Case study
This assignment is based upon the Whirlpool Corporation.
“Whirlpool Corporation … is the world’s leading major home appliance company, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 92,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2017. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air, Indesit and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world.” http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/our-company/ (Accessed 26th July 2018)
Assignment task(s)
Effective strategic operations and quality management lies at the heart of Whirlpool’s competitiveness. Investigate the Whirlpool Corporation (using this web address as the starting point – http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/) and produce a fully referenced report (using the Harvard Style), that addresses the tasks below.
Your report should not be merely descriptive; it should analyse and synthesise the material to build arguments that produces a coherent document that demonstrates your learning, its application and your understanding. Your report should therefore, link relevant academic theory to your findings. Academic theory will derive from not only course models and concepts, but also research from a range of reputable sources, including academic journals, published conference papers and books.
Task 1 (Total 30 marks)
Using an appropriate model, identify and critically evaluate Whirlpool’s operational strategy.
Task 2 (Total 30 marks)
“Whirlpool’s innovation phases can serve as a model for many organizations seeking to make innovation part of their DNA.” https://www.managementexchange.com/story/whirlpools-innovation-journey (accessed 26th July 2018)
Critically evaluate the evidence that Whirlpool is following best practice in the innovation and development of new products.
Critically discuss how Whirlpool’s product development process could be improved.
Task 3 (Total 30 marks)
In 2016 Whirlpool updated its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. https://www.cio.com/article/3039093/internet-of-things/whirlpool-cio-tackles-erp-overhaul-and-iot-powered- appliances.html (accessed 26th July 2018)
Using an appropriate model from the SOQM module, analyse and critically assess the evidence that Whirlpool’s ERP system needed updating.
Task 4 (Total 10 marks)
Write a short conclusion that summarises the key findings and provides strategic operational management recommendations for Whirlpool Corporation.
