2- We are living in a rapidly changing global economy. As a
result, organizations are being forced to make changes in order to stay
competitive. Some businesses have chosen to convert from traditional manufacturing
processes to a lean manufacturingenvironment. What does this mean? How do the
two systems differ? What are some of the advantages of using lean
manufacturing?

3- Layout decisions can greatly impact productivity, costs,
safety, and quality. What are the 3 main types of layouts? Briefly describe
each type and explain some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with
each type. How can the layout help or hinder productivity?

4- Suppose you are the operations manager for a company. The
company has just received a large order for a non-perishable product during its
already busy season. As the company now stands, it does not have the capacity
to fulfill this order. What options does the company have to try to complete
the order? Which is the best alternative? What are the costs involved? Should
the company accept the order or tell the customer it cannot meet its needs?

5- Material Requirements Planning (MRP) helps to ease the
process of calculating inventory and scheduling needs. What is MRP? What are
the three major inputs to MRP? What does MRP calculate? Suppose the Bill of
Materials for a finished good is inaccurate. What problems does this pose?
Provide an example.

6- A firm that manufactures tables has recently noticed a
decline in productivity and is therefore, becoming less efficient. The product
remains unchanged, yet the completed items per shift has declined. What are
some potential causes to the decline in productivity? What can the firm do to
bring productivity and efficiency back to its original rate?