company

    Limited is currently facing.

    Good Product Quali

    (CALBILD)

    Strengthener Material

    Quality Control

    Equipment

    PersonalCommunication

    Decrease in MachineNo. 2 variability from

    Quality ControlSystem

    Performanceappraisal system

    Make aware of jobdescriptions

    Total QualityManagement

    More info rmalmeeting

    2-waycommunication

    Moremaintenance

    Buy newmachine

    Moreinvestment

    Alternative Supplier

    Increase proportionof fibre glass

    Decrease in complaints

    Low Compensation Costs

    Higher Market Share

    Increase competitive powe

    Increase revenue

    improve Company Image

    Figure 3.7: Cause and Effect Diagram Showing Feasible Solutions

    The above cause and effect diagram indicates feasible solutions which can be undertaken

    to alleviate some of the problems faced by BSAP Co. Ltd. It must be stressed that most of the

    solutions under the various headlines are general solutions based on the views of the consultancy

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    team. It must be noted however that there are two solutions where sufficient information is

    available thus enabling our consulting team to deliberate in detail. These solutions are

    highlighted in red on the diagram. Below is a discussion on the proposed solutions.

    COMMUNICATION

    i. More informal meetings

    Improved communication inter-department is crucial so as to enable successful liaison

    inter and intra departments. To improve this, our consultancy team suggests the use of the

    following methods:

    (a) An open door policy which will foster more efficient decision making between

    employess and supervisors.

    (b) Regular feedback be provided via suggestion box or debriefing sessions to improve

    quality of work

    (c) A well computerized management information system linking all departments and

    enabling effective communication.

    ii. Two way communication

    To improve this we suggest a workshop for management and employees on

    communication skills. Additionally, a team can be appointed to deal with

    communications on a regular basis so as to boost employee morale.

    PERSONNEL

    i. Performance Appraisal System

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    Implement a performance appraisal system to evaluate performance of employees and

    ensure employees receive re-training in their various roles if necessary. This ensures that

    staff is accountable and is linked to their functions and reporting structure.

    Clearly defined job descriptions must be provided for employees and re-training is done

    as the need arises for revision of job descriptions.

    QUALITY CONTROL

    i. Total Quality Management

    Implementation of a Quality Management System ( ISO 9001 :2008) which will require

    thatBSAP do the following :-

    - Develop a set of procedures that cover all key processes in the business;

    - Monitor processes to ensure they are effective;

    - Keep adequate records;

    - Check output for defects, with appropriate and corrective action where necessary;

    - Regularly review individual processes and the quality system itself for effectiveness;

    and facilitate continuous improvement

    ii. Quality Control System

    Establish formal direct feedback loop between production and inspection departments to

    ensure product quality is maintained during production runs

    Establish Measurable key performance indicators per department which utilizes a

    performance framework such as a Balance scorecard to assess and discuss ways to

    continuously improve performance. Production KPIs should be based on a combination

    of both quality and quantity.

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    STRENGTHENER MATERIAL

    i. Increased proportion of fibre glass

    By increasing the fiberglass content the following will occur:

    - Improved quality of the CALBILD Board

    - Reduced consumer complaints

    - A greater market share

    - Reduced overall cost of production

    ii. Alternative Supplier

    - Source and alternative supplier of make arrangements with present supplier to have

    reduced cost when purchasing in bulk.

    EQUIPMENT

    i. Purchase New Machines

    BSAP should consider budgeting for a complete machine upgrade. New equipment

    coupled with proper training in its use will reduce variability in product quality.

    ii. More maintenance

    Establish clear maintenance procedures regarding equipment. This will include

    preventative maintenance and repair procedures.

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    iii. More investment

    More investment is necessary for the following:

    - Training employees in the effective use, repair and maintenance of machines

    - purchasing of new equipment to improve product quality

    - Research and development to improve product quality

    iv. Decrease in machine No. 2 Variability

    Since reference is made substantially about the variability of Machine No. 2, we suggest

    that a trial be done to ascertain which product is best suited for manufacturing in this

    machine. Once this is done then this machine can be solely dedicated to a specific

    product. This will not only reduce variations in the setup of production runs but also

    optimize product quality and reduce cost of maintenance.

