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Research a manufacturing organization of your choice, and describe its strategic manufacturing policy. (Note: You may choose a private-sector or public-sector organization; however, more information will be available for a private-sector, publicly traded company). Your description should consider long-term issues (1–5 years), and include a discussion of the following topics: 

  • Products or services 
  • Markets and customers 
  • Suppliers, vendors, and supply chain partners 
  • Facilities (e.g., plants, distribution centers, and so on) 

Describe the following characteristics to be included in the strategic planning process:

  • Alignment of manufacturing strategy with corporate/business-level strategy 
  • Product/process alternatives (make-to stock, make-to order, etc.) 
  • Inventory policies (service levels, order quantity/frequency, etc.) 
  • Capacity planning alternatives (chase, level, etc.) 
  • Long-range forecasting techniques (quantitative and qualitative) 
  • Make or buy decisions (outsourcing, etc.) 
  • Interfaces/coordination with other business functions (marketing, etc.) 
  • Initiatives to improve operations (continuous improvement, lean/agile, TOC, etc.) 
  • Metrics to measure manufacturing performance 
    • Cost 
    • Quality 
    • Speed 
    • Reliability/dependability 
    • Flexibility 
    • Productivity/efficiency/utilization 
    • Sustainability 
    • Other metrics 

Finally, what manufacturing strategy improvements would you suggest for this organization?

Prepare a research paper of 8–10 pages (excluding title page, abstract, references page, and appendices) in APA format presenting the items listed above. A minimum of five (5) peer-reviewed academic or professional references must be used in the paper.