Site Selection Process in Operations Management

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Questions and Answers

What is a reason for relocation focused on cost?

  • To attract new employees
  • To implement just-in-time inventory
  • To enter a new market
  • To produce in a location where it's cheaper (correct)

Why might a company relocate for political or social reasons?

  • To apply just-in-time manufacturing
  • To meet local legislation (correct)
  • To reduce transportation costs
  • To find new employees

What is one of the key factors when entering a new market?

  • To maintain existing production lines
  • To produce near the new market (correct)
  • To relocate on cost grounds
  • To increase inventory levels

What does the 'just-in-time' production strategy aim to eliminate?

<p>Inventory levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor for attracting new employees?

<p>Quality workplace environment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can make it difficult to locate enough employees?

<p>Social and political conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A focus on reducing inventory is mainly connected to which production approach?

<p>Just-in-time (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding changes in location structure?

<p>Market entry often necessitates location changes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a site in the context of operations management?

<p>Any location where operational activities occur (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of site mentioned?

<p>Financial management site (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in a multi-stage site selection process?

<p>Discover potential interesting locations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines if a location is selected in the site selection process?

<p>Location-dependent profit calculation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects decision-making knowledge in site selection?

<p>High certainty in knowledge leads to confident decisions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must occur before determining location-dependent costs and services?

<p>Elimination of locations that do not meet minimum criteria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is NOT considered in site selection related to costs?

<p>Historical performance of previous sites (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In site selection, what is a decisive factor for making a choice?

<p>Knowledge about the locations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of regional cooperations is often considered unused potential?

<p>Partnerships in the same industry (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a component of joint procurement activities?

<p>Collaborative purchasing with other businesses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key criterion for selecting a site related to economic factors?

<p>Attractiveness of the economic area (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is particularly important for the consumer goods industry when selecting a site?

<p>Geographical proximity to sales markets (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential benefit of reciprocal capacity balancing in production?

<p>Shared production capabilities for efficiency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does infrastructure accessibility play in site selection criteria?

<p>It influences operational costs and logistics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a human resources measure in regional cooperation?

<p>Workforce sharing and joint training activities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not typically considered a criterion for site selection?

<p>Diversity of local wildlife (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the measure search grid in the evaluation of existing sites?

<p>To simplify the representation of business reality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fields of modernization is NOT mentioned in the content?

<p>Market Research (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the structuring of optimization measures according to the workshop concept?

<p>Assessment of performance potential (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action pertains primarily to the cause-effect analysis as described in the content?

<p>Applying the measure search grid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is assessed in the third step of the optimization measures structuring?

<p>The desirability of modernization grids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Participation of which group is crucial in the workshop concept for site evaluation?

<p>Decision-makers from all areas of the company (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option reflects a goal of the benchmarking study described?

<p>To identify causes of inefficiency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main focuses of the four fields of modernization?

<p>Enhancing technological capabilities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for evaluating and optimizing existing sites?

<p>To integrate the business into existing cooperation networks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario involves planning new sites while retaining old sites?

<p>Planning new sites (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can systematically underestimate start-up times and costs for new sites?

<p>Ignorance of quality and productivity requirements (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of the benchmark analysis for evaluating existing sites?

<p>Employee satisfaction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the optimization of existing sites improve?

<p>Productivity and production costs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential factor considered in the benchmarking of existing sites?

<p>Delivery times of raw materials (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an advantage of using existing sites over planning new ones?

<p>Reduced startup costs and time (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does productivity benchmarking typically compare?

<p>Performance against the best-performing competitor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a benefit of evaluating existing sites?

<p>Immediate closure of all sites (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the planning of new sites?

<p>It should factor in overhead costs for better visualization. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge in site selection according to the given information?

<p>Location-dependent costs and performances cannot be estimated with certainty. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a business need to adjust its site locations?

<p>To respond to shifts in demand for their products. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'capacity expansion/reduction' imply in site planning?

<p>Adjusting production based on market demand. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger a site merger in operations management?

<p>An increase in the number of workers wanting to work at multiple locations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'shifting focus of demand' indicate in site selection?

<p>Demand patterns may change, impacting transportation decisions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is future deviation from expected values a concern in site selection?

<p>It can lead to location becoming suboptimal due to unforeseen changes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might 'relocation of raw material sources' impact site planning?

<p>It could necessitate the movement of production sites closer to new material locations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of site selection, what does 'modernization of buildings and technical facilities' signify?

<p>Upgrading existing structures and techniques to enhance operational efficiency. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is least likely to impact site selection decisions?

<p>Company tradition and legacy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cost analyses in the context of business strategy' refer to?

