Case Study # 1

 

For this assignment, following APA style, answer as comprehensively as possible the questions after each case summary.

 

Please refer to the EASTERN GEAR, INC. Case Study on page 417 of the text and answer the questions that follow the synopsis below.

 

Synopsis and Purpose

 

Eastern Gear is a company that traditionally produced custom gears in small lots, and has recently been given the opportunity to begin producing larger volumes of gears per order.  This is a typical small job shop which is owner operated.  In addition, Eastern Gear has experienced a large increase in sales which is causing major problems in operations.  Because of the wide range of problems presented, the case permits an overview of a job shop type of operation and practice at looking at the entire scope of operations including objectives, capacity, production and inventory control, organization, and quality.

 

The purpose of this case is to allow students to examine a complex manufacturing problem and the associated decisions in some detail.  The case illustrates how problems are interrelated and how objectives might be clarified before decisions can be made.  It also provides a fundamental understanding of what a job shop is like and the typical problems faced in job shop management.

 

 Questions

 

1. What are the major problems being faced by Eastern Gear?

 

2. What action should Mr. Rhodes take to solve his problems?

 

3. How can this case be related to operations strategy and process design concepts?

 

Answers must be well thought-out and in discussion format. Short one-liner answers are not sufficient.

 

Added Notes by Dr. Schlueter:

 

• Consider Using Project Management Tools like Gantt Charts to minimize slack time between steps in the process
• Consider installing smart machines and ultimately smart factory arrangements to maximize production capacity.  This means taking advantage of new opportunities offered by the digital revolution (Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS))
• Answer the three questions at the end of the Case Synopsis and Purpose
• Repeat each question ahead of your answer
• Use headings to separate the response to each question
• Make sure you answer each question
• Follow APA style
• Check grammar, spelling, sentence structure, etc
• I strongly suggest you use a good proofreader for each written submission