Manufacturing Processes and Design

What is Ford’s production method good and bad at?

Ford uses option or assemble-to-order method where standard parts are configured in several assembly points in 26 countries.  This method is good in that it is highly mechanized leading to effective throughput that make it possible to assemble 16 vehicles every 60 seconds around the world. In addition, mechanization also ensures that resources are used efficiently.
What production method(s) does Krispy Kreme use and why?

Krispy Kreme use make to stock or standard method to make the doughnuts. This is because the firm has a predetermined design for its doughnuts. Hence, the customer does not have the any option but to take what has been baked.

What are the problems you see in the video I Love Lucy, and how would you correct it?  Back up your answer with specific things learned in SCM so far.

The problem with the video is poor process design. The current process is such that, the first attendant will take one chocolate chip and leave one for the next staff to take it. Where the first one fails, the second staff will be overburdened and eventually fail. At the same time, if the first staff is quick and the other reluctant the process will fail. The right thing will be to ensure that both staffs face each other and take chocolates as they come with neither of them apportioning who will take which chocolate. Therefore, they do not have to depend on each other.

Explain whether the Amish barn raising method is good or bad. (Define good and bad first!). Please examine the factors involved in process selection: variety, equipment flexibility, and volume. Could they incorporate a different process and gain more efficiency?

A good method is one that produced desired results by using minimal resources in the shortest time possible. On the other hand, a bad method does not deliver desired results at a given time and over utilizes the available resources. Although the barn is raised in the shortest time possible, the Amish barn raising method is a bad one since it over utilizes the manpower available as all men of age are involved in that raising. They should first erect the corner poles and then build on the other stands. That way, they will need few men to work on the structure. In addition, they should use a ladder to take timber on higher levels instead of the tedious push and pull method.

What is the manufacturing process used by this Kula restaurant in the Rotating Sushi video? Why do they choose this method?

The process used by Kula Restaurant is known as continuous flow. They produce the standardized types of Shushi in high volumes and circulate them for the customers to pick what they desire. Since the firm charges a standard price of $ 2 per plate, this method is appropriate because the attendants will only need to count  the number of plates a customer have taken while charging.