
Rochester Manufacturing’s Process Decision
Rochester Manufacturing Corporation (RMC) is considering moving some of its production from traditional numerically controlled machines to a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Its computer numerical control machines have been operating in a high-variety, low-volume manner. Machine utilization, as near as it can determine, is hovering around 10%. The machine tool salespeople and a consulting firm want to put the machines together in an FMS. They believe that a $3 million expenditure on machinery and the transfer machines will handle about 30% of RMC’s work. There will, of course, be transition and startup costs in addition to this.
The firm has not yet entered all its parts into a comprehensive group technology system, but believes that the 30% is a good estimate of products suitable for the FMS. This 30% should fit very nicely into a “family”. A reduction, because of higher utilization, should take place in the number of pieces of machinery. The firm should be able to go from 15 to about 4 machines, and personnel should go from 15 to perhaps as low as 3. Similarly, floor space reduction will go from 20,000 square feet to about 6,000. Throughput of orders should also improve with processing of this family of parts in 1 to 2 days rather than 7 to 10. Inventory reduction is estimated to yield a one-time $750,000 savings, and annual labor savings should be in the neighborhood of $300,000.
Although the projections all look very positive, an analysis of the project’s
Discussion Questions
1. As a

Want to see the full answer?
Check out a sample textbook solution
Chapter 7 Solutions
Operations Management
- 1. Define risk management and explain its importance in a small business. 2. Describe three types of risks commonly faced by entrepreneurs. 3. Explain the purpose of a risk register. 4. List and briefly describe four risk response strategies. (5 marks) (6 marks) (4 marks) (8 marks) 5. Explain how social media can pose a risk to small businesses. (5 marks) 6. Identify and describe any four hazard-based risks. (8 marks) 7. Mention four early warning indicators that a business may be at risk. (4 marks)arrow_forwardState whether each of the following statements is TRUE or FALSE. 1. Risk management involves identifying, analysing, and mitigating risks. 2. Hazard risks include interest rate fluctuations. 3. Entrepreneurs should avoid all forms of risks. 4. SWOT analysis is a tool for risk identification. 5. Scenario building helps visualise risk responses. 6. Risk appetite defines how much risk an organisation is willing to accept. 7. Diversification is a risk reduction strategy. 8. A risk management framework must align with business goals. 9. Political risk is only relevant in unstable countries. 10. All risks can be eliminated through insurance.arrow_forward9. A hazard-based risk includes A. Political instability B. Ergonomic issues C. Market demand D. Taxation changesarrow_forward
- 8. Early warning indicators help businesses to A. Avoid legal actions B. Grow rapidly C. Detect potential risks D. Hire employees 9. A hazard-based risk includes A. Political instability B. Ergonomic issues C. Market demand D. Taxation changesarrow_forward10. Which risk category refers to taking advantage of a new opportunity despite potential challenges? A. Hazard B. Uncertainty C. Opportunity D. Strategicarrow_forward6. A business continuity plan is mainly used to_ A. Increase profits B. Handle daily tasks C. Prepare for disruptions D. Advertise services 7. What is the role of a risk owner? A. To finance the risk B. To monitor and manage a specific risk C. To create risks D. To avoid planning 8. Early warning indicators help businesses to_ A. Avoid legal actions B. Grow rapidly C. Detect potential risks D. Hire employees 9. A hazard-based risk includes_ A. Political instability B. Ergonomic issues C. Market demand D. Taxation changesarrow_forward
- MarketingMarketingISBN:9780357033791Author:Pride, William MPublisher:South Western Educational PublishingPractical Management ScienceOperations ManagementISBN:9781337406659Author:WINSTON, Wayne L.Publisher:Cengage,Purchasing and Supply Chain ManagementOperations ManagementISBN:9781285869681Author:Robert M. Monczka, Robert B. Handfield, Larry C. Giunipero, James L. PattersonPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Management, Loose-Leaf VersionManagementISBN:9781305969308Author:Richard L. DaftPublisher:South-Western College Pub


