Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 1: Problem 14

What essential skill does a manufacturing manager need to be able to appreciate the big picture and still pay attention to important details without becoming completely overwhelmed?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The essential skill for a manufacturing manager to understand the big picture and focus on important details without becoming overwhelmed is the ability to prioritize tasks and information. Prioritization is important because it allows them to allocate time and resources effectively, ensuring key milestones are met and operations run smoothly without getting lost in minutiae.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the essential skill

The essential skill that a manufacturing manager needs in order to appreciate the big picture while also paying attention to important details without becoming overwhelmed is the ability to prioritize tasks and information.
02

Explain the importance of prioritization

Prioritization is crucial for a manufacturing manager because it enables them to focus on the most important tasks and details first while still being aware of the overall objectives and needs of the manufacturing process. This skill will allow them to allocate time and resources effectively, ensuring that key milestones are met and that the operation runs smoothly without getting lost in minutiae.
03

Provide examples of how to prioritize effectively

In order to prioritize effectively, a manufacturing manager should: 1. Identify clear objectives and goals for the entire manufacturing process, as well as for specific tasks or projects. 2. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, while keeping the overall goal in mind. 3. Determine the importance of each task, based on factors such as deadlines, impact on the overall project, and available resources. 4. Create a plan to address each task in the order of priority, taking care to ensure that enough time and resources are allocated to each activity. 5. Continuously evaluate and adjust priorities as needed, based on changes in circumstances or new information. By having strong prioritization skills, a manufacturing manager can maintain a clear understanding of the big picture while staying focused on the important details and efficiently navigating the complexities of the manufacturing environment.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Prioritization Skills
In manufacturing management, prioritization skills are indispensable for overseeing an intricate landscape of tasks, deadlines, and milestones. An adept manager knows that it's not just about working hard, but about working smart by deciding which tasks warrant immediate attention and which can be deferred.

Imagine the scenario where a sudden equipment malfunction demands a quick resolution, but there's also a looming deadline for quality verification of products. A skilled manager would assess which issue, if left unaddressed, would create a cascading effect on production and prioritize the task accordingly. It's about identifying the linchpin that holds the operation together at any given moment. Prioritizing also extends to information management; knowing what detail is critical and what can be bookmarked for later review is a delicate balance essential in effective manufacturing management.
Task Management
Effective task management is a cornerstone of manufacturing management education. It goes beyond juggling tasks; it's about strategizing and executing a plan that aligns with the company's production targets. Managers must adeptly outline tasks, delegate effectively, and monitor progress through to completion, ensuring that efficiency and quality are maintained throughout the process.

For instance, in the implementation of a new production line, a manager must coordinate teams for equipment installation, training staff, and running pilot tests, all while conforming to safety regulations. It's a symphony of moving parts, and the manager is the conductor, harmonizing each section to reach the crescendo - successful production launch.
Resource Allocation
Efficient resource allocation is pivotal to the success of manufacturing. Here, the focus is on maximizing the utilization of available resources to achieve the highest output without overspending or resource wastage. This incorporates the distribution of manpower, machinery, materials, and money throughout the manufacturing process.

Consider the process of launching a new product line; raw materials need to be purchased, labor hours have to be planned, and machine maintenance has to be scheduled. Making the best use of these limited resources is a complex puzzle that a manufacturing manager must solve, often requiring them to make tough decisions that balance resource constraints with production demands.
Manufacturing Process Objectives
Understanding and setting clear manufacturing process objectives is a vital aspect of management which ensures that every activity within the facility aligns with broader business goals. These objectives may encompass enhancing productivity, improving quality, ensuring worker safety, and reducing environmental impact.

Setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can guide managers in making informed decisions. For instance, an objective could be to increase production efficiency by 10% within six months by optimizing equipment usage. This clear target would then drive decision-making in various facets of operation, from scheduling maintenance during off-peak times to training employees on best practices for equipment use.
Effective Planning in Manufacturing
At the heart of manufacturing management is effective planning, which encompasses all prior concepts. Planning determines the success of meeting manufacturing objectives. It involves forecasting demand, capacity planning, scheduling, and responsiveness to unforeseen events without letting plans go adrift.

An effective plan considers the needs of all stakeholders, from the shop floor to the customer. For example, in launching a new product, the plan would involve research and development, sourcing material, scheduling production runs, quality control, and distribution, all timed impeccably to meet the market launch date. This orchestration demands foresight, adaptability, and the ability to synchronize all operations in alignment with the company's strategic vision.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

It has been widely claimed that many of the troubles of American manufacturing can be traced to an overreliance on short-term financial measures. Name some policies, at both the government and firm levels, that might be used to discourage this type of mind-set.

List three key effects of Frederick W. Taylor's scientific management on the practice of manufacturing management in America.

Proponents of a service economy for America sometimes compare the recent decline in manufacturing jobs to the earlier decline in agriculture jobs. In what way are these two declines different? How might this affect the argument that a shift to a service economy will not reduce our standard of living?

What events characterized the first and second industrial revolutions? What effects did these changes have on the nature of manufacturing management?

In very rough terms, one could attribute the success of American manufacturing to effective competition on the cost dimension (i.e., via economies of scale due to mass production), the success of German manufacturing to effective competition on the quality dimension (i.e.., via a reputation for superior product design and conformance with performance specifications), and the success of Japanese manufacturing to effective competition on the time dimension (i.e., via short manufacturing cycle times and rapid introduction of new products). Of course, each newly ascendant manufacturing power had to compete on the dimensions of its predecessors as well, so Germany had to be cost-competitive and Japan used cost and quality in addition to time. Thinking in terms of this simple model-that represents global competition as a succession of new competitive dimensions-give some suggestions for what might be the next important dimension of competition.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Dynamics

Read Explanation

Measurements

Read Explanation

Atoms and Radioactivity

Read Explanation

Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Read Explanation

Torque and Rotational Motion

Read Explanation

Particle Model of Matter

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free