    From the cause and effect diagram shown in Figure 3.7 there are numerous feasible

    options emerging from combinations of fibre glass content and machine variability. Each

    option identified will be analyzed based on two approaches i.e. Compensation Practice

    versus Uplifting Approach. Feasible Options

    In this section the feasible options will be generated and the implications of each option

    will be analyzed. The following table contains a list of feasible options.

    Table 3.6: Feasible Options

    Optio

    ns

    Mean Strength of

    CALBILD/(kgm)

    Standard Deviation/Variability of

    No. 2 machine

    1 83.3 8 (current situation)

    2 86 6

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    3 86 8

    4 92 8

    5 92 6

    6 98 8

    7 98 6

    8 104 89 104 6

    Option 1 Do Nothing This option involves leaving the present situation as is i.e. leaving

    the current fibre glass content unchanged (36.1 %) and the machine variability of 8. This

    situation yields a mean fibre glass content of 83.3 kgm.

    Option 2 This option involves increasing the fibre glass content to 38.3 % to yield an expected

    mean sample strength of 86 kgm. This option also involves changing the standard deviation of

    the machine to 6 kgm.

    Option 3 This option involves increasing the fibre glass content to 38.3 % to yield an expected

    mean sample strength of 86 kgm. The machines standard deviation is left unchanged in this

    option.

    Option 4 This option involves increasing the fibre glass content to 44.4 % to yield an expected

    mean sample strength of 92 kgm. The machines standard deviation is left unchanged in this

    option.

    Option 5 This option involves increasing the fibre glass content to 44.4 % to yield an expected

    mean sample strength of 92 kgm. This option also involves changing the standard deviation of

    the machine to 6 kgm.

    Option 6 This option involves increasing the fibre glass content to 51.7 % to yield an expected

    mean sample strength of 98 kgm. The machines standard deviation is left unchanged in this

    option.

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    Option 7 This option involves increasing the fibre glass content to 51.7 % to yield an expected

    mean sample strength of 98 kgm. This option also involves changing the machines variability to

    6 kgm.

    Option 8 This option involves increasing the fibre glass content to 62 % to yield an expected

    mean sample strength of 104 kgm. The machines variability is left unchanged in this option.

    Option 9 This option involves increasing the fibre glass content to 62 % to yield an expected

    mean sample strength of 104 kgm. This option also involves changing the machines variability

    to 6 kgm.

    3.1 Sensitivity Analysis of Options

    In this section, the options that were generated above would be exposed to a sensitivity

    analysis which involves the application of the Compensation Practice and Uplifting Approach to

    determine which approach yields more profits. Sections 3.1.1 to 3.1.5 discuss the preliminary

    analyses whose results were used to execute the sensitivity analysis.

    Compensation Practice

    This approach involves using the existing standard for CALBILD which classifies all

    batches of strength 78 kgm or more as acceptable product. This approach requires that customers

    be compensated for any complaints. With this approach Grade 1 and 2 batches are sold at $5.00

    per square metre and Grade 3 batches at $2.70 per square metre. In this approach Grade 1

    batches are considered to be First (> 86 kgm), Grade 2 batches to be First-Second (78-86 kgm)

    and Grade 3 batches to be Seconds (70-78 kgm).

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    Uplifting Approach

    This approach involves the increasing of the acceptance level to from 78 kgm to 86 kgm.

    This is where whatever was originally considered as First-Second class (i.e. > 86 kgm) will be

    considered class. Grade 1 and Grade 2 batches will represent First and First-Seconds respectively

    and they will be sold at $5.00 per square metre while Grade 3 batches will represent Seconds and

    this product will be sold at $2.70 per square metre.

    3.1.1 Projected Proportions of Production among Options Generated

    Based on the generated options, the proportions of production was determined and

    presented below using normal distribution curves. These results are summarized in Table 3.9.

    Shifting of Means, Adjustment of Machine variability and their implications

    The diagrams presented in Appendix A: Normal Distributions for Options Generated

    shows how the various options affect the mean strength of CALBILD and the proportions of

    First, First Second, Seconds and Scrap produced. It can be seen that by increasing the

    percentage of fibreglass, the mean strength of the product increases. This produces more of the

    First class batch. Secondly, by adjusting the machine variability form 8 to 6, the amount of First

    Second produced is increased. This increase in First Second production could result in increased

    compensation costs.

