Assignment task: Develop 30 functional tasks for the alternative below, ensuring that the management, marketing, finance, human resources, enterprise systems, and marketing implications are all addressed. For each task, identify a start date, duration, and end date; perform a job costs analysis by identifying the cost drivers and estimating the cost for each task. Roll up the costs and the timeframes for each phase of the project, as well as for the total project implementation.
Alternative for McDonalds:
An alternative that McDonalds is capable of harnessing is making business operations more streamlined through both forward and backwards integration. By using forward integration, McDonalds will be able to cut out intermediaries and create a more streamline supply chain model with less intermediaries. For example, McDonalds can innovate the use of their rewards app by implementing a McDonalds Only delivery service. With a customer base that dominates the industry, it is feasible for the company to do this. For a consumer, this will ensure lower delivery costs, faster delivery times, for an increase in enjoyment and value. By implementing a delivery service that only serves one customer base means the costs paid toward intermediaries such as Uber Eats and DoorDash are able to be invested back into the company while still achieving the same goal, but with greater efficiency. In terms of price, the cost to achieve this level of forward integration is not as high as it could be. Considering McDonalds already has software developed for their app that is capable of letting consumers place orders virtually, the added cost to further innovate the software is not much because the software has already been created. Additionally, as the world moves towards a more technologically based environment, this alternative allows for further innovation down the road. Specifically, the added addition of delivery robots powered by AI, just like Amazon and Uber Eats have bought into. As it stands, robots are only capable of completing very short deliveries which can be used in cities and tightly clustered areas based on the fact that 75% of Americans live within 3 miles of a McDonalds. However, for more rural areas, the use of delivery drivers will be needed, meaning added costs because of having to pay extra wages. Conversely though, McDonalds would be supplying more jobs under the McDonald's name, which will promote their social reputation as well as promote the overall growth of the business. As time goes on, McDonalds will have the option to make use of EV vehicles once the alternative has created more cash flows to fulfill more sustainability projects in the long run.