Part -1:
Overview
For the capstone assessment, you will create a Product Launch Comprehensive Strategy and Professional Reflection.
The capstone represents the final stage in your goal to obtain a Master's Degree in Operations and Project Management. This final course will allow you to demonstrate proficiency in all areas of operations and project management. You will develop an overall, comprehensive strategy to bring a new product from design to mass production within a manufacturing or service environment. Along the way you will complete three critical stages of the development process that will require competent skills in project and operations management. You will also complete the three stages of product launch, demonstrating that the product or service has gone successfully from conception to high-volume manufacturing or full-service integration. Additionally, you will self-reflect on project and operations management as a career focus or on future aspirations if you already work in the discipline.
Evaluation of Capstone
The capstone will be assessed somewhat differently than other courses you have taken online at SNHU. There are four separate components that will be submitted at different times during the course; however, they operate together to compose the entire capstone experience and are not assessed separately. You will be evaluated on all four components as a unit to determine whether you have demonstrated proficiency in each outcome. All four components must be completed at the highest levels; the strengths of one cannot "make up for" the weaknesses in another. Your work is expected to meet the highest professional standards. Remember, you are selling yourself as a competent operations and project management professional as much as you are selling your product launch strategy.
The capstone project is divided into three milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in Modules Two, Four, and Six. The final submission for Capstone Component 1 is due in Module Seven, Capstone Component 2 is due in Module Eight, Capstone Component 3 is due in Module Nine, and Capstone Component 4 is due in Module Ten.
This assessment will evaluate your mastery with respect to the following outcomes:
- Recommend strategies for optimizing production of goods and services based on a detailed analysis of existing processes, resources, and business goals
- Identify and recommend total quality management (TQM) principles and methods appropriate to a given context
- Create, evaluate, and assess project plans to ensure desired project outcomes
- Recommend inventory management strategies and techniques for improving the efficiency of a supply chain
- Evaluate operational and project management environments using quantitative tools and techniques
- Manage cross-functional environments to ensure the achievement of operational and project management goals
Prompt
Two scenarios will be presented for your review. One scenario is manufacturing based, while the other scenario is based on a service operation. In each scenario, a service or manufacturing facility is undertaking the launch of a new product or service. Choose the scenario best suited for your current or future area of interest. In the scenario you choose, develop an overall, comprehensive strategy to successfully launch the product into mass production, or service into full integration, within the organization. All elements of operations management and project management are captured within this product or service launch activity. You can assume the facility has the available floor space (manufacturing scenario) and infrastructure (service scenario), but you must develop the overall plan for equipment, resources, inventory, manufacturing, service implementation, and logistics. This plan should also list the stakeholder and customer requirements; consider these requirements as the plan is developed.
Ultimately, you will create the overall strategic plan by developing four separate components: product/service launch strategy and planning; manufacturing or service, production/resource scheduling, and inventory management planning (if applicable); financial assessment and resource planning; and self-reflection on project and operations management. Each of these components should include a comprehensive description of activities and outline the rationale for each element of the plan.
Capstone Component 1: Product/Service Launch Strategy and Planning
This is the first of the four capstone requirements. In this component of the capstone, create the product/service launch strategy and the overall plan, including a Gantt chart, to introduce a new product or service into an existing facility.
Complete a 12- to 15-page report (including charts and/or graphs) detailing the rationale for why each element is included as a milestone to support the product launch and identifying the stakeholders.
Capstone Component 2: Manufacturing or Service, Production/Resource Scheduling and Inventory Management
In this second phase of the capstone component, develop the manufacturing or service-related requirements necessary to support the introduction of the new product or service.
For the manufacturing product scenario, you will create a manufacturing and inventory plan that addresses the following:
- Manufacturing systems
- Supply chain utilization
- Capacity
- Inventory management strategy
For the service scenario, you will create a process plan that addresses the following:
- Process flow chart
- Process time study
- Resource staffing plan
This component shall be accompanied by a 12- to 15-page report (including charts and/or graphs) detailing the rationale behind each of the major items outlined in the manufacturing/service plan. This will include details to support each constituent of the plan and any calculations or graphics that fully depict the overall plan.
Capstone Component 3: Financial Assessment and Resource Planning
In the third component of the capstone, conduct a financial assessment (cost/benefit analysis) of the new product/service as well as identify all related resources needed to support the product or service launch.
You will create a financial assessment (cost/benefit analysis) that addresses the following:
- Resources (including, but not limited to):
o Equipment/materials
o Staffing
- Cost (including, but not limited to):
o Cost to manufacture the product
o Cost to complete the service
o Cost associated with supporting operations
The third component shall be accompanied by a 12- to 15-page report detailing the rationale behind each of the major items outlined in the financial assessment. This will include the detailed calculations and appropriate graphical tools used to fully support your financial assessment and resource plan.
Capstone Component 4: Professional Reflection
For the final component of your capstone, you will write an essay in which you discuss the process and outcomes of this project, as well as how your coursework cumulated in the capstone project. This may include discussions of unforeseen problems or obstacles, and any unexpected surprises. The essay should also discuss your identified strengths and problems that you encountered while completing the project. Finally, the essay will examine how the capstone project will be useful in the job market or furthering your education.
You are encouraged to discuss how the SNHU experience changed your perception of operations and project management and how it has affected your current job or your future career aspirations. Additionally, take a self-awareness approach and evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses as they relate to operations and project management; what are your strong points? Most importantly, what are the areas that require improvement to succeed in operations and project management?
You should envision this component as a personal reflection on the capstone and your experience in the operations and project management program as a whole. For instance, relative to the capstone, you could discuss what you did (or intended to do), and then consider what worked well, what challenges you
faced, and what you would change or do differently to make your experience better. In reflecting on your time here at SNHU, you might discuss where you started, where you have ended up, and where you see yourself going.