    Table 3.7: Projected Proportions among Options Generated

    Options First FirstSecond

    Second Scrap Total

    1 40.52% 35.90% 18.93% 4.65% 100%

    2 50.00% 41.31% 8.28% 0.41% 100%

    3 50.00% 34.10% 13.60% 2.30% 100%

    4 83.00% 13.08% 3.62% 0.30% 100%

    5 85.08% 13.90% 1.01% 0.01% 100%

    6 93.57% 5.83% 0.58% 0.02% 100%

    7 97.72% 2.24% 0.045% 0.00% 100%

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    8 98.75% 1.19% 0.06% 0.00% 100%

    9 99.86% 0.14% 0.00% 0.00% 100%

    3.1.2 Raw Material Cost Per Square Metre of CALBILD Board

    In order to determine the gross profits from each option, the costs to produce CALBILD

    product must be determined. Therefore, the following table was computed to reflect the total

    costs based on a 10 % fibre increase (as stated in Memorandum 7).

    Table 3.8: Raw Material Costs Per Square Metre of CALBILD Board

    Option

    s

    %

    G.F

    (1)G.F.O

    .Cost

    (2)G.F.N.

    Cost (10%increase)

    (3)Wood

    FCost

    (4)Resi

    nCost

    (1+3+4)

    OldTotal

    (2+3+4)New

    Total

    1 36.1 0.79 0.87 0.40 0.36 1.55 1.63

    2 38.3 0.84 0.92 0.38 0.36 1.58 1.66

    3 38.3 0.84 0.92 0.38 0.36 1.58 1.66

    4 44.4 0.98 1.08 0.34 0.36 1.68 1.78

    5 44.4 0.98 1.08 0.34 0.36 1.68 1.78

    6 51.7 1.13 1.24 0.29 0.36 1.78 1.89

    7 51.7 1.13 1.24 0.29 0.36 1.78 1.89

    8 62.0 1.35 1.49 0.21 0.35 1.91 2.05

    9 62.0 1.35 1.49 0.21 0.35 1.91 2.05

    3.1.3 Conversion factor

    The determination of a conversion factor was necessary since the costs in Table 3.8

    represents cost per metre and the BSAP sales figures shown in Memorandum 9 are in tonnes.

    Therefore, these costs were recalculated to represent costs per tonne since the cost to produce a

    percentage of sales will be determined by multiplying the cost per tonne by the BSAP sales in

    tonnes. The calculation of the conversion factor is shown below.

    Weight of standard sheet of CALBILD board = 31.5 kg 0.0315 tonnes

    Area of standard sheet of CALBILD board = 3.0 m 1.5 m = 4.5 m2

    4.5 m2 0.0315 tonnes

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    => 1 tonne =

    = 142.86 m2

    3.1.4 Raw Material Total Costs per Tonne of CALBILD Board

    Using the conversion factor that was determined above, the following table was produced.

    Table 3.9: Raw Material Total Costs Per Tonne of CALBILD Board

    Options

    %G.F

    Total(Costper

    SquareMetre)

    Total(Costper

    Tonne)

    1 36.1 1.63 232.86

    2 38.3 1.66 237.153 38.3 1.66 237.15

    4 44.4 1.78 254.29

    5 44.4 1.78 254.29

    6 51.7 1.89 270.01

    7 51.7 1.89 270.01

    8 62 2.05 292.86

    9 62 2.05 292.86

    3.1.5 Procedures Adopted

    This section outlines the procedures for determination of the gross profit and

    compensation costs. This profit was determined by subtracting the cost of goods sold from the

    revenue. In the case of the compensation approach, compensation costs were also subtracted. The

    following formulas used to obtain revenue and cost of goods sold.

    3.1.5.1 Calculation of Revenue

    Revenue from Proportion = BSAP Sales (2010)* Projected Proportion of Production

    Selling Price per sq/m Conversion factor

    *see Section 3.1.5.4 for determination of BSAP sales for 2010.

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    3.1.5.2 Calculation of Cost of Proportion of CALBILD sold

    Cost of proportion sold= BSAP Sales (2020) Projected Proportion of Production Total

    Raw Material Cost per tonne

    3.1.5.3 Determination of Compensation Costs

    Compensation costs for the Compensation Practice approach were determined by

    interpolating the data given in Memorandum 11 to arrive at compensation costs for each of the

    options generated.