<p>Understanding costs versus benefits to align with strategic goals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Operating Site

The physical location where a company conducts its operations, including administration, production, warehousing, and sales.

Research and Development Site

A location dedicated to research and development activities, focusing on innovation and product development.

Production Site

A location where goods are manufactured, assembled, or processed.

Administration Site

A location where administrative tasks, such as accounting, finance, and human resources, take place.

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Warehouse Location

A location dedicated to storing goods before they are shipped to customers.

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Sales Location

A location where goods or services are sold to customers.

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Site Selection

The process of choosing the best location for a company's operations, considering factors like cost, accessibility, and market demand.

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Site Selection Decision-Making Process

A multi-step process for selecting a location, starting with identifying potential sites, analyzing costs and benefits, and ultimately choosing the most profitable option.

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Location-dependent factors

Costs and performance that vary depending on the chosen location.

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Uncertainty in Site Selection

Uncertainty in estimating costs and performance at a specific location.

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Site Selection as a Decision-making Problem

Site selection involves making decisions with incomplete information, requiring careful consideration of potential risks and opportunities.

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Alternative Calculations in Site Selection

Using optimistic or pessimistic estimates to analyze different scenarios in site selection.

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Cost Analysis in Business Strategy

Analyzing costs within the context of the company's overall goals and strategic direction.

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Changes to Product Portfolio

Changes in the product mix offered by a company, impacting production and distribution needs.

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Capacity Expansion/Reduction

Adjusting production capacity based on changes in demand or market conditions.

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Modernization of Buildings and Technical Facilities

Updating facilities and equipment to improve efficiency or meet new regulatory requirements.

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Site Merger

Combining two or more locations to create a more efficient operation.

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Relocation for cost reasons

Moving a production facility to a new location to reduce costs.

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Relocation for political or social reasons

Shifting production to a new location due to political or social factors, such as government policies or social unrest.

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Entry into new markets

Establishing production in a new geographic market to gain access to customers and expand business.

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Switch to "just-in-time" production

Changing production location to minimize delays and reduce inventory, relying on timely deliveries from suppliers.

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Attractiveness for (new) employees

Moving a production facility to an area with a more attractive workforce, potentially offering better wages, living conditions, or career opportunities.

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Site Planning

The process of selecting a suitable location for a production facility or business operation.

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Factors impacting location decisions

The analysis and consideration of factors that influence the decision of where to locate a production facility.

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Changes in location structure

The act of altering the structure of a company's production locations, potentially involving new facilities, closures, or relocations.

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Benchmarking for Site Evaluation

A method for evaluating existing business sites by comparing them to industry benchmarks.

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Measure Search Grid

A structured grid used to measure and analyze the performance of a business site across four key areas: technology, organization, human resources, and product design.

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Workshop Concept

A workshop where decision-makers from all areas of a company come together to identify and discuss opportunities for process improvement.

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Cause-Effect Analysis

The process of identifying and analyzing the root causes of issues or problems that can be optimized within a business.

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Modernization Grid

A grid used to assess the potential for improvement in different areas of a business, based on the identified causes and effects.

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Assessment of Performance Potential

The process of evaluating the potential for improvement based on untapped performance opportunities.

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Business Modernization

A systematic approach to identifying and implementing changes that can modernize and improve business operations.

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Optimization Measures

A critical step in the site planning process, focusing on identifying and assessing areas for improvement.

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Shape Your Location

The ability to influence location factors through your business activity.

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Regional Cooperation

Collaboration between businesses in the same area, sharing resources and expertise.

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Fields of Cooperation

Benefits of regional cooperation, such as joint purchasing, workforce sharing, and combined training programs.

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Joint Procurement

Joint procurement of goods or services by multiple businesses, often resulting in lower prices.

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Workforce Sharing

Sharing employees and resources for training, utilizing the expertise of multiple businesses.

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Site Selection Criteria

Factors that influence the attractiveness of a location for businesses.

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Proximity to Markets

The proximity of a location to markets where goods will be sold.

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Access to Raw Materials

Access to raw materials, essential for businesses involved in manufacturing.

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Why Evaluate Existing Sites?

Evaluating and optimizing existing sites can help businesses identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness.

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Benchmarking in Site Planning

A systematic approach to compare a company's performance with that of its best competitor, assessing factors like productivity, production costs, lead times, innovation, flexibility, and product quality.

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Site Planning for Start-ups

A new company needs to carefully select a location for its operations, taking into account factors like cost, accessibility, and proximity to customers and suppliers.

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Planning New Sites and Retaining or Closing Existing Sites

When a company needs to expand its capacity, it must decide if it's more efficient to build a new site, retain existing sites, or close existing sites and open new ones.

