Whirlppol Start Project

Whirlpool

Notes 1500-2000 words

Structure:

TOC

Intro

Q1-initiatives in operations management- Product availability, inventory and lead times improved

Q2-description of operations at whirlpool- Critically discuss the initiative

Q3-Push and pull

Q4-what are the merits and demerits of the push and pull manufacturing strategies

Q5-discuss whirlpools outsourcing iniatives

Conclusion

Ref/Bibliography

references has to be 60% journal and 40% textbook.

Introduction

This case study discusses the operation management that has been adapted by Whirlpool. It begins by giving a brief description of the history of whirlpool. The case then goes on to describe how whirlpool evolved from a small business that made ring washers in the 1911 to one of the most recognisable and well established brands in the electronic market in the early 2000s.

The case study explains the different initiatives that whirlpool took up for the operations management. It also explains why the company changed its strategy from push to a pull system, and then eventually changes to a hybrid push/pull system.

The case also describes of the e-initiatives taken up by whirlpool. In 1999 Whirlpool started using Electronic Data Interchanger (EDI) to try and cut down on their expenses. In September 2002, whirlpool launched a programme called e-Partner. Whirlpool also decided to outsource some of its logistics activities to 3rd parties to allow them to concentrate on more demanding processes.

Question 1

Initiatives in operations management

Whirlpool has changed certain things about their operations to reduce cost and improve quality over the years. They started using the Six- Sigma to try and increase quality and reduce costs. This meant that out of every one million units sold there was only defects in 3.4 units. This lowered the cost greatly for Whirlpool as they had less units to repair after sales

Whirlpool also changed their manufacturing style to lean. This helped them to reduce waste significantly awhile retaining the quality of their products. Whirlpool also swapped to using information technology tools to help and reduce the paper waste of the company.