    3.1.5.4 Determination of Revenue for Quarter 3 and 4 for 2010

    The BSAP sales for the remaining two quarters of 2010 were calculated using the same

    rate of change experienced during quarter 3 and 4 of 2009. From this reasoning, quarter three and

    four sales were determined to be 579 tonnes and 493 tonnes respectively. These estimations

    resulted in total sales for 2010 of 2062 tonnes.

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    3.1.6 Compensation Practice Approach

    The following table displays the projected gross profits for the options generated using the

    Compensation Practice Approach.

    Table 3.10: Compensation Practice Approach

    Options

    %FibreGlas

    s

    GrossProfit(Grade1) / $

    GrossProfit(Grade2) / $

    GrossProfit

    (Grade 3)/ $

    Compensation Costs / $

    TotalGross

    Profit / $

    1 36.1 402,253.90 356,389.81 59,667.63 500,000.00* 318,311.34

    2 38.3 491,941.65 406,442.19 25,366.23 364,444.44 559,305.6

    33 38.3 491,941.65 335,504.21 41,664.34 364,444.44 504,665.7

    6

    4 44.4 787,288.71 124,069.11 9810.66 189,090.91 732,077.57

    5 44.4 807,018.36 131,847.15 2737.23 189,090.91 752,511.83

    6 51.7 857,219.08 53,410.14 1383.87 0.00 912,013.09

    7 51.7 895,238.31 21,437.35 119.30 0.00 916,794.96

    8 62.0 858,146.66 10,341.21 114.89 0.00 868,602.76

    9 62.0 867,792.67 1216.61 0.00 0.00 869,009.28

    *Includes administrative costs

    3.1.7 Uplifting Approach

    The following table displays the projected gross profits for the options generated using the

    Uplifting Approach.

    Table 3.11: Uplifting Approach

    Options

    %FibreGlass

    Gross Profit(Grade 1) / $

    Gross Profit(Grade 2) / $

    Gross Profit(Grade 3) / $

    Total GrossProfit / $

    1 36.1 402,253.90 113,157.32 59,667.63 575,078.85

    2 38.3 491,941.65 126,555.44 25,366.23 643,863.32

    3 38.3 491,941.65 104,467.21 41,664.34 638,073.20

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    4 44.4 787,288.71 35,448.47 9,810.66 832,547.84

    5 44.4 807,018.36 37,670.78 2,737.23 847,426.37

    6 51.7 857,219.08 13,910.27 1,383.87 872,513.22

    7 51.7 895,238.31 5,344.60 119.30 900,702,21

    8 62.0 858,146.66 2,278.63 114.89 860,540.18

    9 62.0 867,792.67 268,07 0.00 868,060.74

    Figure 3.8: Graphs showing variations in Gross Profits for Compensation Practice & Uplifting Approach

    From the graph shown above it can be seen that the Uplifting Approach is more

    profitable below a fibre glass content of 51.7 %. At this point the machine variability is 8.

    Beyond a fibre glass content of 51.7 %, the Compensation Practice becomes more profitable.

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    3.2 Assumptions and Constraints

    This section outlines the assumptions and constraints that were taken into account when

    performing the phase 2 investigation of the BSAP Company Ltd.

    3.2.1 Assumptions

    BSAP is a medium-sized company Based on the market share calculations presented

    in Section 2.4.1, it was seen that BSAP Ltd. owned an average of 23% of the market.

    Accurate information It is assumed that the information contained in the memos is

    accurate.

    Inefficient policies and procedures According to Memorandum 1, the Sales Director

    states that he is currently working with the Sales Manager to develop new procedures and

    methods to create more aggressive selling.

    Absence of quality assurance and control programme According to Memorandum 4,

    the Sales Director indicated that he have been unable to discover why the quality

    specifications are not met and he suggests the setting up of a working party to improve

    quality of products. Also, according to Memorandum 11, the Sales Manager expressed

    dissatisfaction in the Production Department not being able to introduce procedures to

    meet quality specifications.