Note that this component is not about evaluating the capstone itself but rather your experience within the capstone project. Some of the issues that you could address in the final component of this capstone may include the following:
- Overall, what was your capstone experience like?
- Reflect on the significance of the capstone in relation to your own experience at SNHU.
- What connections do you see between your capstone, your academic program, and a career in operations and project management?
- How will you apply what you have learned to your future academic and/or professional life?
- As a result of completing the capstone, what are your strengths and where do you need improvement?
- What is your perception of operations and project management based on your capstone and overall academic experience?
Milestones
In Module Two, you will submit a Product/Service Launch Strategy and Planning Brief, which will also become part of Component 1, due in Module Seven. In Milestone One, you will explain which case study you have selected, provide a rationale for why you selected this particular organization, and describe what new product or service you are proposing for the organization. Include the proposed approach you will use for product/process development. Also include a high- level deployment strategy and the overall plan with a Gantt chart that will be used as the framework to introduce a new product or service into an existing facility. You can begin identifying key stakeholders that will need to be involved in the project. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone One Rubric.
Milestone Two: Manufacturing or Service, Production/Resource Scheduling and Inventory Management Brief
In Module Four, you will submit the Manufacturing or Service, Production/Resource Scheduling and Inventory Management Brief, which will become part of Component 2, due in Module Eight. In this brief, you will begin defining the manufacturing or service-related requirements necessary to support the introduction of a new product or service. You will propose the manufacturing system (if appropriate), propose how inventory (if any) will be managed, and begin the high- level estimates on capacity and/or resource planning. A detailed process flow chart must be developed showing the recommended service or manufacturing process. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone Two Rubric.
Milestone Three: Financial Assessment and Resource Planning Brief
In Module Six, you will submit a Financial Assessment and Resource Planning Brief, which will become part of Component 3, due in Module Nine. In the brief, you will begin developing key financial documents. You may need to supplement the case study with additional research on current or past financial statements for the organization. Consider how the new product/service fits into the financial capacity of the organization. Is the new service/product appropriate for the organization's strategic financial investment? Describe the company valuation and the financial fit of the new product/service. Begin estimating the costs to manufacture or develop the service, the staffing needs, the materials or equipment needed, etc. Next estimate the planned benefit of the new product/service
making sure to consider the ongoing costs as well as the initial development costs. In the appendix include an initial draft of the financial valuation and justification of the new product/service using a standard approach such as a cost/benefit analysis, return on investment, internal rate of return, net present value, and/or break-even analysis. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone Three Rubric.
Final Submission: Capstone Components 1-4: Each component is due in a different module; however, all four components will be graded as one final submission, graded with the Final Project Rubric.
Capstone Component 1: Product/Service Launch Strategy and Planning
In Module Seven, you will submit Capstone Component 1. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the critical elements of the final product. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course.
Capstone Component 2: Manufacturing or Service, Production/Resource Scheduling and Inventory Management
In Module Eight, you will submit Capstone Component 2. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the critical elements of the final product. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course.
Capstone Component 3: Financial Assessment and Resource Planning
In Module Nine, you will submit Capstone Component 3. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the critical elements of the final product. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course.
Capstone Component 4: Professional Reflection
In Module Ten, you will submit Capstone Component 4. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the critical elements of the final product. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course.
Part -2:
Overview: For the final project, you will create a Product Launch Comprehensive Strategy and Professional Reflection to demonstrate proficiency in all areas of operations and project management.
In Milestone One, you will submit a Product Launch Strategy and Planning Brief, which will also become part of Component 1, due in Module Seven. In Milestone One, you will explain which case you have selected, provide a rationale for why you selected this particular organization, and describe what new product or service you are proposing for the organization. Include the proposed approach you will use for product/process development. Also include a high-level deployment strategy and the overall plan with a Gantt chart that will be used as the framework to introduce a new product or service into an existing facility. You can begin identifying key stakeholders that will need to be involved in the project. The instructor will provide feedback on this milestone to help you shape your final capstone project.
Critical Elements
- Rationale: Lay out the rationale for the case selection and fit for the new product or service.
- Problem or Opportunity: Identify the problem or opportunity the new product or service will address.
- Company: Explain how the new product or service fits with the company culture and competitive marketplace.
- Approach: Identify, at a high level, the framework for developing the new product or service. Include any quality tools or techniques that you might incorporate.
- Methodology and Planning: Define the methodology you think fits best for the particular product or service development within this given organization. Begin the high-level planning with a project Gantt chart, leveraging tools such as Microsoft Project.
Part -3:
Overview: For the final project, you will create a Product Launch Comprehensive Strategy and Professional Reflection to demonstrate proficiency in all areas of operations and project management.
In Milestone Two, you will submit the Manufacturing or Service, Production/Resource Scheduling and Inventory Management Brief, which will become part of Component 2, due in Module Eight. In this brief you will begin defining the manufacturing or service-related requirements necessary to support the introduction of a new product or service. You will propose the manufacturing system (if appropriate), propose how inventory (if any) will be managed, and begin the high-level estimates on capacity and/or resource planning. A detailed process flow chart must be developed showing the recommended service or manufacturing process. The instructor will provide feedback on this milestone to help you shape your final capstone project.
Critical Elements
- Requirements: Identify the unique manufacturing or service-related requirements to support the new product or service.
- Inventory Management: Select an inventory management approach that supports the planned supply chain.
- Capacity Planning: Develop high-level estimates for output of the new product/service.
- Process Flow Chart: Create a process flow of the new product/service flow that leverages standard process flow chart shapes and techniques. May leverage tools such as Microsoft Visio for flow chart development.