Sytems and operations management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sytems and operations management - Case Study Example Some of the business models applied in operation management include the input-process-output and value chain models. Information systems refer to a group of interrelated parts, which collect, process and distribute information in order to enhance control and decision making in an organization (Lee, Shiba and Wood 1999, p. 145). In a case study of Blackberry Hill Farm in South England, various business models can be used to analyze the problems faced in their day-to-day activities. These models include the input-process-output model (IPO), value chain model and consumer direct models. The challenges to be analyzed involve balancing the performance of activities, reducing complexity of some operations, as well as, staff management. Operational management involves transforming resources to products and services (McKeown and Leitch 2003, p. 67). The operations in the Blackberry Hill Farm involve agriculture and tourism. The input resources include cattle, crops, mixed woodland, poultry and farm heritage exhibits. The transforming input resources include the facilities such as a farm and the work force (employees). The transformational processes include cultivation, bee keeping and tractor riding. Others processes include selling at farm shops and cafà ©, bakery, preserving kitchen, pick-your own operations, a nd securing the farms and the car parks, as well. The output products include the fruits, vegetables, dough nuts, satisfaction of visitors and more (Kachiru 2007, p. 231). Using the IPO model, one can analyze the challenges by classifying the operations in the farm. It is necessary to arrange and sort out the major and minor activities. Jim and Mandy, the core managers at Blackberry Farm Hill have focused much on agritourism. This may be because of the increased number of visitors reporting to the farm in the previous seasons. Also, due to the adoption of many operations aimed at attracting more visitors would have contributed to low performance in farming.

The extent to which the understanding of the history and development Essay

The extent to which the understanding of the history and development of business help in the understanding of business today - Essay Example The extent to which the understanding of the history and development of business helps in the understanding of business today depends on the effectiveness of economic policies instilled in the past. An examination of the history of some of the successful corporations reveals that most big companies were based on diversified groups. This is because they could take advantage of the economic scales easily because of the characteristics of the internal markets. It is also evident that authoritarian regimes helped in the development of businesses. This can help in the development of business today because it enables individuals make wise choices regarding the development of the economy (Trompenaar, and Wooliams, 2003). An understanding of the history behind the development of business helps in understanding of business today because the economic policies that were used in the past. This is because they ensured the restriction of imports and the growth of exports, which enhances the develo pment of businesses in terms of investments. It is evident that, in the past, companies did not pay attention on light labour intensive sectors. This is likely to help in the development of business today because the cost of labor will be low, causing the company to gain extra profits. History also depicts that there are governments that intervened by supporting private companies, therefore, enhancing the development of businesses. ... The development of business models has enhanced the establishment of businesses by enhancing businesses with architecture of value creation. An examination of the history of development of business reveals that the development of business ethics has also helped in enabling businesses adhere to their daily dealings. Business ethics help in the development of business by enhancing the interaction of businesses all over the world (Trompenaar, and Wooliams, 2003). How does the nature of globalization help in the understanding of business today? Globalization refers to the expansion of investments, trade and business interactions worldwide. The nature of globalization has helped in understanding business today in that it has enhanced prosperity for most businesses. Most people who support free trade claim that globalization enhances the creation of opportunities for businesses. It is thought that when a business is allowed to offer its resources to the global market place, then the busine ss is likely to improve. Globalization tends to increase competition resulting to the growth of businesses because of the development of new products (Hopkins, 2004).   Globalization has enhanced the development of business today because it not only increases the need for the acquisition of knowledge concerning cultural differences, but it helps in the establishment of cooperate cultures. History depicts that globalization has caused businesses to transfer experts from one country to another in an attempt to enhance the development of the business. Globalization helps in the development of the business because it enhances an understanding of the communication styles, cultural influences and the social behaviors of different societies. It has enhanced an