    Unaware of job descriptions According to Memorandum 1, the Sales Director stated

    that representatives of the Operations Department lacked a clear directive of what is

    expected of them.

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    Sales Data for CALBILD product- The sales data for CALBILD (Memorandum 8)

    represents First and First-Second batches. It was also assumed that the sales data can

    be projected. Projection was done for Q3 and Q4 of 2010. The same rate of change for

    Q3 and Q4 of 2009 was applied to 2010 during the same period.

    Estimated fixed costs It was assumed that fixed costs were constant for all fixed cost

    items. This assumption allowed for simplicity in calculations.

    Variable costs It was assumed that some variable cost items and others such as labour

    and production costs remained unchanged as the raw materials varied. The total raw

    material costs were used for its corresponding option calculation.

    Estimated Compensation Costs (including Administrative Costs) It was assumed

    that 100% of compensation costs were incurred due to the sales of the First-Second

    products since they all fell below the B.S. specification of 86 kgm.

    3.2.2 Constraints

    Machine data - Lack of data relating to the maintenance cost of No. 2 Machine

    Compensation costs Lack of data relating to the compensation costs for % fibre glass

    over 47.8%

    Limited data Data provided is limited to that provided in the Memos. More

    investigation is required in the third phase.

    Insufficient Sales Data Sales forecast for 2010 was incomplete.

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    4 .0 Focal Areas for Further Investigation in the Final Phase

    The Expendables Value Consultants recommended the following areas to be considered for

    further investigation:

    Strategic Objectives - Top management should review the companys strategic

    objectives in order to produce a clear company mission and vision for the employees

    (Memo 1).

    Job Description - The sales representatives may be unclear about their job

    description (Memo 1). This concern is raised by the Sales Director and can be

    addressed by reviewing the job specifications of the employees and developing a

    Performance Appraisal System.

    Compensation costs versus Fibre glass content - A study into the change in

    compensation costs with fibreglass content above 47.8% (Memo 11). This would

    enable a more precise calculation of profits for options with fibreglass content over

    this amount.

    Quality Assurance and Quality Control - There is no implication that the BSAP

    Company employs a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Programme (Memo 4 & 11).

    This programme would aid in determining the reasons why the quality specifications

    are not being met. A more accurate testing and measuring procedure or equipment

    should be considered as the current procedure is unable to give an accuracy of more

    than 1 kgm (Memo 7).

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    Alternate suppliers - The Company should investigate whether alternate suppliers

    for raw materials can be explored. The memos suggest that the company has a sole

    supplier.

    Machine Repair - The company should determine whether increased investments

    into Machine No.2 can be justified (Memo 10). This increase may exceed the normal

    Preventative Maintenance (PM) costs that may have been conducted on the machine.

    Value Management Principles

    Management Style: the BSAP Company should review their current management

    style to determine if the concepts of value and function are being utilized effectively.

    Teamwork and communication principles should be investigated as the case indicates

    the presence of poor human dynamics in the company. The management team should

    encourage a work environment that harbours creativity, innovation, a functional

    approach and focus on customer requirements (British Standards Institute 2000).

    Human Dynamics: The BSAP case indicates the presence of poor teamwork as the

    different departments, Sales and Production, are not working together to determine

    the cause of the problem. Other areas in human dynamics that could be investigated

    are satisfaction; giving credit for individual and team contributions, communication; a

    common understanding and better group support and ownership; the group or

    individual responsible for implementing Value Management activities. (British

    Standards Institute 2000).

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    Environmental Considerations: The management team should identify conditions,

    constraints and opportunities that are internal and external to the organization that

    may influence Value Management practices. These may include specific

    organizational rules and policies, market conditions and competitors (British

    Standards Institute 2000).

    Methods and Tools: The management team should assess their current methods and

    tools used to determine the efficiency of their processes and procedures used to

    manufacture their products. Common Value Management methods and tools that can

    be used are Value Analysis, Function Analysis, Design to Cost and Design to

    Objectives (British Standards Institute 2000).

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    5 .0 Recommendations on Design, Implementation &Monitoring of a Improvement Programme

    The Value Management approach would be adopted to develop an improvement programme

    for the BSAP Company Limited. The elements of this approach and the application of its

    elements to the BSAP case have been described in the following sections.

