Chapter 11, Problem 2DQ

Consider the master flight schedule of a major airline, such as Air New Zealand. Discuss the ways in which it is analogous to an MPS for a manufacturer.

Summary Introduction

Interpretation: The similarities between the master flight schedule of an airlines to the master production schedule for a manufacturer.

Concept Introduction: Master flight schedule of any airlines shows the timings of each of the flight. Similarly the master production schedule of a manufacturing organization shows the time when the manufacture of each product starts. Both have some similarities.

Answer to Problem 2DQ

There are many similarities between the master flight schedule and the master production schedule of an airlines and a manufacturer respectively.

Explanation of Solution

Given information: Activities consisting lead times to aircraft’s readiness and related to the time of departure.

1. The master flight schedule shows the time for the flight to a certain destination. This is similar to a master production schedule showing the taking up the production of a certain part/job.
2. The flight schedule shows the time to the destination i.e. the length of this flight (run) and the time allowed. Similarly the master production schedule shows the no. of parts to be manufactured and the time to be taken (for this run).
3. Before the flight, many tasks are to be completed viz. loading fuel, meals and other consumables; boarding passengers etc. Similarly before the manufacturing equipment starts the production run, there are tasks like setting the machine and loading the components etc.
4. There can be delays/interruptions in these tasks for both-the flight and the production run.
5. The flight will end after completing the run. Similarly the production run will stop after completing the scheduled quantity.
6. The plane moves on for the next scheduled flight. The manufacturing equipment also moves on the run of the next scheduled product.