There are four main phases to the strategic review of manufacturing operations that is the basis of the formulation of a new make or buy strategy: phase 1: initial business appraisal; phase 2: internal and external analysis; phase 3: generation and evaluation of strategic options; and phase 4: choosing the optimal strategy. The review is a team based activity, with the project team reporting directly to senior management. Individuals are selected to take part in the team on a combination of personal skills and knowledge of the business. More details of the team establishment and project setup are given in Chapter 5.

Chapter Contents:

• 3.1 Strategic review
• 3.2 Understanding business direction and objectives
• 3.3 Understanding the basis of manufacturing competitiveness: the manufacturing technologies
• 3.4 Understanding the nature of the product: the product architecture
• 3.5 Suppliers and supplier relationships
• 3.6 Costs
• 3.7 Analytical techniques in the development of a make or buy strategy
• 3.8 Maintaining the strategy

Inspec keywords: project management; strategic planning; manufacturing industries; team working

Other keywords: personal skills; strategic review; make strategy; optimal strategy; internal analysis; strategic option generation; external analysis; senior management; buy strategy; project setup; team based activity; business appraisal; business knowledge; team establishment; manufacturing business

Subjects: Manufacturing industries