Identify the latest trends in operations management, and understand how given these trends, firms can address the challenges facing operations and supply chain managers in a firm. Reply: Some of latest trends in operations management: Company Wide Communication operational communication is the core driver of efficiency and productivity in any organization. Good communication not only improves efficiency and productivity but it also impacts the way employees perceive the organization.Communications will prove more crucial than ever for companies.Also, improves satisfaction and workforce retention. Hierarchical structures in organizations will give way to flatter models. Mobile communications It’s hard to imagine a world without smart devices because these days we need it for everything from purchasing household goods to arranging travel accommodations and filing job applications and a lot of apps for evrything we need.Also, the employees expects their organization’s communications strategy to mirror the access, ease, and utility they already have in the palm of their hand. Elevate the Employee Experience The principle holds that a more satisfied workforce is worth the time and financial investment because retention remains high and productivity soars. Satisfied employees are generally those who find their jobs to be directly beneficial to their lives beyond the paycheck.clear performance expectations and feedback, gives the employees the tool to self assess. The Customer Service Department Is Always Right Operations managers must understand the factors that influence buying decisions and optimize the business accordingly. The role of an operations manager and the entire operational management team is evolving beyond simply acting as an agent of cost control. Operations are increasingly tied to global performance objectives which encompass everything from product quality, delivery time, to customer service. Some challenges facing operations and supply chain managers in a firm: Globalization Is defined as the process by which businesses interact with people, companies, and governments on an international scale. This is being driven by the reduction of trade barriers, advancements in transportation technology.The benefit of globalization is that there is more interactions between different populations around the world and allows companies to reach a wider market. However, operations managers have found themselves facing competition not only from their country but, from all countries around the world. To maintain their competitive advantage, operations managers must keep up with the trends and technology to help increase their production. Sustainability Is a frequent issue discussed among various news and one of the largest factors contributing to conversation.There is much debate over whether or not we will have the appropriate amount of resources needed in order to have a sustainable future.But, the effective operations management will implement practices that will address the concerns pertaining to sustainability. References: https://www.planettogether.com/blog/5-current-trends-in-operations-management-in-2020-covid-19 second one: Automation Suppose, for example, that a company has set up the entire supply chain system automatically, moreover, it encourages receiving feedback and evaluation from customers for the products received, and the delivery services are automated enough, so, users can get notifications and updates accordingly, as well as the process Automated additional refund, when a customer returns a product and once that product has reached their stock, the refund will be processed automatically within a few working days, Strong focus in implementation on the mobile communication system manufacturing organization like John Deere has implemented a strong focus on the mobile-based communication process, since the location is very large and for the purpose of sharing information, physical movement within the location or from one location to another location can be very difficult, therefore, the employee is dependent on using the mobile phone, Which helps them to share different information as needed, eliminating time wasting, Implementation of digital communication system and promotion of virtual platform business Many training organizations are promoting a virtual coaching session or instructor-led webinar session, this practice can save valuable time for professionals, professionals are fully involved in their daily work, and managing leave for study or future learning can be quite challenging for them and thus, helps them digital platform on becoming more skilled for people, whether they are on a busy schedule or away from a training center, Data-driven performance management and employee performance analytics Like a data-driven performance management company, performance statistics are also provided to each employee, which can also tell us, what kind of improvements each employee desires, what are the viable reasons for decreasing performance or improving performance, etc., the data can be qualitative, quantitative or mixed Reaffirming health and safety As the year 2020 has shown, adhering to better health and safety practices can not only be a smart idea, but it can also be vital to running a business. It's important that operations managers keep a close eye on health and safety incidents and find ways to make sure the numbers don't start to rise.

Address all the questions below. Based on the assigned case study and read through Section I to XVII, respond to all of the following questions:Which is a more important aspect of quality: fit for purpose or fit for use? If you are the project manager, what would you do to achieve the desired project quality? Do you agree with the decision to build a new system internally? Why or why not? For the GIS Project, should the project team conduct a thorough due diligence before hiring Centaura? Why or why not?