Case Analysis: Aggregate Plan For Headcount Level Loading And Inventory Management

Computer Zone, Inc. is a high technology company that is experiencing a situation in which the use of contract labor has resulted in very large fluctuations, causing quality, high labor cost, and on-time performance issues.

Manufacturing Contract Labor Headcount

Aug 12 -18

Sept 12-19

Oct 12 -16

Nov 12-37

Dec 12-65

Jan 13-110

Feb 13-118

Mar 13-92

Apr 13-45

May 13-40

Through a case analysis, develop an aggregate plan for level loading the workload in the factory and recommend options for the suppliers for inventory management.

A case study is a short description of a real business situation. Analyzing case studies gives you the opportunity to apply those concepts to real business problems. Cases are generally written for several types of analysis. Usually, there is not a “right or wrong” answer. Rather, cases provide a vehicle for you to demonstrate your understanding and ability to apply course concepts. You must use appropriate sources (properly cited) to support your position. Check your analysis by assessing how well it demonstrates your subject knowledge. If your answer relies on your impressions of the topic prior to taking this course, it is likely that the analysis is not your best effort. Simply answering the questions which are part of the case is not enough; consider the questions to be clues to the important concepts and facts. You are strongly encouraged to use the following outline, so that your analysis is organized appropriately:

• Identify both the key issues and the underlying issues. In identifying the issues, you should be able to connect them to the business principles which apply to this situation.
• Discuss the facts which affect these issues. The case may have too much information. In your discussion, you should filter the information and discuss those facts which are pertinent to the issues identified above.
• Discuss your tentative solution to the problem and how you would implement your solution. What actions would you propose to correct the situation, based on the knowledge you have gained in this course? Be sure to support your recommendation by citing references in the text and in the supplementary readings. You should also draw on other references such as business periodicals and relevant journals. Remember that an ANALYSIS is more than simply a SUMMARY of the Case Study.
• Discuss follow-up and contingency plans. How will the organization know that your proposed solution is working? What should they do if it does not work?

It may be helpful for you to “role-play” this assignment. Your presentation should cover the points listed above. By “role-playing” the situation, using the questions at the end of the case as hints, and by using this guide, you should be able to develop an action-oriented analysis with a recommended course of action.

Your case analysis should be 2-3 pages in length, not including the title and reference pages. Include at least two articles/materials (not including your course textbook) to support your analysis. All citations should be in APA format. Double space your paper, use Times New Roman, 12-point font, with one inch margins. Be concise and present your materials in clear manner. Include any calculations, spreadsheets, etc. that help to support your analysis of the case.