    Value Management is a style of management, particularly dedicated to motivating people,

    developing skills and promoting synergies and innovation, with the aim of maximizing the

    overall performance of an organization (British Standards Institute 2000).

    The key principles of Value Management which were mentioned as focal areas for further

    investigation in the final phase (see Section 4) can be brought together in a management

    framework comprising:

    A Policy;

    A Programme;

    Training, and

    Specific studies;

    5.1 Establishment of a Value Management Framework

    Assuming that there is an absence of a Value Management Framework in the BSAP

    Company Ltd., it is recommended that such a framework be developed in order to establish a

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    Value Culture within the organization. This framework will be used as solution for improvement

    within the BSAP Company.

    The following diagram illustrates the interrelationship between components of the Value

    Management Framework and the rest of an organizations management structure.

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    GENERAL MANAGEMENT GOALS

    VM PolicyConsistent with and contributes to Other Policies

    VM PROGRAMME

    Owned by Champion (the Value Manager)

    Establishes procedures for training and Practice

    VM TRAINING

    Establishes cultureProvides awareness

    Builds competence

    VM STUDIES

    Formal application of

    methods for:Strategic studies

    Organizational studies

    Operational studies

    VM METHODS AND TOOLS

    Application of selected methods

    VALUECULTURE

    EnableinnovativedecisionsbasedonValue

    FEEDBACKFORCONTINUOUSIM

    PROVEMENT

    Figure 5.9: Illustration of Value Management Framework within an Organization

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    5.2 Value Management Policy

    The BSAP Companys top management team should develop a Value Management Policy

    that is based on the organizations goals and objectives. This policy should have a holistic

    approach and would guide the activities and practices within the VM programme. It should seek

    to satisfy the needs of the customers and stakeholders. Adherence to the Value Management

    policy should be the responsibility of the middle management team or a Value Manager (British

    Standards Institute 2000).

    5.3 Value Management Programme

    A Value Management Programme is a planned and structured array of activities which

    enables the development, implementation and maintenance of a Value Management Policy in a

    suitable manner (British Standards Institute 2000). The Value Management Programme includes:

    integration of Value Management within the organization and development of

    procedures;

    quantified targets, performance indicators and other means for assessing results;

    Value Management Studies;

    appropriate resources, teams, timetables and budgets;

    a plan for appropriate deployment of resources;

    training and awareness for members of the organization;

    supporting non Value Management studies;

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    a management plan of actions to be taken to implement the outcome of Value

    Management studies;

    mechanisms for feedback of results and continuous improvement.

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    5.3.1 Hiring a Value Manager

    This is the first initiative that should be adopted by BSAP Company Ltd. since the design,

    development and implementation of a Value Management Programme should be made the

    responsibility of a single individual, the Value Manager. The duties of the Value Manager will

    include collection of suitable subjects for VM studies, form teams, organize training and

    supervise progress of studies. Since BSAP Company Ltd. is a medium sized organization, these

    duties can be assigned to one member of staff.

    5.3.2 Value Management Study

    The Value Management study involves the application of one or more methods to a

    specific subject identified within a Value Management Programme (British Standards Institute

    2000). The VM study is led by a leader. Therefore, the BSAP Company Ltd. should assign a

    study leader who will define the objectives of the study in relation to the VM Policy and

    Programme. The members of the VM Study team should comprise a disparate group of people

    representing the various stakeholders from the departments within the BSAP Company Ltd. It is

    recommended that this team be cross-functional in nature. The following diagram reflects the

    benefits of the participation and knowledge/expertise overlap obtained through the formation of a

    cross-functional team within the BSAP Company.

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    TECHNICAL MARKETING

    PRODUCTIONWORKS

    CONSTRUCTIOVERLAP

    Figure 5.10: Expertise/Knowledge Overlap of VM Study Team for BSAP Company

    This cross-functional team will be responsible for identifying the methods and supporting

    processes needed to achieve the objectives in relation to the VM Policy and Programme. BSAP

    Company Ltd. will need to source the necessary training for the application of these methods.

    This VM Study team will need to set performance and resource targets and devise a method for

    their measurement. The monitoring and measurement of outcomes will be necessary in order to

    compare achievements with targets which can further assist in providing feedback for the

    benefits of future studies. It is also recommended that the VM study leader establish a timetable

    for the study and identify the resources to be used.