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Underestimated Start-up Costs for New Sites

It's important to factor in the costs of opening a new site, beyond just construction. Delays and unexpected expenses can impact profitability.

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Cost Center Schemes for Site Overhead Costs

A structured system to track and analyze the costs associated with operating a site, ensuring that all costs are accounted for and can be compared across different locations.

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Optimizing Existing Sites for Comparability

Evaluating existing business sites against their potential allows for a more accurate assessment of the company's overall performance and reveals opportunities for improvement.

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Integrating into Existing Business Networks

Connecting a business to existing networks can lead to better collaboration, increased efficiency, and stronger competitive advantages.

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Importance of Continuous Site Planning

Site planning is an ongoing process, and continually evaluating and optimizing sites helps businesses stay competitive and adapt to changing conditions in the market.

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Study Notes

Operating Site

  • Site is the location of operational premises (administrative building, production areas, stores, branches, warehouses)
  • An operation can have one or more sites.
  • Types of sites include: research and development, production, administration, warehouse, and sales locations.

Site Selection as a Decision-Making Problem

  • Site selection is a multi-stage decision-making process, often considering cost factors.
  • Initial step involves identifying potential locations, removing unsuitable ones based on minimum criteria (e.g., cost).
  • Location-dependent costs and services are then evaluated for remaining options.
  • The location with the highest expected profit (considering both location-dependent performance and costs) is finally selected.

When is a Decision Needed?

  • Decision making depends on the degree of knowledge.
  • A fully informed decision is based on complete knowledge, leading to a conclusive outcome.
  • A decision made with incomplete knowledge involves uncertainty, and a degree of guessing.

Problems with the Site Selection Approach

  • Accurate estimations of location-dependent costs and performance are difficult due to inherent unpredictability and changeability.
  • Future deviations (e.g., market fluctuations) can make the selected location suboptimal.
  • This approach should be viewed as making difficult decisions.
  • Site selection is a complex decision-making problem.
  • Evaluating using pessimistic and optimistic scenarios is an approach.
  • Costs are analyzed within the context of business strategy, considering the time horizon.

Reasons for Location Changes

  • Adjustment of strategies and product portfolio changes.
  • Changes in production capacity (expansion/reduction).
  • Modernization of buildings and facilities.
  • Merging of sites or relocation of plants to bring workers together.
  • Demand and raw material sources shift.
  • Relocation due to cost, political, and social factors.

Entering New Markets and "Just-in-Time"

  • Relocation for cost savings or for political reasons.
  • Entry into new markets requires suitable locations.
  • Transitioning to a "just-in-time" inventory system might change the strategic location.

Site Planning Scenarios

  • Using existing sites involves optimization and adaptation.
  • Planning new sites occurs in two main manners: start-ups and expanding by building new sites and/or combining them with existing ones.
  • Planning new sites often combined with closure (or reduced use) of old sites.

Reasons for Optimizing Existing Sites

  • Integrating the business into existing networks.
  • Overcoming significant start-up times and costs to attain necessary quality & productivity.
  • Visualizing cost centers relating to site overhead costs.
  • Improving comparability of different sites by incorporating optimization potential.

Evaluating Existing Sites Using Benchmarks

  • Benchmarking against best competitors is used, identifying key performance factors.
  • Key factors for evaluation include productivity, production costs, lead times, capabilities, production flexibility, and product quality.
  • This approach also uses a measure search grid to look at organization, technology, human resources, and product design for analysis.

Benchmarking Study (Workshop Concept)

  • Participants from all departments are involved to identify areas for potential optimization.
  • Measures already implemented by the business are structured and analyzed.
  • Cause-and-effect analysis uses a grid to identify optimization measures and potential improvements.
  • An evaluation of potential modernization measures is undertaken.
  • Possible performance improvements are assessed that are not currently being used.

Evaluation of Regional Cooperations

  • Location factors are not pre-determined, but can be influenced by local business activity.
  • Using regional cooperation with other businesses, (e.g., co-locating).
  • Potential partnerships with customers, suppliers, and service providers can be leveraged to improve profitability.

Fields and Measures of Cooperating

  • Merging purchasing activities (e.g., bulk buying).
  • Collaboration on workforce resources (e.g., training).
  • Balancing production capacities among businesses.
  • Using other sites' infrastructure to share resources.

Criteria for Site Selection

  • Favorable economic conditions in the area.
  • Proximity to market areas and suppliers.
  • Access to necessary raw materials.
  • Stable government and favorable policies (e.g., environmental protection).
  • Regulations that meet the needs of the business and local labor availability.
  • Regional economic development and subsidies.

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