Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 6

Operations Management - Essay Example For example the case study for Mark and Spencer that is involved in providing high quality fashionable products, product design is very essential so as to produce products that are highly competitive in the market (Vilcox & Thomas 2007). The company is known for innovation of its fabrics from its own textile technologies laboratories that is part of the product design. The process of product design however requires the input of several resources so as to come up with a presentable product in the market. The most essential requirement for the design of products in the apparel industry the raw material used to design the product. For the final product to be highly competitive in the market, the used raw materials should be of high quality although relatively low priced (Paulin & Hillery 2009). The raw material should be provided as low prices so as to regulate the product cost in the market. To enhance the constant provision of the raw materials, Mark and Spencer invested in a close re lationship with its materials suppliers. Due to these factors the company is known for the use of easy synthetic fibre to design its clothing. The company also prides in the application of high health and hygiene standards in the processing of their food products. The company has invented the design of new styles by providing new brands over shorter periods (Malcom 2007). Despite operating in a highly competitive market, Mark and Spencer has embraced innovation using the latest technology to suit the changing trends, the fashion and design sector (Jones 2006). The values of quality and service which were used by Mark and Spencer however led to higher prices of the products. Designing of products is essential because in determine different characteristics of the product as well as how well the product functions (Jones 2006). The essential activities involved in product design include research and development, marketing and engineering. Some of the factors of the product that are dete rmined by the design process include the products cost and quality (Beauchamp, Norman & Arnold 2008). The main purpose of design is to develop a product or service that appeals to the consumer at convincing prices and at the same time. For the product to achieve this it has to be designed using high quality but low cost raw materials. The technology applied in the development of the product also determines the p