    5.4 Value Management Training

    In order for the BSAP Company to implement the VM programme effectively, proper

    training would be needed to develop the Value Culture and competence in Value Management

    practices within the entire organization. Firstly, the levels of competence in each of the subject

    areas in the VM programme should be determined then the appropriate level of training applied

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    (British Standards Institute 2000). The training should be made available to employees at all

    levels in the company and should focus on support for Value Management activities, methods

    and tools to be used in the VM programme and developing an awareness of value among staff.

    One benefit of this training would be the future application of Value Management practices to

    more complex and strategic issues.

    5.5 Value Management Tools and Methods

    There are various methods and tools that can be employed by the BSAP Company to assess

    or re-engineer key processes and procedures used to bring value to customers. Some of which

    are:

    The Function Analysis method, which can be used to identify the key functions of a

    product, system or an organization (British Standards Institute 2000). The BSAP

    Company can use this tool to determine the products functions, its performance

    requirements and improve communication among the different departments involved.

    The Value Analysis method improves the competitiveness of a product by allowing the

    manufacturer and the customer to design, produce, maintain and use the product

    effectively. This tool can be used in conjunction with the Function Analysis method to

    increase the value of the product (British Standards Institute 2000).

    A subset of the Function Analysis process is the Function Cost analysis. This tool can be

    used by the BSAP Company to determine the total cost in providing a specific function in

    a product (British Standards Institute 2000).

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    6 .0 Conclusion

    Based on the sensitivity analysis that was performed it is recommended that the BSAP

    Company Limited adopt the Uplifting Approach due to the fact that this approach yields more

    profits up to a fibre glass content of 51.7 %. Although the Compensation Practice yields more

    profits beyond this fibre glass content, these projected profits were calculated with the absence of

    information regarding compensation costs over a fibre glass content of 51.7 %. Although, this

    lack of information creates a limitation, it can be projected that the actual returns from the

    Compensation Practice will definitely be lower than the amounts currently reflected in Figure

    3.8. The provision of these compensation costs would have given a true reflection of the

    projected returns from the Compensation Practice.

    In conjunction with the Uplifting Approach it is recommended that BSAP Company

    Limited adopt option 7 since this option yields the most profits. This option involves a reduction

    in the machines variability to 6 kgm. The information regarding the investment required to

    achieve this lower variability was not provided. Therefore, it is advised that BSAP Company

    Limited only accept option 7 provided that the required investment does not exceed $28, 188.99

    (i.e. difference in profits between option 7 and 6). Otherwise we recommend that management

    consider option 6 which is the second most profitable option under the Uplifting Approach with

    a machine variability of 8 kgm (i.e. the machines condition is unchanged/investments not

    required). With the adoption of either of these options, the B.S. specification of 86 kgm mean

    strength will be achieved.

    Although these options were generated based on the information provided in the memos,

    analysis of the other feasible solutions presented in Figure 3.7 is a venture that can be carried out

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    to determine which one is the most cost effective based on some sort of decision analysis. The

    analyses presented in this report focused on the implications of increasing fibre glass content and

    reducing the variability of the machine. However, numerous other solutions exists and its worth

    exploring their implications.

    Considering the focal areas for further investigation, The Expendables Value Consultants

    Limited advise that the BSAP Company Limited establish a Value Management Framework as

    an improvement programme. This framework will serve as a tool for maximizing the overall

    performance of your company and may involve external expertise for its implementation. The

    staff at the Expendables Value Consultant Limited will be glad to assist your company in this

    endeavour.

    The Expendables Value Consultants commend your company in recognizing that a problem

    exists and we are eager to provide any further consultation if you desire,

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    7 .0

    References

    British Standards Institute. Value Management. Standard, London: British Standards Institute ,

    2000.

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    Appendix

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    8 .0

    Appendix A. Normal Distributions for Options Generated

    Figure A. 1: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 1

    Figure A. 2: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 2

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    Figure A. 3: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 3

    Figure A. 4: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 4

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    Figure A. 5: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 5

    Figure A. 6: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 6

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    Figure A. 7: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 7

    Figure A. 8: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 8

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    Figure A. 9: Normal Distribution Curve for Option 9

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