Learning_Curve_Theory_Ops_571

Apply the Learning Curve Theory OPS 571 July 19, 2010 Anthony Barnes Apply the Learning Curve Theory In business there are many different aspects that measure and evaluate the processes that keep that business successful. After completing the simulation for Mario’s Pizza I am able to evaluate their process of servicing their clients. Several performance metrics can be seen within the simulation that affects the business in a detrimental way. This will be discussed further in this paper. The information provided in the simulation and the changes that I have suggested provide Mario with several alternatives to the way he is currently running his business. Several performance metrics that have been evaluated are: efficiency, productivity, utilization, and queue time. Currently Mario’s Pizzeria is not using the performance metrics in the most effective ways. They have very high queue times for customers, and are not utilizing all their capacity to the fullest. The efficiency of the restaurant needs to be increased in order to get the most out of all the employees. The productivity is suffering because the other performance metrics are lacking. The pizzeria is losing business because the wait times are too high. If they make adjustments to their process there will be a turnaround in the business’ success. A variety of alternative processes have been suggested in order to improve the performance metrics. The addition of tables for parties of two was implemented in order to effectively utilize the space and increase the profitability of the restaurant. This will give a higher utilization percentage for both parties of four and two compared to only having the tables for four. The utilization is the ratio of the time that a resource is actually activated relative to the time that it is available for use (Chase, Jacobs, & Aquilano, 2006). Also the addition of the Plax Ovens and removal of the manual ovens have streamlined to production of the pizzas in order to service more clients in a shorter amount of time. The new MenuPoint system was also added to shorten the queue and wait times for the clients as well. This MenuPoint system allows the customer to place their order instead of waiting for the wait staff to attend to them. The learning curve concepts assume the amount of time required to complete a given task or unit of a product will be less each time the task is undertaken; the unit of time will decrease at a decreasing rate; and the reduction of time will follow a predictable pattern (Chase, Jacobs, & Aquilano, 2006) The learning curve concepts can we tested on the alternative process because the changes that are being made are gradual. These changes give the staff and management a process of altering their current procedures to incorporate the new changes. The changes to the tables would be an easy learning experience because the actual change is to the amount of clients at the tables; the process of taking an order and delivering the order hasn’t changed. The change from the manual ovens to the Plax ovens might be more of a challenge. The learning curve might be steeper because they are getting rid of the manual ovens that have been used since the opening of the restaurant. The learning curve can indicate where there might be opportunities to provide additional training to employees that do not understand the new techniques. I expect to see improvements because the learning curve would indicate how quickly the employees can acclimate to the changes and if it would be feasible to make those changes in the timeframe allotted. In conclusion, the changes that have been made at Mario’s Pizzeria have been very beneficial for the restaurant. The performance metrics have been adjusted accordingly in order to ensure the best possible outcome. The profitability and the restaurants ability to run more efficiently will be invaluable in the long run. Reference Chase, R. B., Jacobs, F. R., & Aquilano, N. J. (2006). Operations management for competitive advantage (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill/Irwin.