Case summary in operation management - Essay Example

Great job as usual, could you also end the paper by your thought and what did you think about the study ? Business February1, 2014Case Summary in Operations Management: Sustainability of OperationsWe have a case here that looks at the sustainability of its operations since it is using pine wood as a basic material for crating of its wine products. Through Life Cycle assessment method and Design for the environment method of research, the company was able to measure the impact of its packaging operations to the environment.

With the result on hand, company was able to pinpoint strategies wherein they can improve sustainability of the supply chain.Sustainability of operation is a method of evaluating existing methods or practices, without putting future resources at risk. Oftentimes it is related to ecological resources. Ecological sustainability is referred to as the company’s ability to use natural resources at its current pace without depleting the resources or supply it depends upon (Miranda, Kay 2014). The company in our case uses pine wood, results of which, according to research conducted, cause abiotic depletion, global warming, ozone layer depletion and other environmental damages.

Recommended actions are to reduce resources used, substitution of fireboard with plywood, design and others that would contribute to sustainability of supply because use of wood is not sustainable. Since sustainability is everybody else’s responsibility, industry must set the lead by instituting process changes or designs, and it devise plans to minimize wastes and disturb the eco-system. It has been suggested that businesses must not focus only on sales and profit, but should include in their agenda a partnership with community to improve its relationship.

Community relations would attract customers, more future sales and quality life for future generations.(Miranda, Kay 2014)The study showed that thru research are eco-friendly ways were found that can address sustainability of supply. For instance they came up with a way to disassemble the box for further use and arrived at designs that decrease its dependence on forest woods. For me, sustainability should start with company practices that are related with existing resources and collaboration with suppliers, government and community.

Sustainability operation is a long term solution most of which are geared to the future and long-term survival of business. It also needs the government, as the custodial of the environment; say for example, landfills and waste management. Factories throw way a lot of toxic wastes and a ruling from the government eliminates this practice.Reference:Kay, Miranda. Business definition of Operational Sustainability. Demand Media. Published in Chron. Com. 2014. 30 January 2014. Web.