Cycle-Time Analysis Variability is often considered to be the enemy of efficient and effective management. One approach to managing cycle times to improve delivery dependability is to map out the associated activities in a value-added process using a process flow diagram (see diagram in problem þelow). This allows the manager to identify and measure the specific activities so that the management process can be made more effective. The following problem illustrates the use of cycle time analysis.

Practical Management Science
6th Edition
ISBN:9781337406659
Author:WINSTON, Wayne L.
Publisher:WINSTON, Wayne L.
Chapter2: Introduction To Spreadsheet Modeling
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 20P: Julie James is opening a lemonade stand. She believes the fixed cost per week of running the stand...
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**Cycle-Time Analysis**

Variability is often considered to be the enemy of efficient and effective management. One approach to managing cycle times to improve delivery dependability is to map out the associated activities in a value-added process using a process flow diagram. This allows the manager to identify and measure the specific activities so that the management process can be made more effective. The following problem illustrates the use of cycle time analysis.

**Problem**

Company X has recently completed an analysis of its primary value-added process. As part of this analysis, the major flows have been mapped such that the process has been broken down into 10 major activities. To better understand the process, the times to complete each of these activities have been carefully monitored over the past month. The results of this monitoring follow:

**Process Flow Diagram:**

- **Activity 4 (3:3)**
- leading to **Activity 5 (1:0.4)**
- leading to **Activity 6 (10:6)**
- leading to **Activity 7 (5:2.8)**

Paths leading to **Activity 3: (15:2.1)**
- **Activity 2 (4:1.2)**
- **Activity 1 (8:2.4)**

- **Activity 8 (3:3)**

**Direct link from Activity 6 to Activity 9 (20:4.5)**

**Direct link from Activity 8 to Activity 9**

- **Activity 10 (4:0.3)**

*(Mean: Standard Deviation)*

**Table of Activities:**

| Activity | Mean | Standard Deviation |
|----------|------|--------------------|
| 2        | 8    | 2.4                |
| 3        | 4    | 1.2                |
| 4        | 15   | 2.1                |
| 5        | 20   | 3.0                |
| 6        | 10   | 6.0                |
| 7        | 5    | 2.8                |
| 8        | 3    | 3.0                |
| 9        | 20   | 4.5                |
| 10       | 4    | 0.3                |

This table provides the mean time and standard deviation for completion of each of the activities, showing variability and dependencies in
Transcribed Image Text:**Cycle-Time Analysis** Variability is often considered to be the enemy of efficient and effective management. One approach to managing cycle times to improve delivery dependability is to map out the associated activities in a value-added process using a process flow diagram. This allows the manager to identify and measure the specific activities so that the management process can be made more effective. The following problem illustrates the use of cycle time analysis. **Problem** Company X has recently completed an analysis of its primary value-added process. As part of this analysis, the major flows have been mapped such that the process has been broken down into 10 major activities. To better understand the process, the times to complete each of these activities have been carefully monitored over the past month. The results of this monitoring follow: **Process Flow Diagram:** - **Activity 4 (3:3)** - leading to **Activity 5 (1:0.4)** - leading to **Activity 6 (10:6)** - leading to **Activity 7 (5:2.8)** Paths leading to **Activity 3: (15:2.1)** - **Activity 2 (4:1.2)** - **Activity 1 (8:2.4)** - **Activity 8 (3:3)** **Direct link from Activity 6 to Activity 9 (20:4.5)** **Direct link from Activity 8 to Activity 9** - **Activity 10 (4:0.3)** *(Mean: Standard Deviation)* **Table of Activities:** | Activity | Mean | Standard Deviation | |----------|------|--------------------| | 2 | 8 | 2.4 | | 3 | 4 | 1.2 | | 4 | 15 | 2.1 | | 5 | 20 | 3.0 | | 6 | 10 | 6.0 | | 7 | 5 | 2.8 | | 8 | 3 | 3.0 | | 9 | 20 | 4.5 | | 10 | 4 | 0.3 | This table provides the mean time and standard deviation for completion of each of the activities, showing variability and dependencies in
**Educational Exercise: Understanding Process Completion Times**

**Questions:**

1. What is the average completion time for this value-added process?

2. What is the standard deviation for the entire process?

3. What is the probability that the process will be completed in:
   - 75 hours?
   - 80 hours?
   - 70 hours?

4. Develop a 95 percent confidence interval for the process.

5. If you aren't confident in your ability to make delivery promises, where should you target your improvement efforts? How would you proceed?

**Your Answers:**

* (Spaces for responses are provided here.) *

---

**Detailed Explanation:**

The above questions are aimed at analyzing the performance and predictability of a given process in terms of time management, standard deviation, probability, and confidence intervals. By understanding these metrics, one can make informed decisions about resource allocation and process improvements.

Each section prompts you to think critically about how data and statistics can be used to understand and enhance operational efficiency. Developing a 95 percent confidence interval, for example, helps you determine the range within which you can expect the true process completion time to fall, thereby guiding you on managing expectations and making accurate delivery promises.

The last question challenges your strategic thinking about process improvement, inviting you to assess your current methods and identify areas for enhancement.
Transcribed Image Text:**Educational Exercise: Understanding Process Completion Times** **Questions:** 1. What is the average completion time for this value-added process? 2. What is the standard deviation for the entire process? 3. What is the probability that the process will be completed in: - 75 hours? - 80 hours? - 70 hours? 4. Develop a 95 percent confidence interval for the process. 5. If you aren't confident in your ability to make delivery promises, where should you target your improvement efforts? How would you proceed? **Your Answers:** * (Spaces for responses are provided here.) * --- **Detailed Explanation:** The above questions are aimed at analyzing the performance and predictability of a given process in terms of time management, standard deviation, probability, and confidence intervals. By understanding these metrics, one can make informed decisions about resource allocation and process improvements. Each section prompts you to think critically about how data and statistics can be used to understand and enhance operational efficiency. Developing a 95 percent confidence interval, for example, helps you determine the range within which you can expect the true process completion time to fall, thereby guiding you on managing expectations and making accurate delivery promises. The last question challenges your strategic thinking about process improvement, inviting you to assess your current methods and identify areas for enhancement.
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