Candy producer Jim’s Jellybeans have customers all over the world. To be able to meet demand, the company has been forced to operate 15 separate warehouses across the globe. Lately, however, development in IT and warehouse automation has created new possibilities for Jim’s Jellybeans. The cost of the current operation is (for the whole company): Transportation: $1 000 000 Stock keeping: $15 000 000 Cost for tied-up capital: $2 000 000 The company is faced with three alternatives: Alternative 1: Automate picking. This means that each warehouse will be 30% more expensive (stock keeping cost) due to new equipment etc. But it also means that the order to delivery lead-time for each warehouse will decrease by as much as 60%. The reduced lead time lets the company reduce the number of warehouses to 10. As a result of this, transportation cost will double. Alternative 2: Automate everything. Here, the number of warehouses are reduced to 5. The remaining warehouses are heavily automated and stock keeping cost is increased by 70% for these. Transportation cost increases by 500%. Alternative 3: Do nothing. Keep the current system intact. Na. What is the cost for tied-up capital for alternative 1? What is the cost for tied-up capital for alternative 2?

Critical Path Method

The critical path is the longest succession of tasks that has to be successfully completed to conclude a project entirely. The tasks involved in the sequence are called critical activities, as any task getting delayed will result in the whole project getting delayed. To determine the time duration of a project, the critical path has to be identified. The critical path method or CPM is used by project managers to evaluate the least amount of time required to finish each task with the least amount of delay. 

Cost Analysis

The entire idea of cost of production or definition of production cost is applied corresponding or we can say that it is related to investment or money cost. Money cost or investment refers to any money expenditure which the firm or supplier or producer undertakes in purchasing or hiring factor of production or factor services. 

Inventory Management

Inventory management is the process or system of handling all the goods that an organization owns. In simpler terms, inventory management deals with how a company orders, stores, and uses its goods.

Project Management

Project Management is all about management and optimum utilization of the resources in the best possible manner to develop the software as per the requirement of the client. Here the Project refers to the development of software to meet the end objective of the client by providing the required product or service within a specified Period of time and ensuring high quality. This can be done by managing all the available resources. In short, it can be defined as an application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to meet the objective of the Project. It is the duty of a Project Manager to achieve the objective of the Project as per the specifications given by the client.