Margarette Novem T.

Paulin BA2- Operations Management

Reflection Paper

Delving into real-world operational strategies and procedures is not only a

supplementary component for operations management students; it is a core
requirement. This symbiotic relationship of theory and application provides students
with invaluable skills, fostering a comprehensive understanding that goes beyond
textbooks and preparing students for the dynamic challenges that we may face in
our future professional endeavors. Observing how operations function in
organizations is an immensely beneficial activity because it allows us to see how the
concepts that we discuss in class are applied in a real-world context. It added a lot to
our prior understanding of how business operations function. In the constantly
shifting environment of business and industry, the importance of theoretical
knowledge cannot be underestimated; however, its true efficacy is realized when
integrated seamlessly with practical application.

According to the virtual tour provided by the URSUMCO personnel, they placed
an emphasis on producing high-quality sugar effectively and having a premium type
of product with a lot of verification from authorities that they manufacture safe and
high-quality products. Guarantees high-quality sugar production on a constant basis.
They collaborate with sugarcane farmers to ensure a steady supply. Their efficient
continuous processing methods have resulted in the production of high-quality
products while reducing downtime and increasing overall productivity. In addition, a
collaborative supply chain reduces raw material costs. They keep track of
manufacturing costs to ensure competitiveness, and they have quotas on the quantity
of bags of sugar they can manufacture. This guarantees that items are delivered on
time to clients while at the same time producing high-quality sugar. On the other hand,
the dairy farm focuses on high-quality dairy products, maintains a clean farm
environment, and has its employees dress appropriately when extracting milk from
carabaos. Local feed sourcing and sustainable agricultural techniques, as well as
integrating grass into feeds, are important components of their supply chain.
Furthermore, their dairy product is sourced from the yield of their carabao. They
employ milk extractors and shredders for their animals' meals as technology for
efficient milking and farm management. It ensures that everyday operations are
streamlined, enhancing efficiency. The farm has long-term viability due to eco-
friendly techniques because they do not rely solely on feeds; instead, they provide
milk and grass to their carabao. As a result, it increases feed supply reliability. They
conduct regular quality assurance testing and make their dairy product on the same
day as the harvest of their daily milk. They monitor environmental effects and
guarantee that the animals' environment is clean. Based on my observations, they are
consistent in assessing aspects such as milk yield per cow and milk output per day,
both in the morning and afternoon.

The sugar milling firm mentioned the potential hazards that they might face in
the company, and the risk mitigation that they explain is having adequate equipment
to lessen the risk. For instance, if there is a fire, they have a sensor for it as well as a
fire extinguisher. When entering the factory, they must wear proper protective suits,
and the number of people allowed inside is limited. Furthermore, they mentioned that
smoking within the premises is highly prohibited since it may ignite a fire and that
they strictly adhere to the restrictions that the management imposes. They also did
not allow other people to enter the plant while repairs and improvements were being
made. On the dairy farm, they did not mention risk mitigation, but based on my
observations, I believe they have taken steps to prevent the possible death of their
animals if there is a disease, which is why they keep their environment clean, the
produce that they harvest is kept clean directly from their production of dairy
products, and finally, they keep their personnel clean by wearing hairnets and proper
suits.

Through this field trip, I was able to understand the application of concepts
that we discussed in class, such as supply chain, strategy, design, sustainability, and
various challenges that businesses might encounter and how they cope with them.
Each company's operations vary from day to day, and they have distinct goals to
accomplish, such as how to efficiently utilize resources, maintain the supply chain,
and establish and reach the quota of produced goods every day. These responsibilities
or operations can also range from simple to complex. As a result, this field trip gave
us a general understanding of how a company's typical operations work. The majority
of the trip was an aha moment for me, but I was most impressed by the milk extraction
from the carabao, how their staff tames these animals, and how they handle the
animals with caution and care. Furthermore, I was astounded by URSUMCO's brilliant
idea and sustainable approach to utilizing their resources to obtain a source of power
from the steam of their fibers, and the carbon emissions that they are supposed to
release into the air were utilized in one process that aids in the production of refined
sugar. As a result, they have a low carbon footprint and are very responsible and
sustainable, in accordance with the triple bottom line.

Through the field trip, I was able to understand and learn a lot of ideas from
these companies; they helped me with the overview and what I could expect if I were
to venture into business in the near future, hopefully as an accountant in the near
future in God's will and grace; and through this experience, I have gained an insight
on how to better understand the function of the operations and management of the
business' in producing goods and services. I would assist in the analysis and reporting
of financial information to the company's significant users in order to make economic
decisions for business operations and management.

A wide range of influencing factors have contributed to the social and economic
influence of both companies. On the social impact of the sugar milling industry, it
helps a lot of their partner farmers to have a constant partner in the business, and
the company also gives incentives to these farmers. Both companies have a social
impact since they provide opportunities for people to work because both companies
require labor and generate new jobs, which supports the local economy while also
generating revenue. It has a beneficial impact on the community in which they operate
because they provide these people with a necessity, and their products are far less
expensive than those imported. They also help in providing jobs for people and
boosting the economy of their community. Through these companies, they also attract
potential investors and businesses to their locality, which would help create more jobs
and employ a large number of people, thereby creating livelihoods and boosting the
economy.

My field trip experience was both educational and exciting. It made me realize
a lot of things, as well as allow me to observe an actual and real-life scenario and
communicate with the individuals who manage and operate the organization. I also
had a good time learning with my friends and acquiring new ideas and perspectives
on business. It would have been much more fun if we had visited with a variety of
companies, and it would have been even better if the field trip had been longer and in
a different location, but the overall experience piqued our interest in the real-life
scenario that we had only read about in textbooks and how it is applied in the real
world.

In conclusion, the field trip at URSUMCO provided excellent insights into real-
world operational tactics, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between theory and
application. Collaboration with sugarcane farmers and a streamlined supply chain
have increased the efficiency of URSUMCO's sugar output. The dairy farm's approach
to high-quality products, sustainable procedures, and risk minimization is also
demonstrated. The field trip highlighted the complexities of corporate operations as
well as the significance of topics such as supply chain, strategy, design, and
sustainability. There are also several responsibilities companies face, such as risk and
risk mitigation, resource utilization, and meeting production quotas. Notable
observations include the exquisite care given in milk extraction from carabaos and
URSUMCO's innovative, sustainable approach to power generation. The field trip
expanded my understanding of business operations by providing practical insights
that went beyond textbook theories. Furthermore, the social and economic impact of
both enterprises includes contributions to local economies, job creation, and the
provision of inexpensive items. I got practical knowledge, interacted with industry
employees, and learnt about the positive impact of these businesses on both local
communities and the broader economy through the field trip.