Everyone agrees that businesses in both manufacturing and service sector currently face global challenges to manage their operations. You are a global operations management analyst and will critically evaluate the global challenges

Assignment Brief

Task 1 – International Operations Analysis (Max 1,000 words) (40% Mark)

Everyone agrees that businesses in both manufacturing and service sector currently face global challenges to manage their operations. You are a global operations management analyst and will critically evaluate the global challenges that an international organisation faces with in relation to meeting cost efficiency, global access, greener operations, and highest possible level of quality of product and services. You are expected to select ONE organisation of your choice from one of the following sectors listed below and critically evaluatethe current issues, challenges and expected future of their operations to meet the above objectives.

Your critical evaluation MUST underpin an integrated approach towards all of these objectives to analyse the benefits and challenges in an integrated approach. You are expected to critically evaluate the internal operations, supply chain and logistics network of this organisation pinpointing the current issues and challenges and RECOMMEND some suitable strategies, or tools to meet above objectives in a hybrid approach. These strategies, theories or tools are expected to be critically analysed to promote a top quality, responsive, efficient and green organisation.

The critical analysis includes underpinning theories and strategies extracted from sufficient up to date peer reviewed academic journal articles as theoretical background and analysing real world examples and cases (including but not limited to the organisation of your choice). The theories and strategies must be referred but not limited to those that have already been taught during this semester.

Agri-food – The organisation should be producer, processor or retailer

Automotive – The organisation should be a car manufacturer

Technology - The organisation should be a retailer

Logistics – The organisation should be a parcel delivery or distributor

Task 2 – Future challenges  (Max 750 words) (20% Mark)

You assume that you are going to be a junior operations manager in a manufacturing organisationwith global networking (this may be the one that you have selected in task 1 or may be different one) and are faced with number of different challenges that need to overcome using appropriate set(s) of solutions. You are faced with number of different challenges. There are a range of possible solutions for each of the challenges (see table). You need to select ONLY ONE of the challenges and identify the more appropriate solution(s) for this challenge (see table).  You are expected to critically analyse the challenge as a contemporary issue in current global environment and also evaluate the role of as many of these solutions as possible. This means considering the possible synergies and trade - offs between solutions and also WHY you believe they are the right solutions. These solutions come in different formats as philosophy, strategy, tool or technique that are presented in the following table. 

The critical evaluation includes underpinning theories and strategies extracted from sufficient up to date peer reviewed academic journal articles as theoretical background and analysing real world examples and cases (including but not limited to the organisation of your choice). The theories and strategies must be referred but not limited to those that have already been taught during this semester.

Sample Answer

Task 1 – International Operations Analysis (up to 1,000 words)

Organisation Selected: Toyota Motor Corporation (Automotive Sector)

Toyota operates globally, manufacturing and selling vehicles in over 170 countries. Its mission centres on delivering high‑quality, reliable, fuel‑efficient cars while aiming for greener production and cost efficiency.

1. Cost Efficiency

Current Strengths

• Global Production Footprint: Toyota uses a regionalised manufacturing strategy (Japan, North America, Europe) to reduce shipping costs and currency risks.

• Toyota Production System (TPS): This renowned lean system minimises waste (muda), lowers costs, and increases flexibility.

Challenges

• Rising Raw Material Costs: Volatility in steel and rare earth prices pressures margins.

• Energy Costs & Supply Chain Disruptions: Events like the 2021 semiconductor shortage raised per-unit costs and assembly delays.

Integrated Approach

• Lean + Supplier Development: Engaging raw‑material suppliers in lean training helps Toyota manage costs and improve reliability.

• Accurate Demand Forecasting: Advanced analytics align production with demand, thus reducing overproduction and idle inventory.

Recommendation

• Dynamic Hedging: Financial hedging of critical commodities.

• Blockchain-based Traceability: Enhances supply chain transparency, reducing risk and possibly insurance premiums.

2. Global Market Access

Strengths

• Localised Production: Toyota builds cars near key markets such as the UK, US, Australia, and India—cutting tariffs and enabling faster delivery.

• Diverse Brand Portfolio: Lexus, Yaris, Corolla, Hilux suit different market segments and regional tastes.

Challenges

• Trade Barriers: Tariffs (e.g. on Chinese or US-Made vehicles) and geopolitical risks can affect access.

• Differing Standards: Toyota must comply with diverse safety and emissions regulations globally.

Integrated Approach

• Regional Resilient Networks: Multiple plants per region allow flexible reallocation of production.

• Strategic Alliances: Joint ventures (like Toyota-GM`s battery plant) facilitate smoother access to critical technologies and local markets.

Recommendation

• Scenario-based Planning: Continuously preparing for various policy changes ensures readiness and adaptability.

• Postponement Strategy: Globalised production with local finishing allows country-specific compliance with less lead time and higher flexibility.

3. Greener Operations

Strengths

• Hybrid Leadership: Toyota pioneered mass-market hybrids (e.g. Prius), and recently launched full EV models like the bZ4X.

• Renewable Energy Initiatives: Many plants incorporate solar, wind, and geothermal power.

Challenges

• Transition Pressures: Government mandates (e.g. EU`s 2035 zero-CO₂ target) require rapid retooling.

• Battery Supply Chain: Ensuring sustainable, ethical sourcing of minerals like lithium and cobalt is increasingly complex.

Integrated Approach

• Three-Dimensional Sustainability: Toyota addresses environmental, social, and economic impacts together.

• Supplier Sustainability Certification: Encouraging upstream visibility ensures ethical and traceable supply chains.

Recommendation

• Circular Economy Adoption: Implement battery recycling systems within plants to reduce landfill and sourcing needs.

• Carbon Accounting Tools: Track and report carbon footprint comprehensively across product lifecycles.

Continued...