Jaycel Babe A.

Verances
BSA - A

1. Briefly describe the cookie production process.

 The production process is called a batch processing system. It starts as soon as the
business receives orders from distributors. The person in charge of mixing checks the
ingredients needed for each type of cookie, and enters that information into the computer.
The computer then determines the amount of each ingredient needed, and relays that
information to storage silos. The ingredients are automatically sent to giant mixing
machines. After mixing, the cookies are then dropped onto a conveyor belt and
transported through one of two ovens. Filled cookies, require an additional step for filling
and folding and the non-filled cookies are cut on a diagonal rather than round. As the
cookies emerge from the ovens, they are fed onto spiral cooling racks. As the cookies
come off the cooling racks, workers place the cookies into boxes manually, removing any
broken or deformed cookies in the process. The boxes are then wrapped, sealed, and
labeled automatically.

2. What are two ways that the company has increased productivity? Why did increasing the
length of the ovens result in a faster output rate?
 The two ways that the company has increased productivity are through cutting the
cookies diagonally rather than round, since it require less space, and increasing the length
of each oven. Increasing the length of the ovens can result in a faster output rate and can
led to increasing cooking capacity. The bigger the oven, the higher the quantity of
cookies will be baked or produced.

3. Do you think that the company is making the right decision by not automating the packing of
cookies? Explain your reasoning. What obligation does a company have to its employees in a
situation such as this? What obligation does it have to the community? Is the size of the town
a factor? Would it make a difference if the company was located in a large city? Is the size of
the company a factor? What if it were a much larger company?
 I think the company made the right decision by not automating the packing of cookies
because workers are needed to assure the quality, taste and consistency of the cookies are
satisfactory and in its best before the final product is shipped to customers. The company
has the obligation to the community to employ the 30 women who now do the boxing
manually. The size of the town and the company are considered as factors. If the
company was located in a large city and if it were a much larger company, the difference
could be the increase of numbers of employees or they can just use machines in packing
their cookies that can also help in the production rate.

4. What factors cause the company to carry minimal amounts of certain inventories? What
benefits result from this policy?
 The factors that cause the company to carry minimal amounts of certain inventories are
storing a small percentage in the company’s warehouse but must be shipped shortly
because of their limited shelf life; labels are reordered frequently because FDA label
requirements are subject to change, and the company does not want to get stuck with
 labels it can’t use; and cookies are baked in a sequence that minimizes downtime for
cleaning. The benefits that result from this policy are the cookies are shipped on time to
distributors and can save time and money. The company will need small silos for each
ingredient, and that there will be less waste.

5. As a consumer, what things do you consider in judging the quality of cookies you buy in a
supermarket?
 As a consumer, the things I consider in judging the quality of the cookies I buy in a
supermarket are the price of the cookie, the taste or the flavor of the cookie that I prefer
to eat and the quantity it has per box.

6. What advantages and what limitations stem from the company’s not using preservatives in
cookies?
 The advantages of the company not using preservatives in cookies is that it is healthier to
eat and is good for people to eat either adult, kids, etc. Customers will look forward
buying those cookies that has no additives and preservatives. The limitations could be
natural baked cookies expire easily, than those that have additives and preservative, and
customers need to buy the cookies immediately from the store. This results to some
cookies being on sale after few days since production.

7. Briefly describe the company’s strategy.

 The company’s strategy is that they produced cookies that are made of natural
ingredients. With the batch processing that the company is doing, they can produce the
right amount of cookies while at the same time, they can do inventory without any hassle.
The bakery is run very efficiently and has minimal amounts of scrap. They practice to
reduce the cost of ingredients and save on waste disposal costs. With its obligation to the
community, they provide a livelihood for the community.