Written Task 1

Task 1

Written Report

1. As per demonstrated by the flow chart, systems and process used by Australian Hardware are very simple

a. Supply chain: the process was divided into 3 main categories. Design department would determine the designs and develop concepts of the product. Then it would go to the planning department who would determine the material needed and source requirements. This department is also responsible for projecting sales and developing production plans.

b. Operational System: This department would use the information gained from supply chain to purchase the raw material needed for products and packaging. Then manufacturing department would produce and package the finished product for distribution. Distribution department

There are no set rules or guidelines under which we can measure the company’s performance. Mostly lack of clarity and comparability concerns in this area creates misunderstanding and makes it more difficult to formulate a clear strategy. If we are lacking in this area which is the foundation of other 2 areas (Operation and Product/service delivery), we will not be successful in those areas either.

In order to keep everything in place and effectively compete with the present market. I would change my key operational systems according to customer needs. The designer will need to makes changes according to the current market. The operational department will need to make changes to the packaging. We cannot keep using the same basic packaging to impress current market. Packaging needs to be bright, eye catching as the current consumers are more likely to buy something based on the presentation of the product.

I would also make changes to my product/service delivery area. To compete with current market, we cannot rely on the warehouse as the end users and cannot rely on them to sell my products to end users. I would use every advertising medium that is available to me including magazines, radio and

Looking at the changes throughout 1960 to 1967, I do not see any focus on changing the processes or focusing on employee or product improvements. Hiring new employees or firing entire staff would not improve products or increase sales. In order to be a successful, a company needs to focus on current market changes and make operational changes accordingly.

6. As we discussed before company’s key result areas should be very clear to all level of the organization.

a. Quality-design/Manufacturing: There was huge variance between plans and targets in this area. Throughout the years management did not even think about improving the quality of products or designs to meet the current market in order to compete with changing trends.

Sales: Even though you see some movement in this area in 1962 and 1963, still it was not carefully analysed. Even though the sales staff was increased there was no focus on improving the sales medium or productivity.

b. Profits: Profits are based on products and services a company sells. As there was no focus on improving sales strategies to appeal to current buyers. This resulted in Australian Hardware incurring a huge loss throughout the years.

c. Supply chain Performance (delivery): The Company neglected this area of the company’s operations throughout the