Portfolio Questions

What appears to be the main problems experienced in this company in terms of delivering their products on timePortfolio Seminar L: Boys & Boden

(James et al, 2009, pp336-337 or Rowland-Jones & O'Brien, 2005, p315)

Reminder: Students are expected to have found copies of the case studies that are not in the module handbook for themselves. They will not be provided with copies in the seminar.

Synopsis

Boys and Boden (B & B) is a small, independent building materials merchant which also undertakes the production of specialist, bespoke joinery items such as windows, doors and staircases for local and regional customers. The newly appointed General Manager is considering whether the production of staircases would be improved by the creation of a staircase 'cell' run on JIT principles. He wants to not only improve delivery reliability, but also to regain control of costs in order to restore profitability. It may also be possible to reduce the lead time, providing a further potential competitive advantage.

Key Issues

* Just in Time /lean philosophies * Management of change

* Cellular layouts

Portfolio Questions

1. What appears to be the main problems experienced in this company in terms of delivering their products on time?

2. In what areas can you identify waste? How do these link to the wastes associated with a Just-in-Time philosophy?

Portfolio Seminar M: Norrköping Plant B

(James et al, 2009, pp739-745 or Rowland-Jones & O'Brien, 2005, p733)

Reminder: Students are expected to have found copies of the case studies that are not in the module handbook for themselves. They will not be provided with copies in the seminar