The word length is 3,000 words including references. However, deviations +/-10% from the word count are acceptable. DUE: 19 MARCH 2017
Do some background research on the company before finalizing your choice. You need to make sure that sufficient secondary data is available regarding different aspects of operations management at the selected company. You can choose a company from either manufacturing or service sectors.
It is important to identify the environmental impacts of the company’s operations and /or any ethical issues in the supply chain. The nature of the environmental impacts depends on the products/services the company produces. For some companies emissions associated with transport may be the most pertinent issue. In other cases, it could be that concerns about recycling and waste are more relevant. Relations with suppliers and employees may raise ethical issues.
The report does not need to have a separate theory section; however, you are expected to refer to the relevant theories when discussing aspects of the supply chain. Aim to use at least five academic references (books or peer-reviewed journal articles).

Suggested structure

• Title page
• Table of contents
• Introduction: justify the choice of company and explain the objectives of the report. Provide some background information on the company and its main products/services. (no more than 400 words)
• Main Body:

– Description of the value chain activities: You need to provide an overview of the value chain from the raw materials till the product/service reaches the end customer. You may also refer to operations regarding the disposal of the product, such as recycling if appropriate. You can refer to different aspects of operations management such as product design, procurement, manufacturing, capacity planning, inventory management and quality management. However, you may emphasise the activities that are more important to the company. Use sub-headings to indicate which operations management activity you discuss. You need to consider the value attributes and identify which activities provide more value to the customer. For instance, if customers are interested in aesthetics/fashion then product design might be an activity that is important in delivering this value attribute.

• Environmental impacts and /or ethical issues resulting from the production and use of the company’s products and services: You do not need to refer to both environmental and ethical issues. The focus of this section will vary according to the company selected.

• Conclusion: summarise the main findings. The conclusion should not include any new information. (No more than 400 words)