Answer 1:

Introduction:

There are various factors affecting the location decision. It can be broadly explained in 3 steps-

• Understand the factors that will influence the location decision

• Create a relative comparison of these factors to make a wise decision in confirming the location
• Develop a methodology to assess the effect of these factors

Concept: There are certain factors that one must keep in mind while investing in a new business setup.
For e.g.-

• The locations should be accessible. As less accessible location will drag unnecessary
transportation and cost and limitation in the vehicle availability. Also, it is difficult for the staff to
commute daily if the location is somewhere at remote.
• Demographics should be considered. The demographics and skill base in any area is one of the
prime criteria as they are the brand influencers and biggest asset of any organization.
• Rent price- It is important to keep a check on the rent rates, electricity, and other expense bills
so that it is clear if the expenses can be bearable.
• Infrastructure- Choosing a right or wrong location can affect the future potential of the business
bigtime. You should be well versed with the crime chances in that area or any other kind of
threats so that adequate precautions can be taken before hand to avoid any troubles later.
There security should be kept intact. Also, the location should have scope of expansion in future
to accommodate more facilities and staff.
• Competition- It is important to do proper recce of the location and understand the competition
available in same zone. In case of healthcare setup, it is crucial to analyze if there is any other
medical setup offering the similar expertise which you are planning. If this is the case, then the
location should be reviewed and changed. Alternatively, if you are coming up with new services
then a well ripped market or location can be a boom. For e.g.- opening an ENT hospital near an
ENT hospital is not a good choice but opening a luxury maternity hospital can be good deal.
• Transportation facility- In case of a healthcare setup, where heavy customer footfall is expected,
the location should be accessible by car, bus, metro and even train should be considered. Roads
should be proper as in interiors of India the rods are poorly maintained which is not good for a
patient who may need emergency services or even to patients those need critical health care.

Conclusion:

For health care setup, we need to mainly focus on if there is already a health care unit in and around the
location, understand the demand of the people, what is the demand of audience to add more specialty
in healthcare such as maternity hospital or child hospital, spine injury rehabilitation. We need to choose
specific healthcare unit to begin which that location wants.

Answer 2.
Introduction:

Designing of process consists of different parameters to consider. The decision should be taken
considering the types of machines requires, quantity of each machine types, arrangement at the factory
hence a detailed analyses is required.

Layout planning in service and manufacturing units require physical arrangement of various sources to
improve the performance and better customer services. There are four major types of plant layouts
according to the researchers- Product layout, Process layout, Group technology layout and Fixed
position layout.

Concept:

Process layout ->

This is a kind of arrangement where the setup is arranged according to the characteristics of process.
Each department in process layout is organized into small functional groups. For e.g.- In a setup pf lathe,
drilling machine, a milling machine and grinding machine; there will be individual departments like lathe
department, drilling department etc. As this kind of setup requires criss- crossing because the
component may require visiting machines in multiple combination, it creates challenges in smooth
material handling and production control

Product Layout-> This is an alternative design for the arrangement of resources. In this the order of
resources will be placed in a fixed order and a set process will be followed. In this option the production
control issues are simple as compared to process layout because as the product moves through the
assembly, the process is completed. In the product layout, the design layout is very important. Many
problems can be solved if the design of individual workstations are properly made. For e.g.- A Maruti or
TATA car assembly factory has layout in such a manner that the product or car is ready for the dispatch
at the end of the assembly line. Therefore, we can say that product layout has high output rate and low
tolerance of breakdown.

Group technology layout -> As there is increase in demand towards more variety, therefore pushing the
volumes down. Group technology layout provides an alternative method to configure resources in an
organization which has mid- volume and mid- variety product portfolios. The execution of GT layout is
also called as cellular manufacturing. In this setup the available components are grouped into families of
their parts. Matching to each part family, machine groups are identified, and the layout is decided.

Fixed position layout -> These types of layouts are successful in a large and bulky setup where project
type work is done. By proper workplace setup it is easy to exercise greater control on the process &
remove unwanted delays from the system. Typical cases include building very large machine tools and
equipment, ship & aircraft building to prevent breakdown maintenance. For e.g.- nuclear engineering
division of BHEL at Tiruchirappalli.

Conclusion:

Keeping the different plant layouts available and the actual requirement in mind, for a restaurant format
I understand product layout is a best fit. There has to be a set flow of every process at each level so that
the final product or food is available for delivery or consumption once out from the production line. This
has good points in terms of simpler operational control and high output rate while this has certain
limitations like less flexibility due to assigned resources as per their skill set or expertise.

Answer 3.a)

Introduction:

An operations manager is a person who is accountable to propose and implement the right process and
practices across the organization with an objective to achieve the set goal. They are also responsible for
the end-to-end execution starting from planning to sourcing to giving results.

Concept:

The operation function serves as an organizer. They are the core of any organization or institute which
manages the whole cycle of forecasting, planning, organizing, coordinating, supervising, controlling,
managing reviews or feedback etc.

• The policies and guidelines should be clear

• Enhance student skills and train them for betterment
• Safety is an important parameter be it related to safety of the ward or safety of the building etc.
• Keep a track of financials for crises management
• Should have the demand and supply system in place for required tools or equipments
•

For e.g.- If the goal of an educational institution is to attain 100% pass results, then the operations
manager should supervise if the institution has all the required facilities to meet this goal. This may
include sourcing, training, surveys etc.

Conclusion:

The important thing is that the operations manager is responsible to look for nitty gritty and keep a
track of every need for the teachers, students and parents. They are the core to run every process
successfully and give better results towards the institute end objective.

Answer 3.b)

Introduction:

With respect to the Education Sector, it is important to understand the various definitions of quality and
the implications.

Conformance to specification- This definition emphasis on the specifications. If the set base line or
specifications are correct, the quality objectives will be met.
Fulfilling customer needs- Specifications plays an important role but understanding and fulfilling
customer needs are also equally important. For e.g.- heavy duty 2-wheeler may be a good fit for certain
set of customers but there may be demand of light weight and compact scooter from a certain age
group.

Fitness for use- Quality is also known as “fitness for use”. This definition of quality highlights a method
to building quality.

Concept:

To understand the definition of quality let’s review Garvin’s eight dimensions of quality-

• Performance- The students expect a certain level of performance from a course hence the
course syllabus should be designed which meets certain specifications as per the demand.
• Features- The course should have additional features apart from the basic requirements for
better quality and outcome.
• Reliability- If the program or product is performing well from a long duration then we can say
that it is reliable.
• Conformance- The design or program specifications and standards should be met for better
quality.
• Durability- Durability and reliability are connected. If the program is running successfully with
any complains or failures for a long period of time, then the program is durable.
• Serviceability- The comfort or flexibility with which a program is delivered is called as
serviceability.
• Aesthetics- Students also values the aesthetics of the program. This can bring a edge while
comparing the course served by other competitors.
• Safety- This ensure that there are no hidden cost or disclaimers which can create troubles later.
• Other perceptions- Brand, advertising also plays an important role to add to the quality.

Conclusion:

In a core teaching function, these are the various dimensions of quality that do value addition and
helps in creating a durable and reliable program. Features, serviceability, aesthetics, safety,
perceptions bring additional benefits for a successful result.