Operations Management †Hayes and Wheelwright Essay

The Hayes and Wheelwright mannequin (Slack et al, 2009) is a useful means to classify the trading operations function of an organisation. Select your own nerve, or an organization with which you are familiar, and identify at which arrange of the Hayes and Wheelwright model you would currently place the operations function. Justify your positioning by outline on relevant theory and practice.This paper discusses the operations strategy and heed of the construction form of Larsen & Toubro Limited the leading engineering, construction and engine room conglomerate of India with an international presence in over 40 countries. I have spent 10 years working with the construction division in various capacities including a rewarding 5 year stretchability in the incorporate head office reporting to the Vice President.operations function is perhaps the closely important function in most organizations, be it a product manufacturing or a service orientated company. The day to day operations, when considered in their totality actually reflect and in turn also constitute the organizations long-term strategic direction (David Barnes, Operations Management An International Perspective, 2007). This is in other terminology the operations strategy impacting the overall business strategy or the corporate strategy.Hayes and Wheelwrights ModelThe Hayes and Wheelwright foursome stage model summarizes the operations voice to overall strategy.In stage 1 the operations function is reactive and internally focused. Its go around contribution is to avoid any big mistakes.In stage 2 the operations function aligns ideology with the best in the market and tries to adopt these. Its ahead looking and willing to learn even the hard way and is externally neutral. In stage 3 the operations function is comparing notes with the best in the industry and also has reached a respectful place at heart the cross-functional company matrix and the other departments look to it for guida nce. The operations function is internally supportive.In stage 4, the operations function is providing the foundation for competitive advantage by being innovative, proactive, and flexible, forward looking and correctly anticipating future, in curt being one step ahead of competition.