IX.

Intermediate and Short-term Scheduling

Intermediate and short-term scheduling are important aspects of operations

management that deal with allocating limited resources to tasks over time. They aim to

minimize completion time, maximize utilization, minimize work-in-process, and minimize

customer waiting time. Unilever is a global consumer goods company that produces a

wide range of products, such as beauty and personal care, home care, nutrition, and ice

cream. Unilever has a complex and dynamic supply chain that requires effective and

efficient scheduling to meet customer demand and maintain high productivity.

Unilever uses a combination of forward and backward scheduling methods to

plan its operations. Forward scheduling begins the schedule as soon as possible as the

requirements are known, while backward scheduling begins with the due date of the

final operation. Unilever applies forward scheduling for customized products that are

needed as soon as possible, such as personal care and beauty products. Unilever

applies backward scheduling for products that have a fixed delivery date, such as

catering and ice cream.

Unilever also simplifies its organizational structure by moving away from its

current matrix structure and organizing around five distinct business groups: Beauty &

Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Nutrition, and Ice Cream. This allows Unilever to

focus on its core categories and improve its agility and responsiveness to market

changes.

References:

Chapter 15; Short-Term Scheduling | PPT (slideshare.net)

Unilever’s Operations Management, 10 Decision Areas, Productivity - Panmore Institute

Unilever simplifies organisation | Unilever