Effective management of resources is a key contributor to the success of an organization. Machinery should be used near or at capacity to achieve a high degree of efficiency. Materials and supplies should be conserved as much as possible to minimize waste. Human resources should be thoroughly trained and supervised to perform well. Managers have a difficult task in maintaining balanced operations so that all resources are used efficiently and effectively in order to increase and moderate productivity.
In this Discussion, you will analyze how a company of your choice manages physical and human resources. You will pay special attention to balanced and unbalanced lines and bottlenecks, or constraints, which exist in an organization.
To prepare for this Discussion:
· Review this week's Resources, focusing on key terms such as balanced line, unbalanced line, and bottleneck, or constraint.
· In your own terms, analyze the role of a bottleneck on organizational performance. Think of some examples. What are the benefits and consequences of employing a bottleneck within an organization?
· Reflect on the process of identifying a bottleneck. What signs could you use to identify it?
A cohesive response that addresses the following:
As you consider an organization more broadly, what kinds of constraints, or bottlenecks, would potentially impede the organization's efficiency or success? Provide an example of what you have observed in organizations with which you are familiar or one you have found in your research. Provide a two-paragraph synopsis of the example or article and identify the organization and the location of the bottleneck within that organization. What makes these so difficult to identify or address?