1. Who should be responsible for preparing the SEMP: Consumer, Producer, Contractor, Sub-contractor, or Supplier? Discuss some of the conditions and interfaces as applicable.
2. Why is it important that system engineering planning commences early at program inception with the definition of overall program requirements? What could happen if system engineering planning is initiated later?
3. How do the system specification (type A) and SEMP relate to each other?
4. What is the purpose of a WBS? What is the difference between a WBS and SWBS, and CWBS? How do work packages relate to WBS?
5. Select a system of your choice, describe the acquisition process, and develop a detailed outline of a SEMP for the program in question.
Operations Scheduling/Sequencing and Quality Management
1. Do you think that Six Sigma is always the most cost effective approach for all processes? Why or why not?
2. Scheduling and sequencing are typically viewed from a technical perspective; that is, they are focused on minimizing quantitative measures such as lateness or cost. However, schedules also have intangible effects on customers, employees, and the perception of service quality. Discuss what some of these intangible effects might be and how managers should consider them when constructing schedules.
3. Select two of Deming’s 14 Points and discuss the importance of them to operations managers (as well as all managers) in today’s business environment.
4. Explain how service quality is measured. Specifically, discuss how you may have experienced each of the five SERVQUAL dimensions as a consumer of services.
