Introduction
This case study paper explores the shipping and transportation management of potatoes from distribution center to the retail center in a cost effective manner.
Statement Of Study
The purpose of this study is to look into the features, elements, problems, and challenges of transportation from production center to distribution center, and then from distribution center to retail center. Keeping this fact and challenges into account, it also needs to issue advices and instructions to the management professionals for effective and efficient management of raw materials.
Significance and Background of the study
There is always a challenge in the transportation of product from one place to another. So, this was exactly case with the Burbank potato distribution company that used to distributes potatoes grown in Idaho to markets in California. For this, the potatoes are stored in distribution centers under the controlled temperature conditions. When anticipated for demands, the product is transported to the retail stores.
Characteristics of the Study
The shipping of potatoes is being done by using the networks of a large super-market around the state of California. In order to ensure effective and efficient system, the Burbank company has currently maintains five distribution and storage centers in California. So, these distribution centers are used to transport the products to six retail outlets in the state. With a view to ascertain the pattern, here is a table that lists the costs per ton of potatoes for shipping from distribution centers to retail outlets.
A model Formulation
The focus of the study is to design and develop a model that should bring about modification in the process of cost effective management of potatoes and make the products available at the doorsteps of customers. For this, it makes good sense to interpret the data and analyze them. Based on the aforesaid data, a model can be devised. The gist of the proposed model is given below for the Operation Manager to look into it and plan the management strategically:
- Keep the supply amount more than demand
- Reduce distance between distribution center and retail center
- Collect potatoes from production center directly
Constraints and Challenges
In order to implement these suggestions and guidelines, there are hurdles and challenges. These challenges pose a great constraint for the Operation Manager to implement. Some of these challenges are:
- Lack of data about demand and supply
- Fluctuation in the rate of demand and supply
- Rise in fuel cost due international market fluctuation
Critical Analysis
With a view to bringing about changes in supply and demand ratio and collection of proper computer data, there is a possibility reducing the cost of potatoes and giving much less burdens to customers. All those changes and modifications in the decision-making process by the Operational Manager will create a launching pad for smooth transition and transportation of raw materials from one point to an another point systematically.
Conclusion
In the light of the aforesaid facts and analyses of the study on the shipping and transportation management of potatoes from distribution center to the retail center in a cost effective manner, it is really advisable for the Operation Manager to ensure the application of cost cutting by reducing the distance between distribution and retail center. This is possible by increasing the number of distribution centers near the retails center. In addition, the use of computer data about customers’ demand can also be obtained to align the amount of demand with the supply rate. I am sure this will go a long way to ensure good management of potatoes during transportation and deliver products at a cheaper price to the retail center expeditiously.
Introduction
This case study paper explores the man-power management of maintenance personnel at the Oakland Zoo, and ensures to devise plans for effective management of workers and reduce cost to the management.
The purpose of this study is to look into the features, elements, problems, and challenges of man-power management of maintenance personnel at the Oakland Zoo. Keeping this fact and challenges into account, it also needs to systematize the plan of ensuring an optimum utilization of resources and man-power.
Significance and Background of the study
It is always a question of challenge to extract works from workers by making them happy and satisfied. And, at the same time, the organization also bears the less burden in terms of cost. in the transportation of product from one place to another. In the context of Oakland zoo, there is a requirement of manpower to manage its effective and efficient function. Different periods of time in a day demands varying strength of workers to manage the affairs of the zoo.
Characteristics of the Study
The payment of personnel working in the zoo has different rate, and it is based on the time schedule. Generally, workers who come for the work early before and after the general shift are paid extra remuneration as a part of incentive and motivation. As far as the rate is concerned, the maintenance personnel are scheduled to work during the zoo operating hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. For this work, the maintenance workers are paid $12.00 per hour for the responsibility performed between 12 noon to 6p.m. But, those personnel who work before noon and after 6 p.m. are being paid $16.00 per hour.
Brief Summary
For the purpose of analysis and interpretation, a summary of the facts is presented with respect to the requirement of staffs, their working hours, and payments. The data of these variables are must for an effective management of manpower and resources. In order to ensure effective and efficient system, the staffs of Oakland Zoo have two shifts. With a view to ascertaining a standard and synchronized working pattern in the zoo, here is a table that lists the workers required to meet these two types of shifts.
A model Formulation
The focus of the study is to design and develop a model that should bring about modification in the process of cost effective management of manpower in the zoo and utilize their services optimally. Based on the aforesaid data, a model can be devised. The gist of the proposed model is given below for the Operation Manager to look into it and plan the management strategically:
- Keep the least manpower when there is less requirement of work force.
- Engage more manpower between 10 a.m. to 6p.m.
- Design a shift of three hours or four hours in place of two hours.
Constraints and Challenges
In order to implement these suggestions and guidelines, there are hurdles and challenges. These challenges pose a great constraint for the Operation Manager to implement. Some of these challenges are:
- Exhaustion of manpower due to increase in the length of shift schedule
- Fluctuation in the arrival of tourists in the zoo due to variation in weather and climatic conditions
- High maintenance cost of using more manpower after and before the general shift
Critical Analysis
With a view to bringing about changes in manpower and shift timing, it is possible to lower of manning the entire affairs of the zoo. All those changes and modifications in the decision-making process by the Operational Manager of the zoo will create a positive platform for rational and innovative utilization of manpower and reduce the cost on the organization systematically.
Conclusion
In the light of the aforesaid facts and analyses of the study on the scheduling the duties and responsibilities if the maintenance personnel in the Oakland zoo, it is obligatory for the Operation Manager to enhance the duration of shift timing for the working personnel. This will reduce the frequency of deployment, thereby reducing the cost of manning the zoo efficiently. In this age of modern management system, it makes a difference to utilize the manpower strategically to strike balance between work and mental stress on employees. I am of the firm view that this modification will ensure in determining a schedule which minimizes daily cost of maintenance personnel. Further, extension of work duration in a shift will create healthy and reasonable schedule in mitigating the daily staffing cost of maintenance personnel.
Work Cited
Entrepreneur. Cash Flow & Money Management. Entrepreneur Media, Inc., 11 Sept. 2010. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. ‹http://www.entrepreneur.com/money/moneymanagement/index.html/›.
