Overview
The Hayes-Wheelwright Product-Process Matrix is a foundational tool for evaluating strategic alignment in operations. For this assignment, analyze where your current or previous workplace fits within the matrix. You may also choose another business you’re familiar with, such as one run by a friend or family member, provided you have insight into its operational practices.
Once you have selected a business, respond to each of the following questions:
Question 1: Provide a brief introduction to the business and include:
- What markets does the business service? Who are their clients? (5-6 lines)
- Who are their 3 main competitors?
Question 2: Analysis
- Compared to their top 3 competitors, do they offer more or less variety of products? Is this decision made out of constraints or was it a proactive decision?
- Compared to their top 3 competitors, do they process more or less products? Is this decision made out of constraints or was it a proactive decision?
- What does the product flow look like? Is it linear or jumbled?
Question 3: Conclusion
- From the prior two questions, and the product-process matrix, try to determine if the business is on the diagonal.
- If the business is on the diagonal zone of strategic fit, how is that helping the business, if not, how is it hurting the business?
To view the rubric for this assignment, click ‘This item is graded with a rubric’ under Details & Information on the right.