Motorcycle Cruisers
Motorcycles are considered to be a way for enthusiasts to feel a sense of freedom and connect with others who share similar interests. The result is that the industry is continually evolving with older demographics in global markets engaging in the activities. The shift in the medium sized manufacturing firm is underscoring the opportunities and challenges it is facing. To be successful requires the firm focusing on a number of factors to include: the project organization, short / long-term strategies, the leadership style and mitigation techniques. Together, these different elements will illustrate how the firm can adjust with the changing needs of customers.
Select one (1) of the types of project organization that would suit the development of the larger touring class motorcycles. Outline the process steps that your company would take in order to develop the motorcycle. Provide a rationale for the response.
The matrix structure is the most effective project organization. It is focuses on all of the different departments working together to provide input / output and create workable solutions everyone can utilize. This is accomplished by focusing on five different areas to include: research / development, marketing, distribution, customer support and adapting to changes in the marketplace. (Slack, 2013)
Research and development is concentrating on creating a product which is innovative and can address the demands of consumers. This will allow the firm to standout and offer cliental with something more. When this happens, the organization can be the first to introduce it. This will lead to increased sales and it improves their image as the industry leader. (Slack, 2013)
Marketing is showing consumers the way the product will address their needs. This involves illustrating the benefits, how it will make someone feel and the price. These factors will serve as an avenue in helping to promote the merchandise by meeting specific demands. (Slack, 2013)
Distribution is when the firm will ensure that the stores and supplies have lots of merchandise available. At the same time, they are concentrating on shipping them to locations when demand will be the highest (such as: the holidays). This will contribute to an increase in earnings, revenues and ROI by taking these variables into account. (Slack, 2013)
Customer support is addressing any kind defects or assistance cliental will need after the final sale. This will last for the life of the product (which is 7 years). In the event there are any kinds of issues, the firm will work on resolving them over the long-term (Slack, 2013)
Adapting to changes in the marketplace will focus on offering customers with something more. This is because competitors will introduce substitutes when they see how the firm is dominating the industry. The ability to adjust, will help to protect image of the organization. (Slack, 2013)
These factors will prevent any kind of disruptions and ensure the merchandise is delivered to the proper locations. When this happens, the company can make certain that retailers have them at the right time (in order to maximize sales). It is at this point, when the organization will be more competitive and can build upon the favorable images it has established since the initial product release.
Recommend one (1) strategy to the senior executives that the organization might use to balance short- and long-term needs. Specify the crucial resources that you would need as a project manager to run the existing business interests at the same time that the business changes to the production of touring class motorcycles.
To address the short- and long-term challenges requires the firm embracing value stream mapping (VSM). It is focusing on ) is focusing on analyzing, documenting and improving the flow of information or material to produce a product or service for a customer. The different areas it focuses on include: the ability to display a broad range of information utilized during the process, how key objectives are achieved on broader level, the way various products / services can be improved and the ability to identify / adapt with significant events. The combination of these factors is utilized to provide specific insights to help the organization to adjust with key challenges and become more responsive to the needs of stakeholders. (Slack 2013)
There are three factors which are important to the success of any project these include: knowledge, performance and personal. Knowledge is when the person will have the education and experience to troubleshoot critical situations. On any job, there will be times when everyone will face challenges. The skills, education and experiences (i.e. knowledge) enables them to relate with and defuse situations. Performance is the specific...
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